Location: Dixon, IL•In-State Tuition: $5,190•Out-of-State Tuition: $12,840
Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,160
26th percentile
40th percentile in Illinois
Median Debt
$8,312
57% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.17 ManageableSample: 25 graduates Limited data

Analysis

The standout feature here is the exceptionally low debt load—at just $8,312, Sauk Valley's graduates carry 56% less than Illinois peers and far less than the national average. With first-year earnings of $48,160, that translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17, among the best in the nation for this field. However, those earnings trail both the Illinois median ($53,897) and rank in just the 40th percentile statewide, sitting about $6,000 below what graduates earn at community colleges like Harper or College of DuPage.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) demands caution—these numbers could shift significantly year to year. But if they hold, the tradeoff is clear: you're accepting below-average starting pay in exchange for minimal debt burden. For a student who needs to start working quickly without heavy monthly loan payments, that's potentially valuable. For someone seeking to maximize earning potential in allied health, stronger-performing Illinois programs exist within the community college system, often with comparable affordability.

The practical question: can your family absorb slightly lower starting earnings in exchange for financial flexibility? If debt avoidance is the priority and geography limits options, this works. If career advancement and higher earnings matter more, look at the Chicago-area programs that consistently place graduates $10,000-15,000 ahead while remaining affordable public options.

Where Sauk Valley Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

Sauk Valley Community CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Sauk Valley Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Sauk Valley Community College earns $48k — 26th percentile among allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (43 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Sauk Valley Community CollegeDixon$5,190$48,160—$8,3120.17
William Rainey Harper CollegePalatine$3,822$65,443$73,647$16,5250.25
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X CollegeChicago$4,380$63,963—$12,1690.19
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn$4,320$62,471—$17,2500.28
Triton CollegeRiver Grove$4,920$62,280$57,453$14,2850.23
Joliet Junior CollegeJoliet$4,530$57,778—$12,3550.21
National Median—$54,327—$19,1130.35

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Sauk Valley Community College, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.