At $7,210/yr net price, Southwestern Illinois College graduates earn $36,884/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,884/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,210 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,840 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,884/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,884/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,908 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,676/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,429/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,275/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,283/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,346/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 | $53,608 | $7,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $46,673 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,087 | $8,550 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $35,213 | $4,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $32,711 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $32,321 | |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Associate | $31,581 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $30,554 |
The Risk Factor
36.9% of students at Southwestern Illinois 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
Southwestern Illinois College gives you a low-cost path with modest average earnings and a payoff that depends entirely on which program you pick. With median debt under $7,000 and a net price around $7,200 a year, your financial downside is small even if things go sideways. The problem is the middle: median earnings ten years out sit below $37,000, and the 37% graduation rate means finishing is not a given.
The health programs are where the money is. An associate in Registered Nursing pushes past $53,000, and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and IT Administration both clear $46,000. These beat the school-wide median by $10,000 to $17,000 a year while carrying debt in the $7,500 range. If you come here for nursing or lab science, the return is strong.
Biological and Physical Sciences is the weak spot at $35,213, below the school median despite the lowest debt on the list. That major here works as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, not an endpoint. Treat it that way or the numbers won't add up.
Your main risk is the graduation rate. Nearly two out of three starters don't finish, and an unfinished credential earns you the debt without the salary bump. Pick a program with a clear job at the end and commit to completing it.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most: under $30,000 in income drops your yearly cost to $5,676, while families over $110,000 pay $12,346. That gap makes this a smart financial fit if your family income is under $48,000 and you enter a health or IT track. If you're aiming at general sciences without a transfer plan, look harder before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern Illinois College worth the money?
Southwestern Illinois College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,210 per year and minimal debt of $6,908. However, the 37% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $36,884 after 10 years are below national averages for college graduates.
What programs at Southwestern Illinois College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Southwestern Illinois College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $53,608 annually. Clinical laboratory science and IT management also pay well at $47,260 and $46,673 respectively, making these programs worth the investment.
How much debt do Southwestern Illinois College graduates typically have?
Southwestern Illinois College graduates leave with relatively low debt of $6,908 on average. This manageable debt load, combined with the school's affordable tuition, reduces financial risk compared to four-year institutions.
Does Southwestern Illinois College prepare students for good-paying jobs?
Southwestern Illinois College's job preparation varies significantly by program. Nursing and healthcare programs lead to solid middle-class salaries, but the low graduation rate suggests many students don't complete their programs successfully.