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Colleges / IL / Chicago Heights
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Prairie State College

Public Chicago Heights, IL · Suburban · Great Lakes · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
20%
Graduation Rate
$36,696
Earnings (10yr)
$4,738
Net Price
2,443
Enrollment

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Overview

Just 20% of students graduate from Prairie State College, a figure that highlights the challenges many face while pursuing their education. With an enrollment of 2,443, the college serves a diverse student body in Chicago Heights, IL. This low graduation rate signals the need for robust support systems for students to reach their educational goals.

Outcomes for Prairie State graduates show a median earnings of $36,696 ten years after enrollment. While the college does not report mobility rates or economic connectedness, it does have a significant percentage of students receiving Pell Grants at 33%. This suggests that many students come from low-income backgrounds and might need additional resources to succeed academically and financially.

The net price for attending Prairie State is $4,738, making it a relatively affordable option for many. Graduates carry a median debt of $11,000, which is manageable compared to potential earnings. Students who thrive here are often those pursuing programs in Humanities, Health Professions, Computer Science & IT, Mechanic & Repair Tech, and Criminal Justice. With the right support, these students can carve out successful paths in their chosen fields.

Rankings

How Prairie Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation20%Earnings 10yr$37KNet Price$5KRetention51%Median Debt$11KPell Grant Rate33%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$4K$0-30K$3K$30-48K$8K$48-75K$14K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1696.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%619.5%MOBILITY105.13%

Cost & Financial Aid

$4,176
In-State Tuition
$11,064
Out-of-State
$4,738
Avg Net Price
$11,000
Median Debt
33%
Pell Grant Rate
8%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$3,546
Family Income $0–$30K
$3,013
Family Income $30K–$48K
$7,839
Family Income $48K–$75K
$13,908
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$30,388
6 Years After Entry
$32,876
8 Years
$36,696
10 Years
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
43%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$30,388 6yr $32,876 8yr $36,696 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

105.13%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
619.5%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1696.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$60,800
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.23
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
3.4%
Volunteering Rate
0.96
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 51%
Full-Time Faculty 30%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,268
Diversity Index 0.65
First-Gen Students 39%

Top Programs

Humanities 40%
Health Professions 35%
Computer Science & IT 7%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 5%
Criminal Justice 5%
Business & Marketing 2%
Construction Trades 2%
Precision Production 1%

Quick Facts

Setting Suburban
Region Great Lakes
Accreditor Higher Learning Commission
Predominant Degree Certificate
Hispanic-Serving Yes

Student Body

Female
63%
White
12%
Hispanic
24%
Black
53%
Asian
1%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

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