At $4,427/yr net price, Triton College graduates earn $41,728/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,728/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,427 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,708 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,728/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,728/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,413 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,459/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,791/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,009/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,303/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,231/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 | $59,948 | $12,266 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,357 | $10,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $35,060 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $34,420 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,532 | $9,184 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $19,455 | $7,875 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $18,087 |
The Risk Factor
29.1% of students at Triton 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
Triton College delivers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs, particularly in healthcare fields. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning nearly $60,000 annually, making the $12,266 median debt easily manageable. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and intervention specialties reaching over $52,000 in annual earnings.
The low $4,427 annual net price makes Triton accessible, but the 29% graduation rate creates significant risk. You face a real possibility of accumulating debt without completing your program. Vehicle maintenance and repair programs offer solid middle-class earnings at $42,682, while ophthalmic support roles provide more modest returns around $37,000.
Triton works best if you're targeting specific healthcare or skilled trades careers where the college has established industry connections in the Chicago suburbs. The school makes financial sense for career changers who need quick, affordable training in high-demand fields. However, you should avoid Triton if you're uncertain about your career direction or planning to transfer to a four-year school, given the low completion rates.
With only 26% of students receiving financial aid, most students pay the full net price. This suggests limited need-based aid availability, but the low sticker price compensates. Your best strategy is choosing one of the higher-earning programs and completing quickly to minimize opportunity costs. General studies or lower-earning programs don't justify even this modest investment given the completion rate risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Triton College worth the money?
At $4,427 per year, Triton College offers good value for students who complete programs in nursing or healthcare fields. The low cost means manageable debt, but the 29% graduation rate shows many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying majors at Triton College?
Nursing programs at Triton College lead to median earnings of nearly $60,000, making them the clear winners for return on investment. Vehicle maintenance and healthcare support programs also pay well above the school's overall average of $41,728.
How much debt do Triton College graduates have?
Triton College graduates typically leave with $9,413 in debt, which is manageable given the low annual cost. This debt load is reasonable for nursing and healthcare graduates but may be harder to repay for students in lower-paying programs.
Does Triton College have a good graduation rate?
Triton College's 29% graduation rate is concerning and below national averages for community colleges. Students should have a clear plan and realistic timeline for completing their program to avoid wasting time and money.