At $8,134/yr net price, Wabash Valley College graduates earn $37,533/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,533/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,134 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,533/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,533/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,195/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,106/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,275/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,078/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | $5,625 |
The Risk Factor
59.2% of students at Wabash Valley College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Wabash Valley College delivers solid financial value for a rural Illinois community college, with low debt loads and reasonable costs that make the investment relatively safe. Your total debt burden stays manageable at $6,500 median, well below national averages for two-year schools.
The earnings picture tells a mixed story. While the median graduate earns $37,533 ten years out, this reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools where this data doesn't capture their final outcomes. The Liberal Arts program shows surprisingly low earnings at $20,140, but these students typically use their WVC credits as stepping stones to bachelor's degrees elsewhere.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 59% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you still carry debt without the credential to show for it. The school works best financially if you have a clear transfer plan to a four-year school or specific career training goals that align with regional opportunities in southern Illinois and Indiana.
This college makes financial sense if you need affordable general education credits before transferring, want to test college readiness without major financial exposure, or live locally and can minimize living costs. Skip it if you need immediate high-earning career training or lack clear post-graduation plans, since the low completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish what they start.
With only 24% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves maximizing state and federal aid while living at home if possible to keep total costs minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wabash Valley College worth the cost compared to other schools?
With a net price of $8,134 per year and graduates earning $37,533 after 10 years, Wabash Valley College offers decent value for a community college. The low median debt of $6,500 reduces financial risk, though earning potential remains limited.
What programs at Wabash Valley College have the best return on investment?
Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Wabash Valley College earn around $20,140, which is below the overall graduate average of $37,533. Most programs at this community college lead to modest earning potential that may require transfer to a four-year school for better ROI.
How much debt do Wabash Valley College graduates typically have?
Wabash Valley College graduates have a median debt of just $6,500, which is manageable compared to most colleges. This low debt load helps offset the relatively modest post-graduation earnings.
Does Wabash Valley College have good graduation rates for the money?
Wabash Valley College's 59.20% graduation rate is average for community colleges but means 4 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. The low cost helps limit losses for students who don't graduate.