Health and Medical Administrative Services at Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College

Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College's graduates start at $27,646—nearly $4,000 below the state median and $4,000 below the national average for this program. While earnings do grow modestly to $29,240 by year four, that still lags significantly behind what graduates from comparable Illinois programs achieve. Within the state, this program sits at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten Illinois students in this field earn more. Even more concerning: nearby community colleges like William Rainey Harper and Joliet Junior College deliver similar or better outcomes, likely at lower cost points for in-state students.

The debt burden amplifies the challenge. At $30,203, graduates carry more debt than the national median ($23,000) while earning less. That nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means most graduates will spend their entire first year's salary just covering what they owe—a tight financial position that limits options. With 72% of students receiving Pell grants, these debt loads hit a population that can least afford a slow start.

For families considering this program, the comparison to community college alternatives is striking. If your child can access similar training at a public two-year institution in Illinois, that route likely offers better financial positioning post-graduation while building the same credential set.