At $8,388/yr net price, Sauk Valley Community College graduates earn $40,458/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,458/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,388 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,552 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,458/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,458/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,156/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,982/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,548/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,018/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,854/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 | $53,179 | $9,600 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $40,467 | $8,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $28,960 | $8,320 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $26,121 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
51.5% of students at Sauk Valley 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
Sauk Valley Community College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with nursing standing out as the clear winner. The registered nursing program produces graduates earning $53,179 annually with just $9,600 in debt, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio that pays off quickly in Illinois's healthcare job market.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Allied health programs also perform well at $40,467 in earnings with $8,000 debt. However, avoid programs like biological and physical sciences, where graduates earn just $26,121 annually. Criminal justice offers middle-ground earnings at $33,993, though you should research local law enforcement hiring trends in northern Illinois before committing.
The school's 51.5% graduation rate presents a completion risk you need to factor into your decision. If you don't finish, you still carry the debt without the credential. The low median debt of $8,250 helps minimize this risk compared to four-year institutions.
Sauk Valley works best for career-focused students targeting healthcare or specific technical fields rather than those seeking general education. The rural Dixon location limits some job opportunities, so consider whether you plan to stay in the region or transfer elsewhere for work.
Only 35% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out-of-pocket or the aid office could improve outreach. Contact financial aid directly to explore all available assistance, including local scholarships that rural community colleges sometimes offer. Your net price of $8,388 annually remains affordable compared to four-year alternatives, making this a reasonable stepping stone if you choose a marketable program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sauk Valley Community College worth the cost?
Sauk Valley Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $8,388 per year and median debt of only $8,250. However, 10-year earnings average just $40,458, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of attendance.
What are the best paying programs at Sauk Valley Community College?
Registered nursing programs at Sauk Valley Community College lead to the highest earnings at $53,179 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $40,467. Criminal justice graduates earn $33,993, while biological sciences majors see lower returns at $26,121.
How much debt do Sauk Valley Community College graduates have?
Sauk Valley Community College graduates carry a median debt of $8,250, which is relatively manageable for a community college. The low debt burden helps offset the modest earning potential for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Sauk Valley Community College?
Sauk Valley Community College has a 51.5% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is typical for community colleges but represents a significant risk factor for student investment.