City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College

$4,380Tuition

4,146Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,531Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College

Harold Washington College sits in the heart of Chicago's Loop, bringing career-focused education directly to the city's business district. The college serves 4,146 students with workforce training programs designed for Chicago's job market. Students can walk to internships and jobs at major corporations, banks, and government offices that surround the downtown campus.

The financial picture here works for working-class families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $2,190 after aid, while the median debt load stays low at $5,750. Graduates earn a median of $36,531 ten years out, making the investment manageable with monthly loan payments of only $61. Just 2.12% of students take federal loans, showing most can afford the education without heavy borrowing.

The student body reflects Chicago's diversity, with 48.46% Hispanic students, 26.63% Black students, and 58.25% women. Nearly everyone comes from Illinois, creating a strong local connection. The 90.2% employment rate demonstrates the college's success at job placement, though the 28.60% six-year graduation rate shows many students face challenges completing their programs. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay reasonably sized for a large urban college.

Academics & Faculty

Harold Washington College serves as Chicago's downtown community college, strategically positioned in the Loop to connect students with the city's business district. The college enrolls 4,146 students with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors despite its urban scale. Known for workforce development programs that align with Chicago's job market, the school emphasizes career training over traditional academics. The 28.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including work obligations and part-time enrollment. Students benefit from proximity to internships and employment opportunities in downtown Chicago. The college particularly excels in business, healthcare, and culinary arts programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment in the city.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,531

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$29,685

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Harold Washington College sits in the heart of Chicago's Loop, where 4,146 students navigate city life between classes. The campus occupies several floors of downtown buildings rather than a traditional quad setup. Students bundle up for harsh Chicago winters that can drop below freezing for months, while summers bring humid heat and occasional lake breezes from nearby Lake Michigan.

With 58.25% women and strong Hispanic representation at 48.46%, the student body reflects Chicago's diversity. As a commuter school with no campus housing, students scatter across the city after classes end. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes despite the urban setting. Many students work while studying, with 90.2% employed after graduation earning a median $36,531 within ten years.

Weekends often mean heading home to neighborhoods across Chicago's 99.37% in-state student base. Some students grab coffee at nearby spots or study in the library before catching the El train. The downtown location offers internship opportunities steps away, though the commuter culture means less traditional campus social life compared to residential colleges.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	8
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	1
Robbery	1	1
Domestic Violence	0	1
Rape	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–31°F
July Avg: 67°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.3"
Annual Snowfall: 38.8"

Student Demographics

Harold Washington College draws primarily local Chicago students, with nearly all enrollment coming from Illinois residents. The student body reflects the city's diversity, with Hispanic students making up the largest group, followed by Black students, creating a active multicultural campus in the Loop. Women slightly outnumber men, likely drawn to the college's strong healthcare and business programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class Chicagoans seeking affordable career training and transfer opportunities in the heart of downtown.

Men: 41.8%
Women: 58.3%
White: 10.9%
Black: 26.6%
Hispanic: 48.5%
Asian: 6.7%
In-State Students: 99.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.8%

Location

Harold Washington College sits in Chicago's bustling Loop district, placing students in the heart of the nation's third-largest city. The campus operates within walking distance of major employers, cultural institutions, and public transportation centers that connect to the entire metropolitan area. Chicago's downtown core offers internships at Fortune 500 companies, strong museums, and diverse neighborhoods spanning 234 square miles. The college serves a predominantly local student body, with 99.37% of enrollment coming from Illinois residents. The urban setting provides immediate access to job opportunities that help explain the school's 90.2% employment rate after graduation. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Harold Washington College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Chicago, Illinois 60601-2449

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,531
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,636
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 23.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $61/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College?

Harold Washington College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 4,146 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in Chicago's downtown Loop. The school primarily attracts Illinois residents, with 99.37% of students coming from in-state.

How much does City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $2,974 annually, making this one of the most affordable college options in Chicago. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,190 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $4,380 before financial assistance. About 34.79% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class communities.

What academic programs is City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College known for?

The college specializes in workforce training programs designed to prepare students for Chicago's job market. With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, classes focus on practical skills and career preparation. The downtown location provides unique access to internships and employment opportunities in the Loop's business district.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 28.60%, which is typical for urban community colleges serving working students who often attend part-time. Graduates achieve a 90.2% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in job placement. Alumni earn a median salary of $36,531 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical nature of the programs offered.

Where is City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Chicago's bustling Loop district, surrounded by skyscrapers, businesses, and cultural attractions. Students experience urban college life with easy access to public transportation and downtown amenities. The diverse student body is 48.46% Hispanic, 26.63% Black, and 58.25% female, reflecting Chicago's multicultural population.

How affordable is student debt at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College?

Students graduate with a remarkably low median debt of $5,750, far below the national average for college borrowers. Monthly loan payments average just $61, making repayment manageable for graduates entering the workforce. Only 2.12% of students take federal loans, indicating that most can afford the low tuition without significant borrowing.