Students at St.
Augustine College gain access to higher education opportunities that might not otherwise be available, with the institution ranking among the most accessible private colleges nationwide for low-income and first-generation students.
Graduates earn meaningfully more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in supporting student success despite resource constraints.
St. Augustine College is a small private nonprofit institution in Chicago that serves a highly diverse student population with exceptional access for underrepresented groups. Nearly three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, and about 68% are first-generation college students, making it one of the most accessible private colleges in Illinois for students from low-income backgrounds. The college's mobility quadrant classification as "Under-Resourced Institutions" reflects this combination of broad access with more modest financial outcomes.
Graduates earn a median of $35,723 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below typical earnings levels but still represents meaningful value-added of about $10,847 compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings boost suggests that despite lower absolute outcomes, students gain more than might be expected given their backgrounds and the institution's resources.
As a small private college with a focused mission, St. Augustine College prioritizes accessibility and student support over high-earning career pathways. The institution serves students who might not otherwise attend college, providing educational opportunity in an urban setting with strong community connections. For families seeking an affordable private college experience with personalized attention and cultural diversity, this represents a meaningful educational pathway, though students should plan carefully for post-graduation career development.
St. Augustine College focuses primarily on social services and helping professions, with Forensic Social Work serving as the institution's signature program. This field, which combines social work principles with criminal justice applications, reflects the college's commitment to preparing students for careers that serve their communities and address social challenges. Graduates in this field earn about $27,377 two years after graduation, which is typical for entry-level social work positions.
The concentration in social services aligns with the college's mission and the career interests of its diverse student population. These fields offer meaningful work and job security, though they typically provide modest financial returns compared with business or technical disciplines. Students entering these careers often find satisfaction in the social impact of their work, with earnings growth coming through experience, additional certifications, and potential advancement into supervisory or specialized roles.
While the program portfolio is focused rather than broad, this concentration allows the college to develop deep expertise and strong community partnerships in social services. Students benefit from faculty with real-world experience and connections to local organizations that provide internship and employment opportunities. Success in these fields often depends on building professional networks and gaining practical experience, which the college's urban Chicago location and community focus help facilitate.
St. Augustine College graduates earn a median of $35,723 ten years after enrollment, which is below typical college outcomes but still represents meaningful progress for the student population served. The institution demonstrates strong value-added performance, with graduates earning about $10,847 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide. This earnings boost suggests that despite modest absolute outcomes, students benefit significantly from their educational experience relative to expectations.
The college's program portfolio is concentrated in social services and helping professions. Forensic Social Work, the institution's primary program with 25 graduates, leads to median earnings of $27,377 two years after graduation. This reflects the college's focus on community-oriented careers that prioritize service over high compensation. Students entering these fields typically see steady but modest earnings growth over time, with career satisfaction often derived from meaningful work rather than financial returns.
While absolute earnings levels are lower than at many institutions, the significant value-added performance indicates that St. Augustine College effectively prepares students for career advancement beyond what their backgrounds might predict. Students should understand that success in these fields often requires additional professional development, networking, and potentially graduate education to maximize long-term earning potential.
St. Augustine College offers strong affordability for students across income levels, with net prices that make private education accessible to low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay about $17,004 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $16,905, representing excellent value for a private nonprofit institution. These prices are significantly below typical private college costs and competitive with many public universities.
The college's debt structure is particularly manageable, with typical graduates leaving with only $4,423 in federal student loan debt. This low debt burden reflects both the institution's affordable pricing and the high proportion of students receiving substantial grant aid. With a 0% federal loan default rate, the college demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their modest debt obligations despite lower earnings levels.
The combination of low net prices and minimal debt creates a sustainable financial model for students. Even with median earnings of $35,723, graduates can comfortably handle their debt obligations while building their careers in service-oriented fields. This affordability structure makes St. Augustine College particularly attractive for students who want to avoid the heavy debt burdens often associated with private higher education.
St. Augustine College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
