Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Kishwaukee College

Kishwaukee's liberal arts associate degree starts behind but catches up impressively. That $21,090 first-year figure ranks in just the 11th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among Illinois programs—roughly $6,500 below the state median. But by year four, earnings jump 51% to nearly $32,000, closing much of that initial gap. This trajectory suggests graduates may be taking time to find their footing or using the degree as a stepping stone to further education or better positions.

The $11,250 debt load sits slightly above the national average but well above Illinois's $7,761 median, making this pricier than most in-state alternatives. That means students are paying more for outcomes that lag behind programs like Prairie State College ($34,909) or Lincoln Land ($34,164). The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, but the pattern is clear: this program delivers below-average early returns at above-average state-level cost.

For parents, the question is whether that strong earnings growth justifies the slower start and higher debt. If your child plans to transfer to a four-year school or needs time to build career momentum, the trajectory could work. But if immediate earnings matter—or if comparable programs charge less in Illinois—this isn't the strongest value play among community college liberal arts options.