Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

Wilbur Wright College's associate degree in liberal arts delivers something rare: minimal debt paired with exceptional earnings growth. At just $6,550 in median debt—among the lowest 5% nationally—graduates start at $31,322 and nearly double their earnings to $59,815 within four years. That 91% earnings jump suggests graduates are using this degree as an effective stepping stone, likely transferring to four-year programs or entering fields where experience compounds quickly.

The first-year earnings already beat 79% of similar programs nationwide and 60% in Illinois, putting Wilbur Wright ahead of most competitors despite its accessible price point. While top Illinois programs like Prairie State and Lincoln Land edge ahead in immediate earnings, none combine such low debt with this trajectory. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 means graduates owe roughly two months' salary—a manageable burden that won't derail their next steps.

For families considering community college as an affordable foundation, this program delivers exactly what it should: access without financial burden and clear upward mobility. The four-year earnings figure suggests graduates successfully leverage the degree into better opportunities, whether through transfer pathways or workforce advancement. With robust data backing these numbers, parents can feel confident this represents solid value for a general studies associate degree.