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$5,300Tuition
1,360Students
38%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$34,867Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Danville Area Community College

Danville Area Community College has served east-central Illinois since 1946, building a reputation for practical career training and solid transfer pathways. The college enrolls 1,360 students in a town setting that feels connected but not overwhelming. Students choose between workforce programs that lead directly to employment and transfer tracks that prepare them for four-year universities.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from low-income households pay just $1,026 after aid, while middle-class families typically pay around $2,000-$5,000 depending on income. Graduates earn a median of $34,867 ten years after starting, with typical monthly loan payments of only $77. The college keeps costs reasonable with median debt of $7,218, making it accessible for students who want training without crushing financial burden.

Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and human services. The Jaguars compete in 8 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 78 total athletes. With a 91.5% employment rate and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, the college delivers on its promise of personal attention leading to real job opportunities.

Academics & Faculty

Students at this community college work with faculty in small classes with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The college serves east-central Illinois with both career training and transfer programs designed to prepare students for four-year universities or immediate employment. About 38% of students complete their programs within six years, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family commitments. The college operates on a semester system and maintains strong connections to local employers. Students can choose from various associate degree programs and certificate options. The school's focus remains on providing affordable, accessible education that meets both academic transfer goals and workforce development needs in the region.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
60.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
37.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,867

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $59,124
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $52,420
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $29,322
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $25,194
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $22,329

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Students at this town-distant campus navigate four distinct seasons, bundling up in heavy coats during Illinois winters and enjoying mild springs and summers. The college sits about 130 miles south of Chicago in a town of 30,000, giving students access to local restaurants and shops without big-city distractions. With 1,360 students spread across a commuter-focused campus, most drive home each evening rather than staying for weekend activities.

The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know students by name. Women make up 60% of enrollment, while the student body reflects the region's diversity with 61% white and 23% Black students. The Jaguars field eight varsity sports with 78 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions, though athletics take a backseat to academics and work schedules for most students. Many juggle classes with part-time jobs or family responsibilities. Weekend social life revolves around informal gatherings rather than campus events, as 81% of students come from Illinois and often return home on weekends.
Setting
Town-Distant
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1946

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–35°F
July Avg
64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
83.5"
Annual Snowfall
-1,519.9"

Student Demographics

Students at Danville Area Community College come primarily from east-central Illinois, with about 8 in 10 staying close to home for their education. The student body is roughly 60% women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's nursing and allied health programs that have built its reputation in the region. About a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training. The college draws a racially diverse mix of students, with significant Black and Hispanic enrollment alongside its majority white population.
Men
39.6%
Women
60.4%
White
61.1%
Black
23.4%
Hispanic
7.0%
Asian
1.0%
In-State Students
80.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
24.1%

Location

Danville Area Community College sits in Danville, Illinois, about 130 miles south of Chicago and 40 miles east of Champaign-Urbana. The college serves a town of roughly 30,000 residents in east-central Illinois farming country. With 80.73% of students coming from in-state, most are locals from the surrounding agricultural region who want affordable education close to home. The campus operates on a semester system in this small industrial town near the Indiana border. Danville itself was once known for its manufacturing and remains a regional center for healthcare and agriculture. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Danville Area Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Danville, Illinois 61832-5118
Postcard showing the mess hall at the Soldiers' Home in Danville, Illinois, USA circa
Postcard showing the mess hall at the Soldiers' Home in Danville, Illinois, USA circa

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,867
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,974
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$27,400
Loan Repayment Rate
44.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$77/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,218

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Danville Area Community College?

The college maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. With 1,360 enrolled students, DACC serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in east-central Illinois. The school focuses on helping students either transfer to four-year universities or enter career programs directly.

How much does Danville Area Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $2,943 annually, making it highly affordable for community college education. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,026 per year, while in-state tuition runs $5,300 before aid. The typical graduate leaves with only $7,218 in debt and monthly loan payments of $77.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Danville Area Community College?

Classes average 16 students per faculty member, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college setting. The school operates on a semester calendar system and focuses heavily on career preparation alongside traditional transfer programs. Founded in 1946, DACC has built strong connections with local employers and four-year universities.

What are the employment outcomes for Danville Area Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 91.5% employment rate, reflecting the school's emphasis on practical career training. Median earnings reach $34,867 ten years after graduation, while recent graduates earn $39,283 in their first year. The school's career programs prepare students for immediate entry into the regional job market.

Where is Danville Area Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Danville, Illinois, a town-distant setting that serves the broader east-central Illinois region. About 80.73% of students come from in-state, creating a predominantly local community feel. The student body is 60.37% women and 61.10% white, with significant representation from Black students at 23.38%.

Does Danville Area Community College offer athletic programs?

The Jaguars compete in the NCCAA with 8 varsity sports programs involving 78 total student-athletes. The school awards $632,250 in athletic scholarships annually, supporting both competitive athletics and student access. Athletics provide another pathway for student engagement beyond the classroom at this community college.