Biological and Physical Sciences at Illinois Valley Community College

Illinois Valley Community College's biological and physical sciences associate's degree shows an unusual earnings pattern that warrants careful attention, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual circumstances could be skewing these numbers significantly. First-year earnings of $18,345 land in the bottom 10% statewide—less than half what graduates earn at nearby Joliet Junior College ($30,509) and far below Illinois's median of $26,547. The program does carry relatively low debt at $6,363, but even that advantage doesn't offset the initial earnings gap.

The dramatic earnings jump to $37,139 by year four suggests graduates may be using this as a stepping stone—perhaps working part-time while completing bachelor's degrees, then entering better-paying roles. That would explain why someone earning $18,345 initially eventually surpasses many peers. However, this creates a four-year financial strain that other Illinois community colleges appear to help students avoid from the start.

For families considering this program, the critical question is whether your student plans to transfer immediately to a four-year institution. If so, the low debt load matters more than first-year earnings. But if they need to work full-time after graduation, the weak initial placement compared to other Illinois community colleges—combined with the uncertainty around that small sample size—suggests looking at alternative programs that deliver stronger early outcomes without requiring a four-year wait to catch up.