At $6,113/yr net price, Waubonsee Community College graduates earn $44,788/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,788/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,113 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,788/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,788/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,614/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,804/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,354/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,867/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,425/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 | $61,303 | $9,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $33,410 | $6,240 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,112 | $7,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.0% of students at Waubonsee Community 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
Waubonsee Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths but falls short for general education students. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $61,303 annually against just $9,000 in debt, making it one of the strongest community college ROI programs in Illinois.
Your program choice determines your financial outcome at Waubonsee. Health and medical administrative services graduates earn $37,208, while biological and physical sciences majors make $33,410. Liberal arts students face the weakest prospects at $24,112 annually, barely above minimum wage despite carrying $7,000 in debt.
The 41% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly six in ten students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This matters most if you're considering general education or transfer programs where motivation and academic preparation vary widely among students.
Waubonsee works best financially if you're committed to healthcare careers or need affordable prerequisite courses for four-year programs. The low net price of $6,113 makes it a smart choice for completing general education requirements before transferring, assuming you actually finish.
Financial aid reaches only 22% of students, suggesting most pay out of pocket or through employer programs. This limited aid availability means you'll likely pay the full net price, though the low cost makes this manageable for most Illinois families.
Skip Waubonsee if you're unsure about your career direction or lack strong study habits. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earning potential in non-healthcare programs creates poor financial outcomes for unfocused students. Choose a four-year school with better support systems if you can afford the higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waubonsee Community College worth the cost?
For nursing students, yes - graduates earn $61,303 after 10 years against just $6,113 annual tuition. For liberal arts students earning $24,112 after graduation, the return is weaker but debt risk remains low at $7,000 median.
What programs at Waubonsee Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return with $61,303 average earnings and low debt. Health administration graduates earn $37,208, while liberal arts majors see much lower returns at $24,112 annually.
How much debt do Waubonsee Community College students typically have?
Median debt is only $7,000, significantly lower than four-year colleges. The low annual cost of $6,113 keeps borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Waubonsee Community College?
The graduation rate is 41%, which is typical for community colleges but means many students don't complete their programs. Students should have clear career goals before enrolling.