City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

$4,380Tuition

4,186Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,625Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

Wilbur Wright College serves Chicago's diverse northwest side with practical career training and university transfer programs. The school enrolls 4,186 students who come almost entirely from Illinois (99.6%). Hispanic students make up the largest group at 63%, reflecting the surrounding community's demographics. The college focuses on getting students job-ready quickly or prepared for four-year universities.

Students pay an average of $2,651 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable options in Chicago. Low-income families pay just $1,621 per year. Graduates earn a median of $41,625 ten years after starting, while typical student debt is only $6,500. With monthly loan payments of just $69, the financial burden stays manageable. The employment rate of 88.3% shows most students find work after completing their programs.

Class sizes tend to be large with a 29:1 student-faculty ratio. Only 27% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many can afford the low tuition without borrowing. The Rams compete in just two NJCAA sports with only 30 total athletes. Wright College functions more as a stepping stone than a traditional college experience, helping working-class Chicagoans advance their careers or transfer to universities.

Academics & Faculty

Wright College focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation, serving Chicago's diverse northwest side with practical career training. The 29:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes typical of community colleges, though instructors emphasize hands-on learning in trades and healthcare programs. The college excels in automotive technology, nursing, and culinary arts, programs that directly connect to Chicago's job market. With a 32.5% six-year graduation rate, Wright serves many part-time students juggling work and family commitments. The college maintains strong transfer agreements with Illinois universities, allowing students to complete general education requirements affordably. Most graduates earn $41,625 within ten years, reflecting the practical focus of Wright's career-oriented programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Full-Time Faculty: 28.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,625

Campus Life

Wilbur Wright serves 4,186 students on Chicago's northwest side, where nearly 63% of the student body is Hispanic. The campus sits in a heavily urban area where you'll need a solid winter coat for those brutal Chicago winters and lake-effect snow. Classes average 29 students per instructor, creating a more intimate learning environment than massive lecture halls.

Since this is a community college, students don't live on campus and most commute from nearby neighborhoods. Nearly 100% of students are Illinois residents who typically work part-time jobs while taking classes. The 88% employment rate reflects students balancing school with careers or family responsibilities.

Weekend life revolves around Chicago rather than campus activities. Students often head downtown or explore the city's diverse neighborhoods. The Rams compete in just 2 NJCAA sports with only 30 total athletes, so school spirit centers more around academic achievements and career goals. With an average net price of $2,651, this college attracts working-class students focused on gaining job skills or transferring to four-year universities without crushing debt.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	5	0
Domestic Violence	5	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	2

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–31°F
July Avg: 66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.9"
Annual Snowfall: 38.4"

Student Demographics

Wilbur Wright College draws overwhelmingly from Chicago's neighborhoods, with 99.6% of students calling Illinois home. The student body reflects the city's northwest side demographics, with Hispanic students comprising nearly two-thirds of enrollment at 62.7%. This community college serves as an educational anchor for local families seeking affordable career training and university transfer options. The gender split runs nearly even between men and women. Students typically come from working-class backgrounds, with many balancing studies alongside jobs and family responsibilities in Chicago's diverse communities.

Men: 49.6%
Women: 50.4%
White: 17.8%
Black: 7.4%
Hispanic: 62.7%
Asian: 7.4%
In-State Students: 99.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.9%

Location

Wilbur Wright College sits in Chicago, Illinois, serving the city's diverse northwest side. The campus draws a heavily Hispanic student body, with 62.71% of its 4,186 students identifying as Latino. Nearly all students are Illinois residents, with 99.63% coming from in-state. Chicago's massive urban landscape provides extensive internship and job opportunities for graduates, who earn a median of $41,625 ten years after enrollment. The college operates in one of America's largest metropolitan areas, giving students access to major employers across industries from healthcare to manufacturing. The urban setting means students can tap into the city's extensive public transportation network and cultural resources. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Wilbur Wright College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Chicago, Illinois 60634-1500

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,625
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,058
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $69/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College?

Wilbur Wright College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 4,186 students, with 99.63% coming from Illinois. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for Chicago-area students seeking affordable higher education or career training.

How much does City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $2,651 annually, making Wilbur Wright one of the most affordable college options in Chicago. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,621 net price, while in-state tuition runs $4,380 before aid. The college keeps costs manageable with median debt of only $6,500 and monthly loan payments averaging $69.

What programs is City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College known for?

Wright College specializes in career training programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities, serving Chicago's diverse northwest side community. With a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, classes focus on practical skills development. The college's academic calendar follows a traditional semester system, allowing students flexibility in planning their educational journey.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College?

The college reports a 32.50% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $41,625 ten years after enrollment. Employment outcomes show promise with an 88.3% employment rate among graduates. However, the loan repayment rate of 41.26% suggests some students face challenges managing their educational debt.

Where is City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates in Chicago's large urban setting, serving a predominantly Hispanic student population that makes up 62.71% of enrollment. With nearly equal gender distribution at 50.36% women and 49.64% men, the campus reflects the diversity of Chicago's northwest neighborhoods. Limited athletics include just 2 varsity sports with 30 total athletes competing as the Rams in NJCAA competition.

How does financial aid work at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College?

Only 26.90% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, indicating many students pay out of pocket due to low costs. Institutional grants average $5,594 for the 16.17% of students who receive them. The extremely low federal loan rate of 0.60% reflects the college's affordability and students' preference for avoiding debt.