At $2,919/yr net price, South Suburban College graduates earn $33,680/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,919 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,676 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,680/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-320/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,923/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,585/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,391/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,560/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $22,329 |
The Risk Factor
24.2% of students at South Suburban College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
South Suburban College offers strong financial returns for its healthcare programs but weak outcomes in most other areas. At $2,919 per year, the net price makes it one of the most affordable options in Illinois, but the 24% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't complete your program.
Allied Health programs deliver the best ROI at this school, with median earnings of $42,682 that easily justify the low cost. These programs connect directly to in-demand healthcare jobs in the Chicago suburbs. Biological and Physical Sciences programs, however, produce concerning outcomes with median earnings of just $22,329 that barely exceed what you could earn without any college credential.
The biggest financial risk here is the low completion rate. Three out of four students leave without finishing their programs, meaning they face loan payments without the credential boost to earnings. Only 22% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the low tuition without borrowing, but those who do take loans face higher default risk if they don't graduate.
You should consider South Suburban if you want specific healthcare training at rock-bottom prices and can commit to finishing your program. The school works particularly well for working adults who need flexible scheduling for career changes into healthcare fields. Skip this school if you're exploring general education or planning to transfer to a four-year university, as the low graduation rates suggest academic support may be limited. Students seeking broad career exploration should look elsewhere, as most programs beyond healthcare show poor earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Suburban College worth the cost?
South Suburban College offers a low net price of $2,919 annually, making it affordable even with below-average graduate earnings of $33,680. The value depends heavily on your program choice, as allied health graduates earn $42,682 while biological sciences graduates average just $22,329.
What is the graduation rate at South Suburban College?
South Suburban College has a 24% graduation rate, which is low compared to national averages. This means most students either transfer or drop out before completing their programs.
Which programs at South Suburban College have the best ROI?
Allied health programs offer the strongest return on investment at South Suburban College, with graduates earning $42,682 annually. Other programs like biological sciences show much lower earnings potential at $22,329.
How much debt do South Suburban College graduates typically have?
With a net price of only $2,919 per year, students can complete programs at South Suburban College with minimal debt if they graduate on time. The low cost makes it accessible for students paying out of pocket or using financial aid.