Skip to main content
$4,380Tuition
5,847Students
14%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$32,427Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

Malcolm X College serves as a healthcare education center on Chicago's West Side, training the next generation of nurses and health professionals. The school enrolls 5,847 students who primarily pursue two-year degrees in high-demand medical fields. Nearly all students (99.82%) come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community focused on serving local healthcare needs. The college has built its reputation around practical nursing programs and allied health training that feeds directly into Chicago's hospital systems.

Students pay an average net price of $3,729 after financial aid, making it one of the most affordable paths to healthcare careers in the city. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $3,131 annually. Graduates earn a median of $32,427 ten years after starting, while typical student debt stays manageable at $8,375. The math works for most students, especially considering the strong job market for healthcare workers in Chicago.

The student body is predominantly female (78.66%) and reflects the diversity of the surrounding community, with 52.10% Hispanic and 35.88% Black students. Only 2.53% of students take federal loans, showing that most can afford their education without heavy borrowing. The 94.1% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement in the healthcare sector.

Academics & Faculty

Malcolm X College serves Chicago's West Side with strong health sciences programs that prepare students for nursing and allied health careers. The college enrolls 5,847 students with a student-faculty ratio of 24:1, which is typical for community colleges but means less individual attention than smaller schools. The 14.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and studies. Women make up 78.66% of students, largely due to the popularity of nursing programs. The college's health science focus gives students direct pathways into Chicago's large healthcare sector. Students can transfer credits to four-year universities or enter the workforce with career-ready skills.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
24:1
Full-Time Faculty
38.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
14.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,427

Campus Life

Malcolm X College sits in Chicago's West Side, where 5,847 students navigate a completely commuter experience since no on-campus housing exists. Women make up 78.66% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong reputation for nursing and health sciences programs that draw many career-changing students. Winter coats are essential from November through March as Chicago temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of urban community colleges. Students come primarily from the immediate area, with 99.82% from Illinois. Many balance work schedules with classes since 94.1% of graduates find employment shortly after completing programs. Weekend life revolves around family obligations and work rather than traditional campus activities. The Hawks compete in four NJCAA sports with 82 total athletes, though athletics play a minimal role in campus culture. Most students view Malcolm X as a practical stepping stone for healthcare careers or transfer to four-year universities, spending just enough time on campus to complete coursework before heading back to their neighborhoods and responsibilities.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 7
Domestic Violence 0 0 0 5
Aggravated Assault 0 0 1 3
Robbery 0 0 0 3
Dating Violence 2 0 0 0
Rape 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–31°F
July Avg
67°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
40.6"
Annual Snowfall
38.8"

Student Demographics

Malcolm X College draws students primarily from Chicago's diverse West Side communities. Women make up nearly four-fifths of the enrollment, reflecting the college's strong reputation in nursing and health sciences programs. The student body is predominantly Hispanic and Black, mirroring the surrounding neighborhoods. Nearly all students are Illinois residents, showing the college's deep local roots. With 42% receiving Pell Grants, the school serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways into healthcare careers. The demographic mix reflects Malcolm X's mission as a community anchor providing accessible medical training.
Men
21.3%
Women
78.7%
White
5.4%
Black
35.9%
Hispanic
52.1%
Asian
2.7%
In-State Students
99.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
42.1%

Location

Malcolm X College sits on Chicago's West Side, serving one of America's largest metropolitan areas with 5,847 students. The campus operates in an urban setting where 99.82% of students come from in-state, reflecting its deep community ties. Chicago's West Side has historically been a center for healthcare and social services, which aligns with the college's reputation for health sciences programs. The area offers extensive public transportation and access to major medical centers where students complete clinical rotations. Women make up 78.66% of enrollment, typical for institutions strong in nursing and healthcare fields. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Malcolm X College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Chicago, Illinois 60612-3197

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,427
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,180
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$24,500
Loan Repayment Rate
22.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$89/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,375

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?

Malcolm X College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The school serves 5,847 students with 99.82% coming from Illinois. This accessibility makes it a popular entry point for Chicago-area students seeking affordable higher education.

How much does City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $3,729, making it one of Chicago's most affordable college options. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,131 after aid, while 42.08% receive Pell Grants. The low monthly loan payment of $89 reflects the school's commitment to accessible education.

What is City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College known for academically?

Malcolm X College is well-known for its health sciences programs and nursing education, serving Chicago's West Side community. The student-faculty ratio of 24:1 allows for reasonable class sizes in these hands-on programs. The school's focus on healthcare training addresses critical workforce needs in urban Chicago.

What are the job prospects after attending City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?

Graduates achieve a 94.1% employment rate, demonstrating strong job placement in the Chicago market. The median earnings of $32,427 ten years after enrollment reflect the practical, career-focused nature of the programs. However, the 14.40% six-year graduation rate indicates many students transfer or take longer to complete their studies.

What is the student body like at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?

The student population is 78.66% women and predominantly serves communities of color, with 52.10% Hispanic and 35.88% Black students. This demographic reflects the college's mission to serve Chicago's diverse West Side neighborhoods. The gender distribution aligns with the school's strength in nursing and health sciences, fields that traditionally attract more women.

Does City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College offer athletic programs?

The Hawks compete in the NJCAA with 4 varsity sports and 82 total athletes. The athletic program receives $416,976 in scholarship funding, providing opportunities for student-athletes in the community college system. While athletics aren't the main draw, they add to campus life for this urban commuter college.