Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Heartland Community College
Associate's Degree
heartland.eduAnalysis
Heartland Community College's liberal arts associate's degree graduates earn significantly more than their peers—$31,250 in the first year puts them in the 79th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Illinois programs. That's $4,000 above the national median and $3,700 above what typical Illinois liberal arts grads make. With just $11,000 in debt and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, graduates face manageable payments that shouldn't derail their plans for four-year transfer or immediate work.
The earnings trajectory looks solid too, jumping 23% to $38,522 by year four. While Heartland doesn't crack the top five programs in Illinois, it substantially outperforms the state median of $27,563. The debt level sits slightly above Illinois' typical $7,761, but remains reasonable given the stronger earnings outcomes.
For families worried about community college ROI, this program delivers clear value. The combination of below-average debt, above-average earnings, and strong growth suggests graduates are finding decent entry-level work or successfully transferring to continue their education. At this price point and with these outcomes, it's a low-risk foundation for whatever comes next.
Where Heartland Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Heartland Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heartland Community College | $31,250 | $38,522 | +23% |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College | $31,322 | $59,815 | +91% |
| Lincoln Land Community College | $34,164 | $45,869 | +34% |
| College of DuPage | $28,678 | $45,583 | +59% |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College | $19,982 | $43,357 | +117% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Heartland Community CollegeNormal | $5,460 | $31,250 | $38,522 | $11,000 | 0.35 |
 Prairie State CollegeChicago Heights | $4,176 | $34,909 | $34,857 | $15,437 | 0.44 |
 Lincoln Land Community CollegeSpringfield | $3,672 | $34,164 | $45,869 | $11,022 | 0.32 |
 College of Lake CountyGrayslake | $4,494 | $33,413 | $40,064 | $6,687 | 0.20 |
 City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley CollegeChicago | $4,380 | $32,568 | — | $6,750 | 0.21 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X CollegeChicago | $4,380 | $32,380 | — | $9,500 | 0.29 |
| National Median | — | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Heartland Community College, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 154 graduates with reported earnings and 325 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.