community colleges in chicago illinois

Last Updated on July 30, 2023

This post is a review of the facts surrounding Community Colleges In Chicago Illinois. Find out more about best community colleges in chicago and discover if City Colleges Of Chicago Jobs are right for you. Become informed about Chicago Community Colleges Online Courses and you might also enjoy reading about is community college free in chicago

Selecting a college is often the first major life decision for an individual, so it’s important to choose the right school. There are over 25 community colleges in Chicago, Illinois alone, which can make selecting just one school difficult. To help students navigate the admissions process and find their “perfect college,” Cappex offers a free search tool that allows students to compare and review information from numerous schoolsall in one place.

Why Study in Illinois?

Educational Opportunities

If you are struggling to meet the financial demands of four-year colleges and universities, then enrolling in a community college in Illinois may provide a less expensive option.

Along with the benefit of completing a two-year associate degree, you can also transfer the credits you earn from your courses to a four-year school, where you can pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Economy

Out of all 50 states, Illinois ranks sixth in population and fifth in GDP, trailing only California, Texas, New York, and Florida. Illinois benefits from a diverse economy, with emerging industries in agriculture, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, business services, education, and energy.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Illinois is almost seven points below the U.S. average, which means that living here is more affordable than in most states in the country.

Among all living costs, only transportation in Illinois is currently higher than the national average; all other expenses in the state are cheaper. Housing costs are almost 21 points below the national average. Costs for groceries, healthcare, and utilities in Illinois are also below the national average.

Cultural and Community Offerings

Chicago may be Illinois’s best-known feature, but the state also offers a diverse array of cultural activities. Tourists and residents can visit state-of-the-art theaters, vibrant jazz bars, historic towns, and scenic outdoor trails.

Illinois also houses an excellent lineup of museums and cultural centers, including the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Fine Line Creative Arts Center, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, Hieronymus Mueller Museum, and Creek Bend Nature Center.

Climate

The climate in Illinois has four distinct seasons and is characterized as continental, with long summers and very cold winters. On average, the state of Illinois gets slightly less snow than the national average and a significant amount of rain. The best time of the year to visit Illinois or go on an outdoor activity is from June to September, when the weather is typically warm and sunny.

Community Colleges In Chicago Illinois

We begin with Community Colleges In Chicago Illinois, then best community colleges in chicago, city colleges of chicago jobs, chicago community colleges online courses and is community college free in chicago.

Richland Community College

LocationDecatur, IL

RCC educates nearly 3,500 students on its Decatur campus annually, most of whom pursue associate degrees. Available associate degrees at this Illinois community college include African American studies, drafting and design engineering, and engineering technology – facilities maintenance. The college also boasts certificate programs in in-demand fields, such as web programming and environmental sustainability.

Online learning programs can be completed part time, full time, or on accelerated tracks. Students use Canvas to complete asynchronous coursework and submit assignments; they also receive free antivirus and productivity software. Learners at RCC benefit from special programs, such as 2+2 agreements with nearby four-year colleges and dual-credit enrollment for Illinois high school students.

RCC helps prospective degree-seekers select a program by explaining how each program prepares degree-seekers for specific career paths. The college also provides information on each career’s projected growth rate. Each year, RCC awards over 100 scholarships to eligible students. Veterans and their dependents also benefit from a reduced tuition rate.

Lincoln Trail College

LocationRobinson, IL

Another Illinois Eastern Community College (IECC) institution, LTC offers four associate programs and over 30 certificate programs. Certificate options at this Illinois community college include computer security and forensics, interconnect technician, and public service management.

LTC also boasts continuing education courses for residents living in and around the school’s Robinson campus. Learners can take classes like defensive driving, computer literacy, and GED preparation. Online students benefit from the same courses as their peers at other IECC schools.

LTC accepts new students in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. IECC uses the same application for its four member schools, and the college must receive all application materials at least 30 days before applicants intend to start courses. Financial aid opportunities exclusive to LTC students include general and transfer scholarships. Incoming learners who possess excellent GED scores may qualify for additional financial aid opportunities.

Morton College

LocationCicero, IL

Degree-seekers at MC can pursue transfer programs, such as those awarding AA, AS, associate in liberal studies, or associate in fine arts degrees. Students can also prepare directly for a career by enrolling in programs such as accounting, early childhood education, and supply chain management.

Online learners at MC use Blackboard to access asynchronous course content. Some courses may require field trips or small group meetings at set times. To help both online and on-campus students succeed, MC requires that incoming learners complete a five-part orientation process that involves meeting with academic and financial aid advisors.

MC boasts resources to help prospective students apply, transfer credit, and receive financial aid. Incoming degree-seekers with ACT, SAT, or AP scores do not need to take placement tests. Active-duty military personnel automatically qualify for reduced tuition at this community college in Illinois. The college also awards merit scholarships throughout the year. Scholarships require an additional application.

Lake Land College

LocationMattoon, IL

Students at LLC can prepare for a bachelor’s completion program or a new career. The college’s workforce- and transfer-ready programs include horticulture, physics, and secondary education. The college also boasts special admission-track programs, such as dental hygiene and nursing; these admit only the most qualified applicants.

In addition to traditional degrees and certificates, LLC also features four career preparation programs that align with the state’s fastest-growing fields, such as truck driving and asphalt inspection. Like many community colleges in Illinois, LLC also offers defensive driving courses to community members who live near campus.

Financial aid opportunities at LLC include Foundation Scholarships that award up to $5,000. Students can submit a single scholarship application — by the February 1 deadline — to apply for multiple awards. Incoming in-district students with an excellent high school GPA and test scores may qualify for additional scholarships. Degree-seekers can also set up a tuition payment plan.

College of Lake County

LocationGrayslake, IL

From its Grayslake campus, CLC awards degrees and certificates in 10 academic areas. The wellness and health sciences department features the largest number of programs, including certified nursing assistant, kinesiology, and yoga. The college’s personal enrichment programs include courses that help adult learners master areas like technology, wellness, and photography.

Each year more than 9,000 students enroll in online and hybrid courses at this Illinois community college. Online students use Blackboard to interact with professors and peers. Online course offerings include GED preparation courses and professional development in areas such as business writing and sales.

Applicants to AA and AS programs should possess either a high school diploma or GED certificate. Programs with limited enrollment have additional application steps beyond those required for general admission. This community college in Illinois requires all incoming degree-seekers to meet with financial aid and academic advisors before registering for courses.

Danville Area Community College

LocationDanville, IL

DACC offers five transfer degrees and two career degrees. Unlike many other community colleges in Illinois, DACC boasts a specialized 3+1 transfer program, where degree-seekers spend only one year taking courses at a four-year school. These students can save thousands of dollars compared to their peers who complete traditional bachelor’s completion programs.

DACC uses Blackboard to deliver online course content. All online degree-seekers take an online learning orientation course before attempting academic courses. Some courses may require on-campus proctored testing. Online and on-campus students can access extensive student services like academic advising, student employment, and tutoring.

Prospective learners with a high school diploma or GED certificate can apply. DACC accepts some high school students ages 16 and under, although these learners must submit a permission letter from their principal. More than three-fourths of DACC degree-seekers receive college-funded or federal financial aid. Financial aid opportunities are available for both full- and part-time students.

Rend Lake College

LocationIna, IL

RLC’s academic programs attract degree-seekers and high school students interested in earning college credit. In fact, high school students who enroll concurrently make up 50% of RLC’s student body. The college’s six academic departments include international studies, allied health, and arts and sciences. Online learners use Canvas to take courses asynchronously.

Career services at this Illinois community college include career planning surveys and one-on-one advising. RLC also connects degree-seekers with popular career and job search websites and resources. Additionally, the college partners with businesses in the Ina area to post positions and recruit talent.

Applicants submit either a high school diploma or GED scores. Homeschooled students should submit ACT or SAT scores. The Rend Lake College Foundation awards multiple scholarships that require only one application. These award $500-$1,500 but are non-renewable. Work-study programs and need-based grants can also help students pay for their certificate or degree.

best community colleges in chicago

Next, we consider city colleges of chicago jobs, chicago community colleges online courses and is community college free in chicago.

City Colleges of Chicago - Wikipedia

Frontier Community College

LocationFairfield, IL

FCC is one of four Illinois Eastern Community College (IECC) institutions on this ranking. The school offers over two dozen academic programs — including four associate degrees — that prepare degree-seekers to transfer to a four-year school. This Illinois community college boasts certificates in health informatics, light vehicle diesel service, and phlebotomy, as well as many other programs that prepare learners for in-demand careers.

Degree- and certificate-seekers at all IECC schools use the same distance education program, and each semester students can select from more than 200 online courses. Distance education learners who want face-to-face contact can complete a degree or certificate in a hybrid format, in which some courses take place on FCC’s Fairfield campus. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Like all IECC schools, FCC accepts students who hold a GED certificate. High school students can enroll concurrently with their principal’s permission. Incoming degree-seekers interested in institutional aid should submit the school’s general scholarships application by the March 15 deadline.

Elgin Community College

LocationElgin, IL

With courses available online and on campus, ECC boasts associate degrees for transfer and over 130 career and technical education programs. This community college in Illinois features four campuses throughout the state, in Elgin, Hanover Park, Burlington, and Streamwood.

ECC’s program offerings include a citizenship program that helps immigrants pass the U.S. naturalization test. Additionally, Illinois residents ages 50 and over can take a specialized program that conveys valuable networking and job search skills. All degree-seekers use Desire2Learn software to view recorded lectures and submit assignments.

Prospective learners can apply for the spring, summer, or fall semester. As a military friendly school, ECC provides student support services to active-duty military personnel and veterans. Other financial aid opportunities include ECC Foundation Scholarships, which are open to students with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Olney Central College

LocationOlney, IL

OCC is another Illinois Eastern Community College institution on this list. The school features a special relationship with Franklin University in Ohio; students who earn an associate degree at OCC can transfer seamlessly to a bachelor’s completion program at Franklin. The school offers several certificate programs, such as medical office assistant, professional bookkeeping, and administration of justice.

Online students at OCC can transfer an associate degree to any out-of-state school that participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. All OCC learners receive access to a learning skills center, where they can receive tutoring at no additional cost. This community college in Illinois also offers courses for adult learners preparing for the GED.

OCC extends in-state tuition to some degree- and certificate-seekers who live in western Indiana. Also, online students pay the same tuition as their in-state peers. Learners may qualify for financial aid, and institutional scholarships use different applications and deadlines.

Richland Community College

LocationDecatur, IL

RCC educates nearly 3,500 students on its Decatur campus annually, most of whom pursue associate degrees. Available associate degrees at this Illinois community college include African American studies, drafting and design engineering, and engineering technology – facilities maintenance. The college also boasts certificate programs in in-demand fields, such as web programming and environmental sustainability.

Online learning programs can be completed part time, full time, or on accelerated tracks. Students use Canvas to complete asynchronous coursework and submit assignments; they also receive free antivirus and productivity software. Learners at RCC benefit from special programs, such as 2+2 agreements with nearby four-year colleges and dual-credit enrollment for Illinois high school students.

RCC helps prospective degree-seekers select a program by explaining how each program prepares degree-seekers for specific career paths. The college also provides information on each career’s projected growth rate. Each year, RCC awards over 100 scholarships to eligible students. Veterans and their dependents also benefit from a reduced tuition rate.

Lincoln Trail College

LocationRobinson, IL

Another Illinois Eastern Community College (IECC) institution, LTC offers four associate programs and over 30 certificate programs. Certificate options at this Illinois community college include computer security and forensics, interconnect technician, and public service management.

LTC also boasts continuing education courses for residents living in and around the school’s Robinson campus. Learners can take classes like defensive driving, computer literacy, and GED preparation. Online students benefit from the same courses as their peers at other IECC schools.

LTC accepts new students in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. IECC uses the same application for its four member schools, and the college must receive all application materials at least 30 days before applicants intend to start courses. Financial aid opportunities exclusive to LTC students include general and transfer scholarships. Incoming learners who possess excellent GED scores may qualify for additional financial aid opportunities.

city colleges of chicago jobs

Now we focus on city colleges of chicago jobs, chicago community colleges online courses and is community college free in chicago.

Call Center Rep (Remote)
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILAdmissions and Enrollment
Posted 02/14/22


Continuing Education – Creative Balloon Decor Instructor (Part-Time)
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILAdult and Continuing Education Programs
Posted 02/14/22


Enrollment Services Representative
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILAdmissions and Enrollment
Posted 02/14/22


Testing Specialist – Adult Education
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILTutors and Learning Resources
Posted 02/14/22


AHS – Project Science Teacher
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILChild Care Services
Posted 02/13/22

Best Community Colleges in Chicago - 2022 HelpToStudy.com 2023


Asst Clinical Dir-Wellness Ctr
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILHealth and Medical Services
Posted 02/13/22


College Clerical Asst II
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILAdministrative Assistants
Posted 02/13/22


College Clerical Asst II
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILAdministrative Assistants
Posted 02/13/22


Academic Systems Analyst
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILRegistrars
Posted 02/13/22


Case Manager-Wellness (Daley College)
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILHealth and Medical Services
Posted 02/13/22


Content Manager
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILCommunications, Marketing, and Public Affairs
Posted 02/12/22


Dean of Enrollment Management
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILAdmissions and Enrollment
Posted 02/12/22


Admissions Specialist
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILAdmissions and Enrollment
Posted 02/11/22


Manager of Marketing Communications
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILCommunications, Marketing, and Public Affairs
Posted 02/09/22


Mgr-Academic Program Dev
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILCurriculum Design
Posted 02/09/22


Career Exploration -Instructor (PT)
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILCareer Development and Services
Posted 02/08/22


Clinical Counselor-Wellness Center
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILCounseling and Psychological Services
Posted 02/08/22


College Readiness – Instructor (PT)
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILStudent Affairs and Services
Posted 02/08/22


Coordinator – Student Activities
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILStudent Affairs and Services
Posted 02/08/22


Work Skills Readiness – Instructor (PT)
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILCareer Development and Services
Posted 02/08/22


Part-Time Librarian
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILLibraries
Posted 02/07/22


Account Analyst
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILBusiness and Financial Services
Posted 02/06/22

chicago community colleges online courses

More details coming up on chicago community colleges online courses and is community college free in chicago.

Online Learning

Online Learning courses are offered at all seven City Colleges of Chicago locations and provides the flexibility to earn college credit at a distance. Online Learning courses are offered at all seven City Colleges of Chicago locations and provides the flexibility to earn college credit at a distance.​ Students should contact their College Advisor if they have any questions about enrolling in online classes.                                    ​     

Online classes are offered in a variety of disciplines including courses in business, computer science, economics, English, geography, geology, history, humanities, mathematics, philosophy, political science, psychology, science, and sociology.

                     

Online courses have the same prerequisites, academic requirements, credits, and transferability as courses taught in the traditional classroom format. They also have the same rigor and although faculty facilitate learning, students must have excellent time management skills to complete all of the online readings, assignments, and projects. Online courses are not self-paced, and students will move through the courses based on a clear syllabus and course outline.     Students will complete course work using the learning management system (Brightspace) and utilize a tool called Zoom to interact with their instructors and other students. Reading required course materials, submitting homework assignments, viewing recorded course sessions, and taking quizzes and exams are also part of online courses. Some courses may have an in-person, required on-site component within the learning objectives. Finally, online courses may require students to take some exams in a proctored setting at one of the City Colleges or an off-site location.                        

Teaching for Online Learning

Revising/Updating Online Courses

 If you are interested in being apart of an Online Learning course revision team, please contact your Department Chair/Dean of Instruction for more details.     

Tuition and Fees     Online Learning courses follow the same tuition and fee structure as in-person classes.
Registration

Students can register for online courses at any of the seven City Colleges of Chicago. New students must apply for admission and register for classes in person at the college of your choice. Online Learning highly recommends all students take the Online Learning Readiness Quiz before registering for courses.

Residency Requirement

Students enrolled in online courses must be verified residents of Illinois prior to the first day of the semester or risk being dropped from their online courses.  City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) is only authorized to offer online courses in the state of Illinois.  Therefore, if students change their residency from Illinois to another state while enrolled in CCC online courses, the change of residency may impact the availability of financial aid funds to the student.  Click for more information on residency verification​.​   
Course Information

  • Minimum System Requirements
  • Students should purchase course materials prior to the first day of the term
  • Students can log in to http://brightspace.ccc.edu​ on the first day of the term to review the course syllabus and other information

​Exams 

Some Online Learning courses require one or more proctored examinations. You can determine whether a course you are interested in requires a proctored examination by looking at the course notes when registering for your classes. For additional information please contact your instructor. 

City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X - West Side Learning Center

is community college free in chicago

Chicago Public Schools students–and now, students attending Chicago-based Big Shoulders Fund-supported schools–are able to pursue a degree or certificate at City Colleges at no cost. That’s free tuition and books!

City Colleges of Chicago is taking affordable education to the next level by offering programs in select high-demand fields at no cost to the student.

Following more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the best time to prepare for a new career.  City Colleges wants to give a financial boost to Chicagoans wanting to start or resume their college education.

The terms are simple, the requirements are easy and the price is unbeatable.

Who can participate in the Future Ready program?

  • Chicago residents, and
  • Students new to City Colleges, including:
    • Students who have only taken adult education courses
    • Students who have only taken Continuing Education courses
  • Or, students who are returning to City Colleges after 2 spring/fall semesters away, who left City Colleges in good standing, and must complete a new City Colleges application
  • Students with undocumented status are eligible to apply to Future Ready

Choose from Credit or Continuing Education Programs

Credit Programs

  • Earn college credit
  • Work towards earning a basic certificate or advanced certificate
  • Classes may be transferable to degree programs at City Colleges or to other colleges and universities

How Future Ready works for credit programs: Future Ready is a last-dollar scholarship for students pursuing credit programs. Students apply for financial aid and Future Ready makes up any difference in tuition cost.Continuing Education Programs

  • May earn industry-recognized professional credentials
  • No college credit
  • Classes generally non-transferable

How Future Ready works for continuing education programs: Qualifying students enrolling in Future Ready Continuing Education programs that are not financial aid eligible will take the programs for free.

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