Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges

Starting at just over $21,000, this associate's program ranks among the lowest-earning in Illinois—placing in the 25th percentile statewide and the bottom 12% nationally. Compare that to the state median of $27,563, or top Illinois community colleges where similar graduates earn $33,000-35,000. The good news is minimal debt ($6,365, well below state and national averages), but that advantage matters less when earnings trail comparable programs by $6,000-13,000 annually within the same state system.

The 51% jump to $32,236 by year four helps close the gap, suggesting graduates eventually find better opportunities or advance in their careers. Still, even that improved figure barely reaches what students at stronger Illinois programs earn right out of the gate. With over 100 graduates in the data, these patterns are reliable, not statistical noise.

For families prioritizing affordability and staying close to home, the low debt burden keeps this option feasible—monthly loan payments will be manageable on any income. But if your student can access one of the higher-performing Illinois community colleges without significantly more debt, the earnings difference would likely outweigh any extra borrowing. The real question is whether local ties or circumstances make this specific campus necessary, because the program itself trails most alternatives in the state.