At $17,082/yr net price, St. Augustine College graduates earn $35,723/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,723/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,082 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,723/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,723/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 39.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,423 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,004/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,506/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,905/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,781/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,729 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $27,377 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $24,481 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,227 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $19,227 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $15,552 |
The Risk Factor
27.7% of students at St. Augustine 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
St. Augustine College delivers poor financial returns that make it hard to recommend for most students. With median earnings of just $35,723 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate below 28%, you face significant risks that your investment won't pay off.
The numbers get worse when you examine specific programs. Even the highest-earning major, Allied Health, produces graduates earning under $40,000 annually. Social work graduates earn $27,377, while education majors make just $24,481 despite needing additional certification costs. Liberal arts graduates fare worst at $19,227, barely above the poverty line for a family of three.
The school's 62% retention rate signals that many students struggle to complete their programs, while the low graduation rate means you have less than a one-in-three chance of finishing your degree. These completion problems compound the weak earning potential.
Your debt load remains manageable at $4,423, but this reflects the school's low graduation rates rather than affordability. Students who don't graduate still owe money while missing the degree's benefits.
St. Augustine might work if you're seeking specific bilingual services or community connections in Chicago's Latino community, but the financial case remains weak. You'll find better earning potential and graduation rates at Chicago community colleges or state universities. The 73% of students receiving financial aid suggests the school tries to make attendance affordable, but affordability means little when career outcomes lag significantly behind regional averages.
Consider this school only if you have specific cultural or linguistic needs that outweigh financial considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Augustine College worth the money?
St. Augustine College has mixed value with graduates earning $35,723 after 10 years, which is low compared to the $17,082 annual cost. The 27% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it a risky investment for many.
What are the best paying programs at St. Augustine College?
Allied Health programs offer the strongest ROI at St. Augustine College, with graduates earning $39,729 annually. Social Work and Education programs pay significantly less at $27,377 and $24,481 respectively.
How much debt do St. Augustine College graduates have?
St. Augustine College graduates have relatively low median debt of $4,423, which helps offset the lower post-graduation earnings. However, this only applies to the 28% of students who actually graduate.
Should I attend St. Augustine College for liberal arts?
Liberal arts graduates from St. Augustine College earn just $19,227 annually, making it one of the lowest-paying programs at the school. Consider other institutions or career-focused programs if you're interested in this field.