Best Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Degrees in Illinois by ROI
Colleges in Illinois ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Illinois
39
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$278,394
Across Illinois programs
Average Annual Cost
$14,228
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ambria College of Nursing | +$516,480 | $70,289 | N/A | $36,518 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Kishwaukee College
Grad rate: 37.2% |
+$436,612 | $65,281 | $14,504 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Rock Valley College
Grad rate: 38.0% |
+$409,135 | $64,955 | $14,351 | $15,750 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
College of Lake County
Grad rate: 36.0% |
+$402,295 | $64,022 | $10,969 | $12,005 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Joliet Junior College
Grad rate: 19.2% |
+$391,793 | $63,822 | $9,757 | $18,617 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Oakton College
Grad rate: 29.6% |
+$390,452 | $63,332 | $11,344 | $10,000 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Triton College
Grad rate: 31.9% |
+$385,601 | $63,670 | $11,608 | $18,209 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
Kankakee Community College
Grad rate: 34.4% |
+$370,749 | $63,348 | $12,209 | $23,550 | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
McHenry County College
Grad rate: 36.6% |
+$361,338 | $61,364 | $12,971 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 10 |
William Rainey Harper College
Grad rate: 44.6% |
+$356,344 | $62,113 | $12,833 | $15,000 | Full ROI → |
| 11 |
Lincoln Land Community College
Grad rate: 41.2% |
+$355,578 | $62,317 | $11,600 | $20,416 | Full ROI → |
| 12 |
Moraine Valley Community College
Grad rate: 33.8% |
+$349,842 | $61,990 | $11,921 | $19,345 | Full ROI → |
| 13 |
Southwestern Illinois College
Grad rate: 32.5% |
+$341,257 | $61,309 | $12,596 | $14,615 | Full ROI → |
| 14 |
Parkland College
Grad rate: 33.1% |
+$339,298 | $60,366 | $14,011 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 15 |
Waubonsee Community College
Grad rate: 36.9% |
+$333,163 | $61,103 | $14,661 | $14,500 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Degrees by State
Browse Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.