Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at John Wood Community College

John Wood Community College's Liberal Arts associate's degree starts at a challenging $24,030 in first-year earnings—well below both the Illinois state median ($27,563) and the national median ($27,248). At the 40th percentile statewide, graduates trail their Illinois peers by about $3,500 annually right out of the gate, and the gap is even wider compared to top performers like Prairie State College ($34,909). However, the story shifts dramatically by year four, when earnings jump to $32,572—a 36% increase that actually exceeds several of Illinois's top-performing programs in this field.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $8,730, it's below the state median and manageable relative to starting earnings (0.36 ratio). Still, this program serves a significant Pell-eligible population (39%), and those initial lean years matter for students without financial cushion. The earnings trajectory suggests this degree serves as a stepping stone—perhaps students are completing bachelor's degrees or gaining work experience that pays off over time—but families should plan for tight budgets immediately after graduation.

If your child can live at home or otherwise minimize expenses during those first two years post-graduation, the long-term outlook becomes more viable. But if immediate income matters, this program lags behind roughly 20 Illinois community colleges that deliver stronger starting salaries in the same field.