Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Elgin Community College

Graduates of the Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities program at Elgin Community College experience a notable earnings trajectory. One year after graduation, median earnings are reported at $29,504, which increases to $48,500 after five years and reaches $62,094 after ten years. When adjusted for purchasing power, the five-year salary aligns with a national equivalent of $52,832.24, indicating that graduates can expect their earnings to maintain a competitive value relative to national standards, despite the cost of living index in Illinois being slightly lower than the national average.

The primary industries that graduates enter are predominantly within Health Care & Social Assistance, with 53.1% of graduates finding employment in this sector, followed by 27.5% and 20.0% in related roles. The estimated break-even point for graduates compared to those with only a high school diploma is approximately 12.8 years, suggesting that while the initial financial return may be modest, the long-term investment in education can yield significant benefits. Overall, the program offers a reasonable return on investment, particularly for those entering stable and growing industries.