Best Community Colleges in Illinois 2024

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The best community colleges provide an effective springboard into higher education, offering students high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The top-rated community colleges in Illinois offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.

10 Best Community Colleges in Illinois

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  1. Moraine Valley Community College
  2. Lewis and Clark Community College
  3. College of DuPage
  4. Malcolm X College
  5. Joliet Junior College
  6. Parkland College
  7. Oakton College
  8. Wilbur Wright College
  9. Harper College
  10. Harold Washington College
  1. Wilbur Wright College
  2. Malcolm X College
  3. Triton College
  4. College of DuPage
  5. Kennedy–King College
  6. Joliet Junior College
  7. Harold Washington College
  8. Truman College
  9. Parkland College
  10. Waubonsee Community College
    1. Wilbur Wright College 29 to 1
    2. McHenry County College 26 to 1
    3. Malcolm X College 24 to 1
    4. Truman College 23 to 1
    5. Waubonsee Community College 20 to 1
    6. College of DuPage 20 to 1
    7. Triton College 20 to 1
    8. Harold Washington College 19 to 1
    9. Olive–Harvey College 19 to 1
    10. Heartland Community College 18 to 1
    1. Joliet Junior College $11,700
    2. Malcolm X College $11,520
    3. Harold Washington College $11,520
    4. Wilbur Wright College $11,520
    5. Truman College $11,520
    6. Olive–Harvey College $11,520
    7. Kennedy–King College $11,520
    8. Triton College $11,010
    9. Parkland College $10,905
    10. McHenry County College $10,824
      1. Kennedy–King College
      2. Illinois Central College
      3. South Suburban College
      4. McHenry County College
      5. Waubonsee Community College
      6. Southwestern Illinois College
      7. Lincoln Land Community College
      8. College of Lake County
      9. Prairie State College
      10. Olive–Harvey College
      1. Heartland Community College
      2. South Suburban College
      3. Oakton College
      4. Lincoln Land Community College
      5. Moraine Valley Community College
      6. Prairie State College
      7. College of Lake County
      8. Coyne College
      9. Illinois Central College
      10. McHenry County College
        1. Prairie State College 10 to 1
        2. Oakton College 13 to 1
        3. Illinois Central College 15 to 1
        4. Lincoln Land Community College 15 to 1
        5. Lewis and Clark Community College 15 to 1
        6. College of Lake County 15 to 1
        7. Kennedy–King College 15 to 1
        8. Parkland College 15 to 1
        9. South Suburban College 15 to 1
        10. Joliet Junior College 15 to 1
        1. Southwestern Illinois College $6,120
        2. Lincoln Land Community College $6,456
        3. Elgin Community College $7,128
        4. Moraine Valley Community College $7,776
        5. Prairie State College $8,610
        6. College of DuPage $8,910
        7. Lewis and Clark Community College $9,000
        8. College of Lake County $9,226
        9. Illinois Central College $9,316
        10. Harper College $9,372

          Key Takeaways

          • The best community colleges in Illinois are known for their enduring commitment and track record in academic excellence, student support services, and community engagement. Faculty members are also respected and recognized for their academic influence through research and academic activities.
          • The community college system in Illinois consists of 49 colleges with more than one million Illinois residents as students in associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs, as well as career education and technical training programs.
          • The best community colleges in The Prairie State offer affordable in-state tuition for its residents. Out-of-state students generally pay more in tuition and other fees but still benefit from accessible costs of education.

          Colleges and Universities in Illinois

          Prospective students searching for colleges in Illinois have plenty of excellent schools to choose from. Illinois offers over 130 higher education institutes throughout the state. Thanks to an expansive public university system and several top private institutions, students can select from an extremely wide array of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Illinois.

          The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois at Chicago, the state’s two largest public universities in Illinois. Students can access a full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate degrees for in-state tuition rates of $13,000 to $15,000 respectively. Both public universities also offer a full selection of online degree programs.

          It’s also worth noting that Illinois residents who pursue online degrees at public colleges in Illinois will qualify for in-state tuition rates. Out of state students will generally pay more whether pursuing on-campus or online degrees.

          Find college admissions consultants in your state.

          More than half of the colleges in Illinois are actually private schools. Among these private colleges and universities, the most notable are DePaul University, Northwestern University, and Loyola University Chicago. Tuition from these three private schools can be costly, ranging from $44,000 to $55,000. However, each of these private schools boasts a high graduation rate and excellent professors.

          Illinois is also home to many small private schools, including Benedictine University and National Louis University.

          Popular disciplines in Illinois include disciplines like criminal justice, social work, nursing, education, religious studies, communications, and medicine. Both traditional and online students have a wide range of options in each of these subject areas.

          Degree completion programs are also widely available for lapsed students who have already accumulated some college credits. This is an especially popular online degree option among working professionals in Illinois.

          Additionally, Illinois offers several loan forgiveness-based financial aid programs for qualifying students pursuing careers as teachers, public defenders or prosecutors, or nurses.

          From the skyscrapers in Chicago to the vast prairie lands in the north, Illinois is a place where city meets country. Students can grab a Chicago-style hotdog on the way to a Cubs game, explore the ancient sandstone cliffs in the Shawnee National Forest, or admire an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago, all while attending one of The Prairie State’s universities or colleges.

          The higher education institutes in Illinois have also produced many prominent alumni, including Stephen Colbert, Phillip Glass, and Kurt Vonnegut. Students hoping to walk the same streets as these well-known individuals can check out some of the state’s top programs and universities.


          What are Illinois’s Colleges & Universities?

          Illinois’s Best Overall

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          The Inside Facts About Illinois Colleges

          The best community colleges in Illinois offer on-campus and online learning programs. Online learners, nonetheless, receive the same quality of education as on-campus learners, as well as access to excellent student support services. Even the on-campus faculty members teach the online courses!

          History of Community Colleges in Illinois

          Such a track record of excellence in its academic programs is rooted in the strong commitment for higher education in Illinois!

          The Illinois Community College Board, which was created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1965, is responsible for the public community college system. The mission: To provide quality yet accessible college education opportunities to every Illinois resident.

          Current Status of Illinois Community Colleges

          Today, the Illinois College System consists of 48 colleges and the East St. Louis Community College Center, a multi-community college center. The system covers the entire Prairie State and serves 39 community college districts.

          Every year, more than one million residents are enrolled in credit and non-credit courses in on-campus and online formats. The Illinois public community college system also offers public service programs that bring higher education even closer to the local communities.

          There are two districts with multi-colleges—the City Colleges of Chicago with its seven colleges and the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges with four colleges. The East St. Louis Community College Center has three colleges that offer additional courses.

          Other notable community colleges include:

          Every community college has its specific rules and regulations, academic programs and organized groups, among other elements. All community colleges in the Illinois Community College System, however, must meet local and statewide standards of education and workforce training.

          The community colleges also have a common mission including preparation of people for college education and for gainful employment in highly skilled occupations. These community colleges are also popular for their career training programs, continuing education programs, and adult literacy programs.

          The distinct difference of each community college lies in its effective and efficient response to the unique needs in education and workforce development in its community.

          Funding for community colleges in Illinois comes from three major sources: state appropriations, student tuition and fees, and local property taxes. Grants for technical-vocational and adult education, among other sources of federal, state and local revenues, are also common.

          Wide Range of Educational Programs Offered

          Community colleges in Illinois offer about 3,500 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines including but not limited to:

          • Accounting
          • Addiction studies
          • Aerospace engineering
          • Agriculture engineering
          • Architecture
          • Engineering technology

          City Colleges of Chicago, among other community colleges in Illinois, also offers career programs in focus areas like Advanced Manufacturing, Construction Technology and Drafting, and Natural Sciences.

          All programs offered by the community colleges are approved by the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. These are approved based on community need, quality, and cost.

          Why take advantage of the community college system in Illinois in the first place? For one thing, Illinois has among the United States’ highest gross domestic product, meaning individuals with higher education and skills training will find gainful employment in diverse industries. Advanced manufacturing, automotive, energy, agriculture, and business services are popular industries.

          For another thing, the cost of living in Illinois is among the best (i.e., most affordable) in the United States. Illinois is also known for its vibrant culture and communities, thus, making a life in Illinois a joy!

          Illinois's Best Community Colleges Badge
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          We’ve identified 49 community colleges in Illinois. The following list shows the best community colleges and primarily associate degree granting colleges in Illinois.

          If you’re interested in an online associate degree, visit our best online associate degrees in Illinois page.

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          Best Community Colleges in Illinois

          1. #1

            College of DuPage

            Glen Ellyn , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $10K

            Graduation

            23%

            Student body

            36K

            Career Outlook for degree at College of DuPage

            Cost of Degree: $10,410
            Starting Salary: $41,500
            What is College of DuPage known for?

            College of DuPage’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          2. #2

            Malcolm X College

            Chicago , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $12K

            Graduation

            19%

            Student body

            10K

            Career Outlook for degree at Malcolm X College

            Cost of Degree: $11,520
            Starting Salary: $29,700
            What is Malcolm X College known for?

            Malcolm X College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          3. Tuition + fees

            $13K

            Graduation

            18%

            Student body

            20K

            Career Outlook for degree at Joliet Junior College

            Cost of Degree: $12,750
            Starting Salary: $36,400
            What is Joliet Junior College known for?

            Joliet Junior College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          4. #4

            Parkland College

            Champaign , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $12K

            Graduation

            34%

            Student body

            9K

            Career Outlook for degree at Parkland College

            Cost of Degree: $9,642
            Starting Salary: $35,300
            What is Parkland College known for?

            Parkland College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          5. #5

            Oakton College

            Des Plaines , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $10K

            Graduation

            28%

            Student body

            14K

            Career Outlook for degree at Oakton College

            Cost of Degree: $10,446
            Starting Salary: $43,900
            What is Oakton College known for?

            Oakton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          6. #6

            Wilbur Wright College

            Chicago , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $12K

            Graduation

            30%

            Student body

            11K

            Career Outlook for degree at Wilbur Wright College

            Cost of Degree: $11,520
            Starting Salary: $36,700
            What is Wilbur Wright College known for?

            Wilbur Wright College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          7. Tuition + fees

            $12K

            Graduation

            23%

            Student body

            8K

            Career Outlook for degree at Harold Washington College

            Cost of Degree: $11,520
            Starting Salary: $30,700
            What is Harold Washington College known for?

            Harold Washington College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          8. #9

            Triton College

            River Grove , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $11K

            Graduation

            35%

            Student body

            15K

            Career Outlook for degree at Triton College

            Cost of Degree: $11,790
            Starting Salary: $38,800
            What is Triton College known for?

            Triton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          9. Tuition + fees

            $7K

            Graduation

            37%

            Student body

            13K

            Career Outlook for degree at Elgin Community College

            Cost of Degree: $7,140
            Starting Salary: $35,800
            What is Elgin Community College known for?

            Elgin Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          10. Tuition + fees

            $8K

            Graduation

            34%

            Student body

            17K

            Career Outlook for degree at Moraine Valley Community College

            Cost of Degree: $8,502
            Starting Salary: $38,200
            What is Moraine Valley Community College known for?

            Moraine Valley Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          11. #12

            Truman College

            Chicago , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $12K

            Graduation

            23%

            Student body

            8K

            Career Outlook for degree at Truman College

            Cost of Degree: $11,520
            Starting Salary: $34,000
            What is Truman College known for?

            Truman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          12. What is Coyne College known for?

            Coyne College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          13. Tuition + fees

            $10K

            Graduation

            40%

            Student body

            7K

            Career Outlook for degree at Heartland Community College

            Cost of Degree: $10,440
            Starting Salary: $31,000
            What is Heartland Community College known for?

            Heartland Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          14. #15

            Olive–Harvey College

            Chicago , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $12K

            Graduation

            20%

            Student body

            3K

            Career Outlook for degree at Olive–Harvey College

            Cost of Degree: $11,520
            Starting Salary: $27,900
            What is Olive–Harvey College known for?

            Olive–Harvey College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          15. #16

            Prairie State College

            Chicago Heights , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $9K

            Graduation

            16%

            Student body

            5K

            Career Outlook for degree at Prairie State College

            Cost of Degree: $9,342
            Starting Salary: $33,300
            What is Prairie State College known for?

            Prairie State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          16. #17

            College of Lake County

            Grayslake , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $10K

            Graduation

            34%

            Student body

            20K

            Career Outlook for degree at College of Lake County

            Cost of Degree: $10,531
            Starting Salary: $37,200
            What is College of Lake County known for?

            College of Lake County’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          17. Tuition + fees

            $6K

            Graduation

            28%

            Student body

            14K

            Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern Illinois College

            Cost of Degree: $6,390
            Starting Salary: $30,700
            What is Southwestern Illinois College known for?

            Southwestern Illinois College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          18. Tuition + fees

            $10K

            Graduation

            43%

            Student body

            5K

            Career Outlook for degree at Lewis and Clark Community College

            Cost of Degree: $9,552
            Starting Salary: $31,700
            What is Lewis and Clark Community College known for?

            Lewis and Clark Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          19. #20

            Waubonsee Community College

            Sugar Grove , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $11K

            Graduation

            33%

            Student body

            14K

            Career Outlook for degree at Waubonsee Community College

            Cost of Degree: $11,369
            Starting Salary: $36,200
            What is Waubonsee Community College known for?

            Waubonsee Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          20. #21

            McHenry County College

            Crystal Lake , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $11K

            Graduation

            34%

            Student body

            13K

            Career Outlook for degree at McHenry County College

            Cost of Degree: $10,529
            Starting Salary: $36,000
            What is McHenry County College known for?

            McHenry County College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

          21. Tuition + fees

            $7K

            Graduation

            40%

            Student body

            8K

            Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln Land Community College

            Cost of Degree: $6,960
            Starting Salary: $32,700
            What is Lincoln Land Community College known for?

            Lincoln Land Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          22. #23

            South Suburban College

            South Holland , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $11K

            Graduation

            18%

            Student body

            8K

            Career Outlook for degree at South Suburban College

            Cost of Degree: $11,033
            Starting Salary: $30,600
            What is South Suburban College known for?

            South Suburban College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          23. #24

            Illinois Central College

            East Peoria , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $9K

            Graduation

            32%

            Student body

            10K

            Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Central College

            Cost of Degree: $9,348
            Starting Salary: $35,000
            What is Illinois Central College known for?

            Illinois Central College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          24. #25

            Kennedy–King College

            Chicago , IL

            Tuition + fees

            $12K

            Graduation

            24%

            Student body

            3K

            Career Outlook for degree at Kennedy–King College

            Cost of Degree: $11,520
            Starting Salary: $29,700
            What is Kennedy–King College known for?

            Kennedy–King College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          2021 Ranking Archive

          Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

          1. Kennedy–King College
          2. Richland Community College
          3. Lewis and Clark Community College
          4. Olive–Harvey College
          5. Black Hawk College
          6. Lincoln Land Community College
          7. College of DuPage
          8. Shawnee Community College
          9. Harper College
          10. Harold Washington College
          11. Truman College
          12. Lake Land College
          13. Joliet Junior College
          14. Malcolm X College
          15. Richard J. Daley College
          16. Frontier Community College
          17. Southeastern Illinois College
          18. Illinois Central College
          19. Prairie State College
          20. Rock Valley College
          21. Illinois Valley Community College
          22. Kankakee Community College
          23. Heartland Community College
          24. Parkland College
          25. Moraine Valley Community College
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