Head-to-head · 2026
John Wood Community College vs Rock Valley College
Compare average net price ($7,050 at John Wood Community College; $5,242 at Rock Valley College), ROI score (13.70 vs 18.68), ten-year median earnings ($38,631 vs $39,158), and admissions context (Open / not reported at John Wood Community College; Open / not reported at Rock Valley College) using federal College Scorecard data. Rock Valley College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Rock Valley College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | John Wood Community College | Rock Valley College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.70 | 18.68 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $7,050 | $5,242 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,631 | $39,158 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 48.9% ✓ | 37.3% |
| Median debt | $8,029 ✓ | $8,500 |
| Enrollment | 1,371 | 4,359 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
John Wood Community College costs $1,808 more per year than Rock Valley College ($7,050 vs $5,242). Rock Valley College graduates report $527 higher median earnings after ten years ($39,158 vs $38,631). On EduGradify's model that puts Rock Valley College ahead on projected ROI (18.68 vs 13.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Rock Valley College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. 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
John Wood Community College vs Rock Valley College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is John Wood Community College or Rock Valley College the better value?
Rock Valley College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (18.68 vs 13.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Rock Valley College is cheaper — average net price $5,242 per year vs $7,050 at John Wood Community College. The annual difference of $1,808 adds up to about $7,232 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Rock Valley College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $39,158 vs $38,631 at John Wood Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $527.
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. John Wood Community College reports a A value grade; Rock Valley College reports A+.