South Suburban College vs Chicago State University: 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 $33,680 at South Suburban College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | South Suburban College | Chicago State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $3,242 | $12,335 |
| Total net cost | $12,968 | $49,340 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $33,680 | $42,778 |
| Median debt | — | $30,625 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$306,568 | -$160,980 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, South Suburban College or Chicago State University?
South Suburban College, at $3,242 a year after aid versus $12,335 — a gap of $9,093 a year, or $36,372 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do South Suburban College or Chicago State University graduates earn more?
Chicago State University graduates report a median $42,778 ten years after entry, $9,098 more than the $33,680 at South Suburban 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 graduates more of its students?
28% of students finish at South Suburban 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.