Heartland Community College: $5,460 Tuition

$5,460Tuition

2,991Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,768Earnings

#15 in IllinoisPublic2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Heartland Community College

Heartland Community College builds careers through hands-on training and solid transfer preparation for central Illinois. The college enrolls 2,991 students on its suburban Normal campus. Students can choose between workforce development programs that lead directly to employment or academic tracks that transfer seamlessly to four-year universities. The Hawks compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 175 student-athletes sharing over $1 million in athletic scholarships.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students pay an average net price of $11,389 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,373. Graduates earn a median of $40,768 ten years after starting, making the typical monthly loan payment of $83 quite manageable. Only 8.11% of students take federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median debt of just $7,826.

The student body reflects the region, with 97.12% coming from Illinois and women slightly outnumbering men at 56.47%. The college maintains strong employment connections, with 94.9% of graduates finding work. Class sizes stay reasonable with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The 51.80% six-year graduation rate is solid for a community college serving many part-time and working students.

Academics & Faculty

Heartland Community College serves central Illinois with career-focused programs and university transfer pathways. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors for a community college setting. With a 51.8% six-year graduation rate, about half of students complete their programs, which is typical for two-year institutions where many attend part-time or stop out for work. The college emphasizes practical training in healthcare, business, and skilled trades that connect directly to regional job markets. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates in high-demand fields, while others use Heartland as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities. The focus remains on accessible education that serves working adults and recent high school graduates.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 28.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,768

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$44,933
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$36,848
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,300
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$19,592

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

Heartland Community College sits in Normal, Illinois, just two hours south of Chicago and minutes from Illinois State University. With 2,991 students spread across a modern suburban campus, you'll find a mix of recent high school graduates and working adults returning to school. The student body is 56.47% women and draws almost entirely from Illinois, with 97.12% of students coming from in-state.

Central Illinois winters mean heavy coats and snow boots are essential gear from December through February. The Hawks compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA, drawing 175 student athletes who receive over $1 million in athletic scholarships combined. Since this is a commuter campus without dormitories, most students drive home after classes or work. The semester system keeps pace manageable, and with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students personally. Weekends often revolve around jobs or family time rather than campus parties. The 94.9% employment rate reflects the college's strong ties to local employers who actively recruit Heartland graduates.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1991

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
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–32°F
July Avg: 63°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 78.9"
Annual Snowfall: 19.9"

Student Demographics

Heartland draws nearly its entire student body from Illinois, reflecting its role as a trusted local pathway for central Illinois residents. Women make up 57% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where nursing, education, and health programs attract female students. The school serves a diverse mix of students, with about one-third from minority backgrounds. One in five students receives Pell Grants, showing Heartland's commitment to serving working-class families who need affordable career training and college transfer options close to home.

Men: 43.5%
Women: 56.5%
White: 64.1%
Black: 13.0%
Hispanic: 11.7%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 97.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.6%

Location

Normal sits in central Illinois, about 125 miles southwest of Chicago and 165 miles northeast of St. Louis. The town forms part of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area, home to roughly 170,000 people. Normal earned its name from hosting Illinois State Normal University (now Illinois State University), making it a classic college town. The area features flat prairie landscapes typical of central Illinois, with agriculture dominating the surrounding countryside. Normal's economy centers around higher education, insurance, and manufacturing. The town offers small-city amenities while maintaining affordable living costs. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Heartland Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Normal, Illinois 61761-9446

Heartland Community College - Normal, IL - February

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,768
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,173
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $83/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,826

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Heartland Community College?

Heartland Community College has an open-door admission policy typical of Illinois community colleges, welcoming nearly all students who apply. The college serves 2,991 students with 97.12% coming from in-state, reflecting its mission as a local access point for higher education in central Illinois.

How much does Heartland Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,389 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,373 after aid, while those earning over $110,000 pay $15,274, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in Illinois.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Heartland Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 19:1, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college setting. The college focuses on career training and transfer programs, preparing students for both immediate employment and continuation to four-year universities.

What are the employment outcomes for Heartland Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 94.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation from the college's career-focused programs. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $40,768, reflecting the practical skills training that community colleges are known for providing.

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

The campus sits in Normal, Illinois, a midsize suburban community that's home to Illinois State University. With 175 student athletes competing in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA, the Hawks provide opportunities for athletic participation alongside academic pursuits.

How long do students typically take to graduate from Heartland Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 51.80%, which reflects the diverse paths community college students take through their education. Many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degree, making graduation timelines more flexible than traditional four-year institutions.