Best Community Colleges In Illinois

Best colleges are those that make you feel like you can achieve your goals. However, what’s even more important is finding an affordable school that aligns with your interests and will lead to a career you love. In today’s job market, it is especially important for students to consider the full cost of college and its implications for their future.

If you’re looking for the best community college in Illinois, you’ll find a variety of choices. No matter where you live and your interests, there is likely a community college nearby that can help you achieve your educational goal. The top community colleges in Illinois all have their own unique benefits and attributes. 

In order to help prospective students choose the best community college for them, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 schools in Illinois. Each of these community colleges has been recognized for its exceptional academics, cost-effectiveness, and student success rates. These institutions offer affordable, accessible, and high-quality education to local students. The best community colleges will also have the resources to support your academic needs, as well as career ambitions.

In this article, we explore some of the most important considerations when evaluating these colleges and list some of the top options in the state for anyone who wants to pursue higher education without spending a fortune on tuition. We’ll cover the different types of degrees offered by each school, their locations, and admission requirements. Read on to discover more about the top community colleges in Illinois, or use this list as a guide to finding the right school for you!

What to look for in a community college?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a community college or other form of post-secondary education. These factors include:

  1. The type of program offered – Some community colleges offer very specific vocational programs, while others may offer a wider variety of topics.
  2. Cost of attendance – Community colleges often have much lower tuition rates than four-year institutions. This can make them a more affordable option for students, especially those who are not sure what they want to study.
  3. Online courses – Many community colleges now offer online courses, which can make them a convenient alternative for many students.
  4. Location – Some community colleges are accessible to a wider range of students than others. For example, a college near a city might offer more programs that are of interest to city residents.
  5. Course availability – In some cases, community colleges might have a longer wait time between registration and the start of a course than a traditional university. If you have a strict schedule, this can be a factor to consider.
  6. Degree flexibility – Some community colleges offer the option to transfer credits from one degree to another, which can help you avoid unnecessary coursework.
  7. Transferability – Some degree programs at community colleges are designed to provide the first two years of education needed for admission to a four-year institution. This can be an attractive option for students who want to save money by completing their education at a community college.
  8. The number of students – The level of student activity at a given college can vary widely. Some colleges are more focused on academics, while others offer more opportunities for professional development, internships, and extracurricular activities.

Vocational programs at community colleges

Many community colleges offer highly specialized vocational programs. These programs can be a great option for students who are interested in pursuing a specific career and do not want to spend time studying a broader range of topics. Some popular vocational programs at community colleges include:

  1. Nursing – Nursing degrees can vary depending on the program and institution, but they are generally two-year programs designed to prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Since demand for nurses is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, many people consider this a great career option.
  2. Paramedic and EMT – These are two-year programs designed to prepare students for work as paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
  3. Early childhood education – Early childhood education programs generally take two years to complete and are designed to prepare students to work with young children.
  4. Criminal justice – Community colleges often offer associate degrees in criminal justice, which can help students prepare for work in fields such as law enforcement.
  5. Computer science – Some community colleges offer two-year associate degree programs in computer science.
  6. Accounting – Associate degrees in accounting can help students prepare for a career in accounting.

Best Community Colleges In Illinois

Community Colleges
Image Credit: forbes.com

1. Bradley University

Bradley University is a private, nonprofit institution located in Peoria, Illinois. It offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as a variety of certificate programs. The university has several academic departments, including architecture, business, communication, engineering, humanities, social sciences, sciences, and special programs.

2. Central Illinois Community College

Central Illinois Community College is a public institution located in Danville, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of subjects. Students can choose from more than 40 areas of study, including architecture, business, computer science, engineering, health, human services, liberal arts, and science.

3. College of DuPage

The College of DuPage is a community college located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of subjects, as well as a selection of online programs. Students can choose from a variety of areas of study, including architecture, business, computer science, criminal justice, engineering, health and human services, liberal arts, and science.

4. Columbia College

Columbia College is a private, nonprofit institution located in Columbia, Illinois. The college offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in a variety of subjects. It has several academic departments, including communication, dance, engineering, liberal arts, music, sciences, and visual arts and design. Columbia College also offers a selection of online programs.

5. Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University is a public institution located in Charleston, Illinois. The university offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in a variety of subjects. It has several academic departments, including architecture, business, engineering, humanities and social sciences, liberal arts, music, sciences, special programs, and visual and performing arts.

6. Governors State University

Governors State University is a public institution located in University Park, Illinois. The university offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in a variety of subjects. It has several academic departments, including architecture, business, criminal justice, engineering, health, human services, humanities, social sciences, liberal arts, and sciences.

7. Illinois Valley Community College

Illinois Valley Community College is a public institution located in Oglesby, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of subjects. Students can choose from a variety of areas of study, including architecture, business, computer science, engineering, health, human services, liberal arts, and science.

8. Joliet Junior College

Joliet Junior College is a community college located in Joliet, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of subjects. Students can choose from a variety of areas of study, including architecture, business, computer science, engineering, health, human services, liberal arts, and science.

9. Kishwaukee College

Kishwaukee College is a public institution located in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of subjects. Students can choose from a variety of areas of study, including architecture, business, computer science, engineering, health, human services, liberal arts, and science.

10. Lewis and Clark Community College

Lewis and Clark Community College is a public institution located in Godfrey, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of subjects. Students can choose from a variety of areas of study, including architecture, business, computer science, engineering, health, human services, liberal arts, and science.

11. McHenry County College

McHenry County College is a public institution located in McHenry, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of subjects. Students can choose from a variety of areas of study, including architecture, business, computer science, engineering, health, human services, liberal arts, and science.

12. Parkland College

Parkland College is a public institution located in Champaign, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of subjects. Students can choose from a variety of areas of study, including architecture, business, computer science, engineering, health, human services, liberal arts, and science.

13. Richland Community College

Richland Community College, or RCC, is located in the southernmost part of Illinois, in the town of Olney. This two-year, public institution is the state’s largest community college and is nationally recognized for its academics. RCC is especially known for its science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. Forbes ranked RCC’s engineering program as one of the top 10 best community college engineering programs in the United States.

RCC’s STEM program is also one of the top 50 programs in the nation. According to RCC’s website, the STEM program has been designed to meet the demands of Illinois’s industrial and commercial sectors. Students can also pursue a wide range of liberal arts and health care degrees at RCC. RCC’s online programs have been recognized for their excellence and innovative approach to online learning.

14. Shimer College

Shimer College is a private, two-year liberal arts college located in the city of Waukegan. Shimer is one of the most unique and specialized schools in the state and offers a single program of study: the Great Books program. Shimer College’s Great Books program is a classical liberal arts curriculum that has been continuously offered since the school’s founding in 1853.

Shimer College has been nationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and has been named one of the best community colleges in Illinois for its focus on critical thinking.

15. Southeast Illinois College

Southeast Illinois College is a public institution located in Harrisburg, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a variety of subjects. Students can choose from a variety of areas of study, including architecture, business, computer science, engineering, health, human services, liberal arts, and science.

16. Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University is a public institution located in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. The school offers associate degrees in a variety of areas of study. Students can choose from a variety of areas of study such as architecture (including architectural design), business (including accounting), computer science (including computer programming), engineering (including construction management), health care (such as medicine), nursing (maternal service) and social work.

17. Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College, or ECC, is a two-year, public institution located in the city of Elgin, Illinois. ECC is one of the state’s most affordable community colleges, with over 40% of students using federal financial aid to cover the cost of tuition. ECC is also one of the most ethnically diverse schools in the state, with over half of the student population representing a minority group.

ECC is one of the most well-regarded community colleges in Illinois and has been recognized by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and the Aspen Institute.

18. Chicago State University

Chicago State University, or CSU, is a public, four-year institution located on the South Side of Chicago. CSU is the largest and only state-supported public university in Chicago and has been recognized as one of the country’s best community colleges for underrepresented minorities.

CSU is one of the most ethnically diverse schools in the Midwest, with over 80% of the student population representing a minority group. In addition to its excellent academics, CSU is also a nationally recognized leader in the field of sports. CSU’s basketball program has produced several professional athletes and is regularly featured in national rankings.

19. Harper College

Harper College is a public, two-year institution that is one of the most highly recognized community colleges in the state. Harper is nationally known for its Career & Technical Education Program, which has been recognized as one of the best programs of its kind in the entire country. Harper College was also recently named one of the top 25 community colleges in Illinois.

Several of Harper’s programs have been ranked among the best in Illinois, including the nursing, engineering, and business administration programs.

20. Illinois State University

Illinois State University, or ISU, is a public, four-year institution that is one of the best community colleges in the state. ISU is nationally recognized for its academic programs and student engagement. ISU’s engineering program is one of the best programs of its kind in the Midwest and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report.

ISU’s nursing program is also one of the best in the Midwest; in fact, ISU’s nursing program is one of the highest-ranking programs in the state. ISU is one of the most affordable community colleges in Illinois. ISU’s low cost of tuition and high student outcomes have made the school one of the best community colleges in Illinois.

Conclusion

Choosing the best community college in Illinois is an important decision for any student. These colleges have been recognized for their excellent academics, low costs, and exceptional outcomes.

Choosing the right community college means weighing your own interests and goals against the opportunities and limitations of each school. By reading this article, you’re already on your way to finding the best community college for you.

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