Elgin Community College: $3,180 Tuition

$3,180Tuition

6,463Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,516Earnings

#24 in IllinoisPublic2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College serves as a gateway to higher education for students across the northwest Chicago suburbs. The college enrolls 6,463 students and has built a reputation for strong transfer programs that feed into four-year universities. Nearly all students are Illinois residents at 99.37%, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Spartans compete in eight varsity sports with 114 total athletes, though athletics takes a backseat to academics and career preparation.

Students pay an average net price of $5,778 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to a degree. Low-income families pay just $4,316 annually, while even higher-income students rarely exceed $9,000. Graduates earn a median of $45,516 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns on a modest investment. Most students graduate with only $7,390 in debt, keeping monthly loan payments at a manageable $78.

The student body reflects the region's diversity, with Hispanic students comprising 44.51% of enrollment and white students at 36.21%. Only 21.85% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families seeking affordable education options. The 41.10% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges, where many students transfer before completing their associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Elgin Community College serves as a stepping stone for students transferring to four-year universities and those entering the workforce directly. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 41% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. ECC has built a reputation for strong nursing and healthcare programs that feed into the region's medical facilities. The college also offers robust workforce training in manufacturing and automotive technology, serving the industrial needs of northwest Chicagoland. Transfer students benefit from articulation agreements with nearby universities like Northern Illinois University.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 29.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,516

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,964
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$49,019
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$48,432
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$46,478
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$45,305
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$42,682
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$40,188
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$39,741
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$38,289
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$36,674

View all 86 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Elgin Community College navigate a commuter campus about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. The 6,463 students create a busy atmosphere during weekdays, with 53% women and a diverse student body that's 45% Hispanic and 36% white. Winter coats are essential from November through March as Illinois winters bring snow and temperatures often below freezing.

The 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio means classes feel personal despite the size. Nearly all students (99%) come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community of locals who often know each other from high school. Weekends typically mean heading home or working, as this is primarily a commuter school without campus housing. The Spartans compete in 8 varsity sports with 114 total athletes, giving students some school spirit outlets.

Students balance academics with jobs, reflecting the practical nature of community college life. The employment rate of 92% suggests many students work while attending classes. Campus life revolves around getting education efficiently and affordably, with strong connections to the northwest Chicago suburbs where most students live.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1949

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–29°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.8"
Annual Snowfall: 29.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly everyone at Elgin Community College comes from Illinois, reflecting its role as a local gateway for northwest Chicago suburb residents. Hispanic students make up the largest demographic group, followed by white students, creating a diverse learning environment that mirrors the region's changing population. The student body leans slightly female, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare and education programs. Most students work while attending classes, drawn by affordable tuition and flexible scheduling that fits around jobs and family responsibilities.

Men: 46.7%
Women: 53.3%
White: 36.2%
Black: 4.0%
Hispanic: 44.5%
Asian: 6.8%
In-State Students: 99.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 21.9%

Location

Elgin sits 40 miles northwest of Chicago in Illinois's Fox River valley. The city of 114,000 offers suburban living with easy access to the nation's third-largest metropolitan area. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 99.37% being Illinois residents who appreciate the proximity to both urban opportunities and smaller community feel. The Fox River runs through downtown Elgin, creating scenic riverfront areas and bike trails. Students benefit from internship and job opportunities in Chicago while enjoying lower living costs in the suburbs. The college draws heavily from the diverse northwest suburbs, with 44.51% Hispanic enrollment reflecting the area's demographics. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Elgin Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Elgin, Illinois 60123-7193

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,516
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,211
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $78/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,390

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Elgin Community College?

Elgin Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. With 6,463 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the northwest Chicago suburbs. Nearly all students (99.37%) come from Illinois, reflecting the college's role as a local educational resource.

How much does Elgin Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,778 annually, making it an affordable option for higher education. In-state tuition runs $3,180 while out-of-state students pay $9,516. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,316 on average, and graduates typically leave with only $7,390 in debt.

What academic programs is Elgin Community College known for?

The college operates on a semester system with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, focusing heavily on transfer programs and workforce training. Students can choose from programs designed to either transfer to four-year universities or enter the job market directly. The college has built a strong reputation for preparing students for both academic and career pathways in the Chicago area.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Elgin Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 41.10%, which reflects the diverse student body and varying educational goals at community colleges. Graduates achieve a 92.3% employment rate and earn a median salary of $45,516 ten years after enrollment. The college's focus on practical skills and local workforce needs helps students find jobs in the competitive Chicago market.

Where is Elgin Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Elgin, a mid-size city in the northwest Chicago suburbs, serving a diverse student population that is 44.51% Hispanic and 36.21% White. With 53.26% of students being women and 46.74% men, the campus reflects the changing demographics of the region. The Spartans compete in eight varsity sports through the NCCAA with 114 total athletes receiving $236,046 in athletic scholarships.

How much financial aid do students receive at Elgin Community College?

Only 21.85% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that many students come from middle-income families who can afford the low tuition. Just 5.51% receive institutional grants averaging $4,599, while only 3.21% take out federal loans. The low borrowing rates reflect both the affordable tuition and the fact that many students work while attending classes part-time.