At $19,198/yr net price, Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College graduates earn $34,104/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $104/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,198 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,104/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$104/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 738.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,302 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,231/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,333/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,415/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,904/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,508/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $30,988 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $25,774 | $13,438 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $24,035 | $23,938 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $22,652 | |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $20,771 |
The Risk Factor
61.5% of students at Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $19,198 annual cost. With median earnings of $34,104 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most career-focused programs should require.
The earnings data reveals significant program disparities at this school. Legal Support Services graduates earn $30,988 annually, making it the only program that approaches reasonable returns. Health and Medical Administrative Services shows concerning variability, with one track earning $25,774 while another identical program produces just $24,035 with nearly double the debt load at $23,938. Dental Support Services trails at $22,652, creating a particularly poor value proposition.
You face specific risks at this for-profit institution beyond typical community college alternatives. The 61.5% graduation rate means nearly two in five students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The school's reliance on federal financial aid, serving over 71% of students, creates vulnerability to regulatory changes that could affect program availability or funding.
This school makes financial sense only if you're targeting the Legal Support Services program and have exhausted local community college options. The regional job market in Rockford limits opportunities, making the modest earnings even more concerning when weighed against the debt burden.
You should seriously consider Illinois community colleges offering similar programs at substantially lower costs. The financial mathematics simply don't favor Stautzenberger College-Rockford for most career paths, particularly given the stronger regional alternatives available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $34,104 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $19,198 per year, the return on investment is modest. The school works best for students seeking quick entry into healthcare support roles rather than high-paying careers.
What are the highest paying programs at Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College?
Legal Support Services leads at $30,988 annually, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $25,774. Most programs cluster in the $22,000-26,000 range, reflecting the school's focus on support roles rather than primary healthcare positions.
How much debt do Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College graduates have?
The median debt is $14,302, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with starting salaries in the mid-20s to low-30s, loan payments will still represent a significant portion of monthly income.
What is the graduation rate at Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College?
The graduation rate is 61.5%, meaning about 4 in 10 students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is average for career colleges but represents real financial risk for students who leave without credentials.