About City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College
Students pay an average net price of $5,749 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in the city. Graduates earn a median of $31,114 ten years after starting college. Those who complete programs typically carry just $7,646 in debt with monthly payments of $81. The low debt load makes this college attractive for students wanting to minimize financial risk while gaining credentials.
The student body reflects the surrounding community, with 67% Black students and 24% Hispanic students. Nearly all students come from Illinois, with 98.5% holding in-state status. Only 19.5% of students graduate within six years, though many transfer to four-year schools before completing associate degrees. The college offers six varsity sports through the NCCAA with 65 total athletes competing.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 32.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 19.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,114
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $20,140 |
Campus Life
The student-faculty ratio of 23:1 means larger class sizes than four-year colleges, but the 1,425 total enrollment keeps the campus intimate. With 55% women and 45% men, the atmosphere leans slightly female. Most students balance work and family responsibilities alongside their studies, creating a focused academic environment during the week. The college fields six varsity sports with 65 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. Weekends often mean catching up on coursework, working jobs, or spending time with family rather than traditional campus social events. The semester calendar allows students to complete associate degrees or career certificates while staying rooted in their South Side neighborhoods.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–32°F
- July Avg
- 68°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.6%
- Women
- 55.4%
- White
- 2.5%
- Black
- 67.4%
- Hispanic
- 24.0%
- Asian
- 0.5%
- In-State Students
- 98.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.8%
Location
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60628-1696
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,114
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $33,225
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 12.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $81/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,646
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College?
Olive-Harvey follows an open-access admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning students don't face competitive entrance requirements. The school serves 1,425 students primarily from Chicago's South Side, with 98.53% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for local residents seeking affordable higher education.
How much does City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,749 after aid, with in-state tuition set at $4,380 annually. About 30.75% of students receive Pell Grants, helping keep costs manageable for low-income families. The median student debt upon completion is just $7,646, lower than most four-year institutions.
What is the student-faculty ratio at City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College?
The college maintains a 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but means larger class sizes than at smaller institutions. The school focuses on career training and transfer programs that prepare students for the workforce or four-year universities. Students can choose from various academic pathways designed to meet local employment needs.
What are the employment outcomes for City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College graduates?
Graduates achieve an 85.5% employment rate, demonstrating the school's effectiveness in workforce preparation. However, the median earnings after 10 years is $31,114, reflecting the community college's role in training for entry-level and mid-skill positions. The relatively low loan repayment rate of 12.32% suggests some graduates face challenges meeting their financial obligations.
Where is City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College located and what is the campus like?
The college sits in Chicago's large urban environment, serving a diverse student body that is 67.37% Black and 24% Hispanic. Women make up 55.44% of the enrollment of 1,425 students. The urban setting provides access to internships and job opportunities throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
Does City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College offer athletic programs?
The college competes in the NCCAA with 6 varsity sports programs and 65 total student-athletes. Athletic scholarships total $125,400 across all sports, providing opportunities for student-athletes to reduce their education costs. The athletic programs add to campus life while maintaining the school's focus on academics and career preparation.
