About College of Lake County
College of Lake County serves as the educational center for Chicago's northern suburbs, drawing 9,282 students to its Grayslake campus. The college built its reputation on strong transfer pathways and career-focused programs, particularly in nursing, business, and technical fields. Students appreciate the manageable 16:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. Nearly all students (99.17%) come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for students watching their budgets. After aid, students typically pay $6,212 annually, making this an affordable entry point into higher education. Low-income families pay even less, with net costs dropping to $5,109 for those earning under $30,000. Graduates who borrowed money leave with a median debt of just $8,735, far below national averages. The monthly loan payment of $93 becomes manageable when weighed against median earnings of $43,424 ten years after enrollment.
The diverse student body reflects the changing demographics of Lake County, with Hispanic students comprising 46.56% of enrollment and white students making up 32.18%. The Lancers compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA, supported by $314,081 in athletic scholarships for 179 student-athletes.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for students watching their budgets. After aid, students typically pay $6,212 annually, making this an affordable entry point into higher education. Low-income families pay even less, with net costs dropping to $5,109 for those earning under $30,000. Graduates who borrowed money leave with a median debt of just $8,735, far below national averages. The monthly loan payment of $93 becomes manageable when weighed against median earnings of $43,424 ten years after enrollment.
The diverse student body reflects the changing demographics of Lake County, with Hispanic students comprising 46.56% of enrollment and white students making up 32.18%. The Lancers compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA, supported by $314,081 in athletic scholarships for 179 student-athletes.
Academics & Faculty
College of Lake County serves nearly half Hispanic students (46.56%) with strong career-focused programs in nursing, business, and technical fields. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors for students navigating their first college experience. With a 38.30% six-year graduation rate, CLC reflects the community college reality where many students work while attending or transfer before completing degrees. The school excels at workforce preparation, with graduates earning a median $43,424 after ten years. Nearly all students (99.17%) come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. CLC's transfer programs help students move on to four-year universities while keeping costs manageable at $4,494 for in-state tuition.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,424
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $59,350 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,920 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $55,512 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,565 |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $37,208 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $31,670 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $26,353 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Nearly half of College of Lake County's 9,282 students identify as Hispanic, making this one of the most diverse community colleges in northern Illinois. The Grayslake campus sits about 45 miles northwest of Chicago, close enough for internships and job opportunities but far enough to feel suburban. Students bundle up for harsh Illinois winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February.
As a commuter school with no campus housing, the 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class environments where professors know your name. Students typically arrive for morning classes and work or family obligations in the afternoon. The athletic program fields 10 varsity sports with 179 total athletes competing as the Lancers. Weekend social life revolves around local hangouts in downtown Grayslake or trips to Chicago for entertainment. Many students work while taking classes, reflected in the 92% employment rate. The semester system allows flexibility for working students, and nearly all students are Illinois residents who stay connected to their home communities while earning credits.
As a commuter school with no campus housing, the 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class environments where professors know your name. Students typically arrive for morning classes and work or family obligations in the afternoon. The athletic program fields 10 varsity sports with 179 total athletes competing as the Lancers. Weekend social life revolves around local hangouts in downtown Grayslake or trips to Chicago for entertainment. Many students work while taking classes, reflected in the 92% employment rate. The semester system allows flexibility for working students, and nearly all students are Illinois residents who stay connected to their home communities while earning credits.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1967
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–29°F
- July Avg
- 63°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 43.4"
Student Demographics
College of Lake County draws heavily from Chicago's northwest suburbs, with 99% of students coming from Illinois. The student body reflects the growing diversity of Lake County, where Hispanic students make up nearly half the enrollment at 47%. Women slightly outnumber men at 54%, typical for community colleges nationwide. With nearly a quarter of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or direct entry into careers like nursing and skilled trades.
- Men
- 46.3%
- Women
- 53.7%
- White
- 32.2%
- Black
- 7.3%
- Hispanic
- 46.6%
- Asian
- 5.4%
- In-State Students
- 99.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.7%
Location
Grayslake sits about 45 miles northwest of Chicago in Lake County's suburban landscape. The area blends small-town charm with proximity to Illinois' economic center. Nearly all students (99.17%) come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong local ties. Lake County offers a mix of suburban communities, forest preserves, and chain of lakes that give the region its name. The location provides access to both outdoor recreation and Chicago's job market. Students benefit from the college's suburban setting while remaining within commuting distance of major employers. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare College of Lake County with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Grayslake, Illinois 60030-1198
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,424
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,905
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $93/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,735
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at College of Lake County?
College of Lake County maintains an open-door admission policy typical of community colleges. With 9,282 students enrolled, the school welcomes students looking to complete their first two years of college or pursue career training programs.
How much does College of Lake County cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,212 after aid, making it highly affordable. In-state tuition runs just $4,494, while families earning under $30,000 typically pay only $5,109 after grants and aid.
What academic programs is College of Lake County known for?
The college offers strong transfer programs and career training in nursing, business, and technical fields. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention across their semester-based curriculum.
What are the job prospects for College of Lake County graduates?
Graduates enjoy a 92% employment rate with median earnings of $43,424 ten years after enrollment. The college's focus on practical career training helps students enter the workforce quickly with relatively low debt loads averaging $8,735.
Where is College of Lake County located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Grayslake, Illinois, serving the large suburban Lake County area. With 179 student athletes competing in 10 varsity sports as the Lancers, the college offers a traditional community college experience close to home for 99% in-state enrollment.
How diverse is the student body at College of Lake County?
The college serves a majority-minority student population with 46.56% Hispanic students and growing diversity. Women make up 53.67% of the 9,282 students, reflecting the college's appeal across different demographics in Lake County.
