Biological and Physical Sciences at Morton College

Morton College's Biological and Physical Sciences program shows perhaps the most dramatic earnings growth you'll see in an associate degree—graduates more than double their income between years one and four. That 95% jump suggests most students are using this as a stepping stone, likely transferring to complete bachelor's degrees or moving into better-paying lab and technical positions after gaining experience. The minimal $6,000 debt load (well below both state and national medians) makes this transition period financially manageable, even if that first-year $22,435 salary feels tight.

The challenge is that first year, and the fact that even with strong growth, year-four earnings lag behind most comparable Illinois programs. At $43,705, graduates still trail schools like College of Lake County by nearly $6,000 annually. The program ranks in just the 25th percentile statewide, meaning three-quarters of similar programs produce higher earners. For a student planning to stop at the associate level and work immediately, this presents a real income disadvantage.

This program makes most sense for students who need an affordable local option with clear transfer pathways to four-year institutions. The low debt means your child isn't betting heavily on uncertain outcomes. But if they intend to enter the workforce directly with just this degree, other nearby community colleges offer substantially better starting positions.