Plumbing at City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

Kennedy-King College's plumbing certificate delivers exceptional first-year earnings of $82,055—more than double the national median for this program and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. With just $6,726 in typical debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.08, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about one month of work. This positions the program among the strongest vocational investments available at community colleges.

The Illinois context adds an interesting wrinkle: while this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, that's largely because Illinois plumbing certificates generally perform well. The state median matches Kennedy-King's outcomes exactly, with only four schools offering this credential in Illinois. What matters more is the absolute earnings power—over $80,000 straight out of a certificate program is remarkable in any context, especially for a community college serving a significant Pell grant population.

For families concerned about educational ROI, this program offers a straightforward path: minimal debt, immediate high earnings, and access to Chicago's robust construction and infrastructure sectors. The moderate sample size suggests consistent placement, and the 38% Pell grant rate indicates the college successfully serves students across income levels. This is precisely the kind of credential that justifies community college as a legitimate alternative to traditional four-year degrees.