At $5,393/yr net price, Richland Community College graduates earn $38,793/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,793/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,393 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,572 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,793/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,793/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,256 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,388/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,270/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,644/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,831/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,385/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,234 | $9,730 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,957 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $29,250 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,534 | $7,565 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $20,373 |
The Risk Factor
46.5% of students at Richland Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Richland Community College delivers solid returns for career-focused programs but weak outcomes for general studies. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,234 annually against manageable debt of $9,730, making it one of the strongest ROI options among Illinois community colleges.
Allied health programs also perform well at $43,957 in median earnings. However, liberal arts graduates earn just $22,534 while carrying $7,565 in debt, creating a questionable financial proposition. The automotive program shows particularly poor returns at $20,373 annually.
The 46.5% graduation rate means more than half of students leave without credentials, amplifying financial risk. At $5,393 annually, your costs stay low, but incomplete programs still waste money and time.
You should consider Richland if you plan to enter nursing or allied health fields where job demand remains strong in central Illinois. The nursing program's debt-to-income ratio of 17% indicates manageable loan payments. Skip this school if you want liberal arts or automotive training, as local job markets offer limited opportunities for these graduates.
Financial aid reaches only 33% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize returns, as the school's completion rates indicate many students struggle to finish. The low net price makes Richland affordable for career training, but only if you choose the right program and actually graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richland Community College worth the cost?
Richland Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $5,393 per year and manageable debt averaging $8,256. However, the 46.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and overall earnings of $38,793 after 10 years are modest.
What programs at Richland Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Richland Community College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $56,234 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $43,957, while liberal arts and automotive programs lead to lower earnings around $20,000-22,000.
How much debt do Richland Community College graduates have?
Richland Community College graduates have relatively low debt with a median of $8,256. The low cost and community college structure help keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year schools.
What are the graduation rates at Richland Community College?
Only 46.5% of students graduate from Richland Community College, which is typical for community colleges but means over half of students don't complete their programs. This affects the overall value proposition despite low costs.