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Chicago Heights, IL · Private University

Is Prairie State College Worth It?

ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data

Strong ROIRanked #1291 of 3,472 schools by ROI

Key Numbers

10-Year Earnings

$36,696

median, 10 years after enrollment

In-State Tuition

$4,176

per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$11,064

per year

Total 4-Year Cost

$44,256

tuition only (4 years)

ROI Ratio

3.32x

earnings ÷ annual tuition

Payback Period

26.1 yrs

years to recoup total cost

Median Debt

$11,000

at graduation

Avg Net Price

$5,280

after aid & scholarships

Earnings vs. Annual Cost

10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition

Median Earnings (10yr)$36,696
Annual Tuition$11,064
National Median Earnings$45,000

Prairie State College graduates earn $8,304 less than the national median of workers with any education level.

What You'd Actually Pay

Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income

Under $30,000$3,725/yr
$30,000 – $48,000$4,084/yr
$48,000 – $75,000$6,916/yr
$75,000 – $110,000$11,509/yr
Over $110,000$13,713/yr

Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.

The Bottom Line

Prairie State College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $36,696 10 years after starting, $8,304 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 26.1 years to recover the total cost of attendance.

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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.