Head-to-head · 2026
John Wood Community College vs University of Illinois Springfield
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for John Wood Community College, 3 for University of Illinois Springfield — University of Illinois Springfield has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | John Wood Community College | University of Illinois Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.70 | 14.52 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $7,050 ✓ | $9,833 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,631 | $57,103 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 85.9% |
| Graduation rate | 48.9% | 53.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $8,029 ✓ | $19,128 |
| Enrollment | 1,371 | 2,263 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1102 |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Illinois Springfield costs $2,783 more per year than John Wood Community College ($9,833 vs $7,050). University of Illinois Springfield graduates report $18,472 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,103 vs $38,631). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Illinois Springfield ahead on projected ROI (14.52 vs 13.70, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Illinois Springfield) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Illinois Springfield reports 85.9% acceptance; John Wood Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
John Wood Community College vs University of Illinois Springfield, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is John Wood Community College or University of Illinois Springfield the better value?
University of Illinois Springfield has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.52 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 $9,833 at University of Illinois Springfield. The annual difference of $2,783 adds up to about $11,132 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Illinois Springfield reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,103 vs $38,631 at John Wood Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,472.
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; University of Illinois Springfield reports A.