Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at McHenry County College

McHenry County College's general studies associate's degree starts rough but transforms dramatically—earnings jump 88% from $19,740 to $37,196 over four years. That final number beats both the Illinois median ($27,563) and national average ($27,248) by substantial margins. The issue is that brutal first year. Ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally for early earnings means most graduates are likely working retail or service jobs immediately after completion, possibly while still in school or transferring. Among Illinois programs, this ranks only 25th percentile—below the state median but not alarmingly so for community colleges.

The $7,500 debt load works in your child's favor here. It's below both state and national medians, and with that low debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, even the weak first-year salary makes repayment manageable. The real question is whether your child plans to transfer immediately to a four-year institution or needs to work full-time after graduation. If they're transferring, that first-year number is largely irrelevant. If they need the associate's degree to stand alone as a credential, understand they'll likely struggle initially—Prairie State and College of Lake County graduates earn 75% more right out of the gate.

This program works as an affordable stepping stone with strong ultimate outcomes, not as a standalone career credential. If your child needs immediate earning power after two years, look elsewhere in Illinois's community college system.