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Chicago State University vs MDT College of Health Sciences: which has better ROI?

Public, Chicago IL · vs · Private for-profit, Chicago IL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Chicago State University comes closer — median earnings $42,778 against a $49,340 total, vs $43,946 at MDT College of Health Sciences. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureChicago State UniversityMDT College of Health Sciences
Net price / yr$12,335$30,833
Total net cost$49,340$123,332
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,778$43,946
Median debt$30,625$19,500
Payback
20-year net return-$160,980-$211,612

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or MDT College of Health Sciences?

Chicago State University, at $12,335 a year after aid versus $30,833 — a gap of $18,498 a year, or $73,992 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Chicago State University or MDT College of Health Sciences graduates earn more?

MDT College of Health Sciences graduates report a median $43,946 ten years after entry, $1,168 more than the $42,778 at Chicago State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Chicago State University or MDT College of Health Sciences?

MDT College of Health Sciences: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $30,625 at Chicago State University, a difference of $11,125. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

50% of students finish at MDT College of Health Sciences, against 15% at Chicago State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Chicago State University vs MDT College of Health Sciences: frequently asked questions

Is Chicago State University or MDT College of Health Sciences a better value?
Chicago State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or MDT College of Health Sciences?
Chicago State University: $12,335/yr net price after aid versus $30,833/yr at MDT College of Health Sciences — a difference of $18,498 a year, or about $73,992 over four years.
Do Chicago State University or MDT College of Health Sciences graduates earn more?
MDT College of Health Sciences graduates earn a median $43,946 ten years after entry, versus $42,778 at Chicago State University — a $1,168 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.