Head-to-head · 2026
College of DuPage vs John Wood Community College
Compare average net price ($7,401 at College of DuPage; $7,050 at John Wood Community College), ROI score (15.85 vs 13.70), ten-year median earnings ($46,909 vs $38,631), and admissions context (Open / not reported at College of DuPage; Open / not reported at John Wood Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. John Wood Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. College of DuPage leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of DuPage | John Wood Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.85 ✓ | 13.70 |
| Avg net price | $7,401 | $7,050 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,909 ✓ | $38,631 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 25.2% | 48.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,410 | $8,029 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 16,114 | 1,371 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
College of DuPage costs $351 more per year than John Wood Community College ($7,401 vs $7,050). College of DuPage graduates report $8,278 higher median earnings after ten years ($46,909 vs $38,631). On EduGradify's model that puts College of DuPage ahead on projected ROI (15.85 vs 13.70, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (College of DuPage) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
College of DuPage vs John Wood Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of DuPage or John Wood Community College the better value?
College of DuPage has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.85 vs 13.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
John Wood Community College is cheaper — average net price $7,050 per year vs $7,401 at College of DuPage. The annual difference of $351 adds up to about $1,404 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
College of DuPage reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $46,909 vs $38,631 at John Wood Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,278.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of DuPage reports a A value grade; John Wood Community College reports A.