Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College

Harold Washington College's Liberal Arts program offers solid value that improves significantly over time. While graduates start at $29,168—about $1,600 above the national average for similar programs—earnings jump to $37,530 by year four, representing impressive 29% growth that outpaces many associate degree programs.

The debt picture is particularly attractive. At $8,100, students borrow less than both the national median ($10,950) and even the Illinois state median ($7,761) for this field. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years of graduation. Among Illinois liberal arts programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt below state averages.

However, there's clear room for improvement when looking at top Illinois performers. Programs at Prairie State College and Lincoln Land Community College produce graduates earning over $34,000 in their first year—roughly $5,000 more than Harold Washington. For families prioritizing maximum earning potential, exploring these alternatives could be worthwhile. But for students seeking an affordable pathway into higher education with steady income growth, Harold Washington delivers reasonable value with minimal financial risk.