City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College

$4,380Tuition

2,248Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,484Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College

Harry S Truman College serves Chicago's diverse northwest side as one of the city's seven community colleges. The school enrolls 2,248 students and focuses on transfer preparation and workforce training programs. Nearly 40% of students are Hispanic, while 26% are Black and 18% are White, reflecting the multicultural neighborhoods it serves. The college operates on a semester system and maintains strong partnerships with four-year universities for students planning to transfer.

Students pay an average net price of $3,816 after financial aid, making it one of the more affordable higher education options in Chicago. In-state tuition runs $4,380 before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $36,484 ten years after starting, while typical student debt sits at just $6,997. Monthly loan payments average only $74 for those who borrow. The college delivers solid value for students seeking affordable education or career training.

The student body skews female at nearly 60%, and almost all students come from Illinois. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at four-year schools. The Falcons compete in three NJCAA sports with 53 total athletes. About 31% of students complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges where many attend part-time while working.

Academics & Faculty

Harry S Truman College serves Chicago's northwest side as a stepping stone to four-year universities and direct entry into the workforce. The community college maintains a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes but lower costs for students seeking transfer credits or career training. About 32% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face balancing education with jobs and family responsibilities. The college emphasizes practical workforce development alongside traditional academic transfer pathways. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates in fields like healthcare, business, and skilled trades before transferring to universities or entering Chicago's job market directly.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 26.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,484

Campus Life

Harry S Truman College sits in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood on the city's north side, where students navigate winters that regularly drop below freezing and require heavy coats from November through March. The 2,248 students commute to this urban campus since no dormitories exist. Nearly 99% of students come from Illinois, creating a distinctly local feel.

The diverse student body reflects Chicago's demographics, with 40% Hispanic students, 26% Black students, and 18% White students creating a multicultural environment. Women make up 60% of enrollment. Most students juggle work and classes, with many using the college as a stepping stone to four-year universities or entering workforce training programs. The 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges.

Weekends often mean work shifts rather than campus activities, as students pursue practical goals like transfer credits or career certifications. The Falcons compete in just three NJCAA sports with only 53 total athletes, so school spirit centers more around academic achievement than athletics. Students typically spend time in nearby Lincoln Park or downtown Chicago when not studying.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	0	1
Fondling	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	1
Robbery	1	0
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–31°F
July Avg: 67°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.4"
Annual Snowfall: 33.6"

Student Demographics

Harry S Truman College draws students from Chicago's diverse northwest side neighborhoods. Nearly 60% of students are women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's health sciences and education transfer programs. The student body is majority Latino and Black, with 40% Hispanic and 26% African American enrollment. Almost all students come from Illinois, showing the college's deep community roots. About one in five receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training.

Men: 40.2%
Women: 59.8%
White: 17.7%
Black: 26.5%
Hispanic: 39.9%
Asian: 9.1%
In-State Students: 98.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.9%

Location

Harry S Truman College sits in Chicago, Illinois, serving the city's diverse northwest side neighborhoods. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep community roots. The campus operates in one of America's largest metropolitan areas, giving students access to extensive internship and job opportunities across industries from finance to healthcare. Chicago's robust public transportation system connects students to downtown and other city colleges. The urban setting attracts a diverse student body where 40% are Hispanic, 26% are Black, and 18% are white. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Harry S Truman College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Chicago, Illinois 60640-6063

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,484
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,050
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $74/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,997

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College?

Truman College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school serves 2,248 students primarily from Chicago's northwest side. Nearly 99% of students come from Illinois, making it a true neighborhood institution.

How much does City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,816 annually, making Truman one of the most affordable college options in Chicago. In-state tuition starts at $4,380, while the lowest-income families pay just $3,271 after aid. Only 21% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many work while attending.

What is the student-faculty ratio at City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College?

Classes average 25 students per instructor, which is typical for community colleges but higher than four-year institutions. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on transfer preparation and workforce training. Students can choose from programs designed to either transfer to four-year universities or enter the job market directly.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College?

About 32% of students complete their programs within six years, while 89% find employment after graduation. Graduates earn a median of $36,484 ten years after starting college. The low median debt of $6,997 and monthly loan payments of just $74 make Truman a financially smart choice for career preparation.

What is the student body like at City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College?

The student population is 60% women and reflects Chicago's diversity with 40% Hispanic, 26% Black, and 18% White students. Asian students make up 9% of enrollment. This diversity mirrors the northwest Chicago neighborhoods that Truman serves as a community anchor.

Does City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College have athletic programs?

The Falcons compete in three NJCAA sports with 53 total student-athletes. The college awards $306,515 in athletic scholarships annually. While athletics exist, Truman's primary focus remains on academics and workforce development rather than sports competition.