Carl Sandburg College: $5,300 Tuition

$5,300Tuition

1,124Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,274Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Carl Sandburg College

Carl Sandburg College draws 1,124 students to Galesburg, a town in west-central Illinois known for its railroad heritage and Carl Sandburg's birthplace. This community college specializes in career programs that get students job-ready quickly and transfer pathways for those heading to four-year universities. The student-faculty ratio of 16:1 ensures personal attention in both technical training and academic preparation. Students can choose from programs ranging from welding and nursing to liberal arts transfer tracks.

The financial picture tells a compelling story. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $557 annually after aid, while those from middle-income families ($48,000-$75,000) pay only $262. Graduates earn a median of $35,274 ten years out, with typical debt loads of just $4,909. Monthly loan payments average $52, making this education remarkably affordable. The employment rate hits 95.4%, showing strong job market outcomes.

Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong health sciences and education programs. The Chargers compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 126 total athletes. Nearly all students (94%) come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where local connections matter for both learning and future employment.

Academics & Faculty

Carl Sandburg College serves west-central Illinois with practical career training and university transfer programs. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means students get personal attention in small classes. The college focuses on workforce development programs like nursing, welding, and automotive technology that feed directly into local job markets. With a 37% graduation rate, the school attracts many part-time and working students who take longer to complete degrees. Transfer students benefit from guaranteed pathways to four-year universities across Illinois. The college also runs a respected agricultural program that reflects the rural farming community it serves. Most students stay local after graduation, with 95.4% finding employment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 38.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,274

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,731
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$43,319
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$37,568
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,227
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$18,771

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

Daily life at Carl Sandburg revolves around a compact campus in Galesburg, a railroad town 180 miles southwest of Chicago. With 1,124 students and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll recognize faces quickly around campus. The college operates as a commuter school with no residence halls, so 94% of students are local Illinoisans who drive home each evening.

Galesburg winters demand heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking between buildings. Students often gather in the student center between classes or grab coffee before their next session. With 67% women and an older student population typical of community colleges, the social scene centers more around study groups and career-focused clubs than traditional college parties. The Chargers field 10 varsity sports with 126 total athletes, creating some school spirit despite the commuter culture. Weekends typically mean work, family time, or catching up on coursework rather than campus events, reflecting the practical approach most students take toward their education here.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1966

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–30°F
July Avg: 65°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.1"
Annual Snowfall: -1,532.9"

Student Demographics

Carl Sandburg College draws overwhelmingly from Illinois communities, with nearly all students staying close to home for their education. The student body is about two-thirds women, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and other fields that traditionally attract female students. The college serves as an accessible entry point for first-generation college students and working adults seeking career changes. Students here typically balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing associate degrees or preparing to transfer to four-year universities within the state.

Men: 32.9%
Women: 67.1%
White: 66.6%
Black: 9.9%
Hispanic: 15.8%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 94.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.2%

Location

Galesburg sits in west-central Illinois about 180 miles southwest of Chicago and 45 miles from the Iowa border. The town has a population of around 30,000 and serves as a regional center for Knox County's agricultural communities. Carl Sandburg College draws 94% of its students from within Illinois, reflecting its strong ties to local farming and manufacturing areas. The campus sits in a classic Midwest small town where railroad history runs deep and cornfields stretch beyond city limits. The college serves as an educational anchor for students from rural communities within a 50-mile radius. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Carl Sandburg College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Galesburg, Illinois 61401

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,274
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,862
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 54.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $52/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $4,909

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Carl Sandburg College?

Carl Sandburg College operates with open admission as a community college, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned their GED. The school serves 1,124 students primarily from Illinois, with 94.29% coming from in-state. This accessibility reflects the college's mission to provide educational opportunities to the local west-central Illinois community.

How much does Carl Sandburg College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $1,036 after financial aid, making it one of the most affordable college options available. In-state tuition stands at $5,300 while out-of-state students pay $8,810. The college provides substantial support with 43.19% of students receiving Pell Grants and institutional grants averaging $8,055 for recipients.

What academic programs is Carl Sandburg College known for?

The college offers career-focused programs alongside transfer pathways to four-year universities, maintaining a 16:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention. Students can choose from various vocational and academic tracks designed to meet local workforce needs. The semester calendar system allows for structured progression through certificate and associate degree programs.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Carl Sandburg College?

Graduates achieve a strong 95.4% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce. The median earnings reach $35,274 ten years after enrollment, with graduates typically carrying manageable debt loads of $4,909. Monthly loan payments average just $52, reflecting the school's affordable approach to career preparation.

What is campus life like at Carl Sandburg College?

The campus serves a diverse student body with 67.08% women and 32.08% men, reflecting trends common in community colleges. Students can participate in 10 varsity sports as the Chargers, competing in NCCAA athletics with 126 total athletes. The college provides $385,137 in athletic scholarships to support student-athletes in balancing academics and competition.

Does Carl Sandburg College have a good graduation rate?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 37%, which aligns with national community college averages where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. The college's 54.20% loan repayment rate indicates graduates generally manage their financial obligations successfully. Many students use Carl Sandburg as a stepping stone to four-year institutions or enter the workforce directly after earning certificates.