Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Elgin Community College

The biggest challenge with Elgin Community College's nursing program isn't the starting point—it's what happens afterward. Graduates earn $71,721 in their first year, solidly above Illinois' median of $66,360 and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. But four years out, earnings drop to $64,055, an 11% decline that's unusual in a field where nurses typically see steady wage growth. This pattern suggests graduates may be struggling to advance beyond entry-level positions or facing regional market constraints that limit career progression.

The financial fundamentals are strong: at just $10,793, student debt is less than half the state median and a fraction of the national average. That creates an exceptionally favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans within months rather than years. For families prioritizing affordability, this is one of the lowest debt burdens among Illinois nursing programs.

The value proposition depends on your child's career ambitions. If they need an affordable, quick entry into nursing—perhaps while working or with plans to pursue a BSN later—this program delivers immediate earnings potential with minimal financial risk. But if they're expecting typical nursing career growth, the earnings decline warrants investigation. Ask the school about graduate employment patterns: Are they working full-time? Are they advancing to higher-acuity units or specialized roles? The low debt makes this a relatively safe bet, but the earnings trajectory deserves scrutiny.