Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at John Wood Community College

John Wood Community College's nursing program starts strong with first-year earnings of $67,467—actually above the Illinois state median—but then takes an unusual downturn, dropping to $61,198 by year four. This earnings decline runs counter to the typical nursing career trajectory and ranks the program at the 44th percentile nationally. However, among Illinois programs specifically, it lands at the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms roughly half of in-state alternatives.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $18,957, graduates carry less than the national median and reasonably manageable debt relative to first-year earnings (28% ratio). For families concerned about affordability—and with 39% of students receiving Pell grants, many are—this makes the program accessible. Still, it's worth noting that other Illinois community colleges like College of Lake County and Joliet Junior College combine lower debt with consistently higher earnings, clearing $70,000+.

The small sample size here is critical context—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a few individuals' career choices could dramatically skew these numbers. That earnings decline might reflect graduates shifting to lower-paying specialties or reducing hours rather than a program quality issue. For families prioritizing affordability and local training, this remains a viable path into nursing, but students should understand they're likely not maximizing earning potential compared to peer programs across Illinois.