City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

$4,380Tuition

1,564Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$28,467Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

Kennedy-King College serves Chicago's South Side as part of the City Colleges system, focusing on workforce development and transfer preparation. The college enrolls 1,564 students in a large urban setting. Kennedy-King has built its reputation around healthcare training programs, automotive technology, and criminal justice preparation. The student-faculty ratio of 17:1 allows for more personalized attention than many larger institutions.

Students from low-income families pay an average net price of $4,396 after financial aid. This represents excellent value compared to the median graduate earnings of $28,467 after ten years. Monthly loan payments average just $66 for those who borrow. The typical graduate carries $6,180 in debt, a manageable amount given the earning potential in skilled trades and healthcare fields that Kennedy-King emphasizes.

The student body reflects the surrounding community, with 70.14% Black students and 21.80% Hispanic students. Nearly all students (99.33%) come from Illinois. The college fields five varsity sports teams with 81 total athletes competing in NJCAA competitions. Athletic scholarships total $143,368 across all programs. With an 88.9% employment rate after graduation, Kennedy-King delivers on its promise of preparing students for immediate workforce entry.

Academics & Faculty

Kennedy-King College serves as a full community college with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, providing relatively personalized attention in an urban setting. The college offers career-focused programs designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions. With a 25.50% six-year graduation rate, students face typical community college challenges of balancing work, family, and academic commitments. The school emphasizes practical training in healthcare, business, and technical fields that align with Chicago's job market needs. Many students use Kennedy-King as an affordable stepping stone, with 99.33% coming from in-state, taking advantage of lower costs before transferring to complete bachelor's degrees at other Illinois institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 47.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 25.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $28,467

Campus Life

Kennedy-King College sits on Chicago's South Side in the Englewood neighborhood, where 70% of students are Black and 22% are Hispanic. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack heavy coats for navigating between buildings from November through March. The campus serves as a commuter school where 99% of students are Illinois residents who drive or take public transit to classes.

With just 1,564 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll recognize faces walking through the hallways. The college operates on a semester system with classes that blend career training and transfer preparation. Since there are no dorms, weekends empty out quickly as students head home or to jobs. The 81 student-athletes compete in five NJCAA sports, creating some campus energy during basketball and other seasons. Students often study in small groups between classes, taking advantage of the personal attention that comes with the school's intimate size. The urban setting means Chicago's museums, restaurants, and internship opportunities are accessible by CTA train.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Robbery	0	8
Aggravated Assault	0	4
Domestic Violence	0	4
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0
Burglary	1	0
Dating Violence	0	1
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

Kennedy-King College draws almost entirely from Chicago neighborhoods, with 99% of students calling Illinois home. The student body is predominantly Black and Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of Chicago's South Side where the college sits. Over one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's role as an affordable pathway for working-class families. Women slightly outnumber men at 54%, typical for community colleges nationwide. This demographic mix aligns with Kennedy-King's mission as a local access point for career training and transfer preparation in underserved communities.

Men: 45.9%
Women: 54.1%
White: 2.7%
Black: 70.1%
Hispanic: 21.8%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.8%

Location

Kennedy-King College sits on Chicago's South Side, serving as one of seven campuses in the City Colleges of Chicago system. The campus operates within America's third-largest city, where 99.33% of students are Illinois residents. Chicago's South Side has deep roots in African American culture and history, which aligns with the college's student body that is 70.14% Black. The urban setting provides access to internships and jobs across Chicago's diverse economy. Students benefit from city amenities including public transportation, cultural institutions, and professional networking opportunities. The college serves a predominantly local community, with students typically living at home while pursuing their education. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Kennedy-King College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Chicago, Illinois 60621-2709

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $28,467
Median Earnings (5 years): $32,665
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 22.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $66/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,180

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College?

Kennedy-King College has an open enrollment policy as a community college, meaning all students with a high school diploma or GED can enroll. The school serves 1,564 students and draws almost exclusively from Illinois, with 99.33% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular entry point for students beginning their higher education journey on Chicago's South Side.

How much does City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,902 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at $4,380, while families earning under $30,000 pay approximately $4,396 after aid. The school keeps costs manageable with a median debt load of just $6,180 and monthly loan payments averaging $66.

What is the student-faculty ratio at City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College?

Kennedy-King maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. The school operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on career-oriented programs and transfer preparation. Students can choose from various associate degree programs designed to either launch careers or prepare for four-year university transfer.

What are the employment outcomes at City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College?

Graduates achieve an 88.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. However, the 6-year graduation rate stands at 25.50%, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. Median earnings reach $28,467 ten years after enrollment, with graduates typically earning around $30,680 one year post-graduation.

Where is City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Chicago's large urban environment, serving a predominantly African American student body at 70.14%. Women make up 54.09% of enrollment, while Hispanic students represent 21.80% of the population. The school offers five varsity sports through NJCAA competition with 81 total athletes and $143,368 in athletic scholarships available.

Does City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College offer financial aid to students?

About 37.82% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, indicating significant need among the student body. Only 7.80% receive institutional grants, though those awards average $5,930. The federal loan rate remains low at 2.95%, suggesting many students rely on grants and work rather than borrowing to fund their education.