Chicago State University vs Midwestern Career College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Chicago State University comes closer — median earnings $42,778 against a $49,340 total, vs $36,432 at Midwestern Career College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Chicago State University | Midwestern Career College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,335 | $20,462 |
| Total net cost | $49,340 | $40,924 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,778 | $36,432 |
| Median debt | $30,625 | $7,521 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$160,980 | -$279,484 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Midwestern Career College?
Chicago State University, at $12,335 a year after aid versus $20,462 — a gap of $8,127 a year, or $8,416 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 Midwestern Career College graduates earn more?
Chicago State University graduates report a median $42,778 ten years after entry, $6,346 more than the $36,432 at Midwestern Career College. 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 Midwestern Career College?
Midwestern Career College: its completers carry a median $7,521 in federal loans versus $30,625 at Chicago State University, a difference of $23,104. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Midwestern Career College, 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.