About Highland Community College
The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,506 after aid, while even middle-income families pay around $6,903. Graduates earn a median of $37,928 ten years later, with typical debt loads of only $8,029. Monthly loan payments average $85, making Highland one of the more affordable paths to career training in the region.
Women make up 65% of the student body, reflecting strong nursing and allied health programs. The Cougars field 10 varsity sports with 96 total athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. With an employment rate of 93.6%, Highland delivers on its promise of job-ready training. Only 30% of students need financial aid, suggesting many pay as they go while working part-time jobs in the surrounding agricultural economy.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,928
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,497 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $24,730 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,781 |
Campus Life
Nearly 95% of students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community feel. As a commuter school, most students drive home after classes rather than hanging around campus. The Cougars compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 96 total athletes, giving the campus some athletic energy during game seasons. Students often head to nearby Rockford for shopping and entertainment on weekends, or take advantage of the rural setting for outdoor recreation. The 64% female student body creates a collaborative classroom atmosphere. With relatively low costs and strong local connections, many students work part-time jobs in Freeport while completing their two-year programs before transferring to four-year universities.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–28°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 31.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.3%
- Women
- 64.7%
- White
- 68.6%
- Black
- 13.3%
- Hispanic
- 7.1%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 94.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.2%
Location
- Address
- Freeport, Illinois 61032-9341
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,928
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,875
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $85/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,029
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Highland Community College?
Highland Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning students with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. The college serves 926 students with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. Most students (94.42%) come from Illinois, making it a strong local option for northwestern Illinois residents.
How much does Highland Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $5,359 annually, making Highland one of the most affordable higher education options in Illinois. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,506 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $4,696 before any financial assistance. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many low-income families.
What academic programs is Highland Community College known for?
Highland offers career-focused programs that lead to strong employment outcomes, with 93.6% of graduates finding work after completion. The college emphasizes practical training and workforce development for the rural Freeport area. Students benefit from small class sizes with the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring individualized instruction.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Highland Community College?
Graduates earn a median of $37,928 ten years after enrollment, which is competitive for a two-year degree in rural Illinois. The 46% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work and family responsibilities. Most importantly, 93.6% of completers find employment, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in workforce preparation.
Where is Highland Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Freeport, Illinois, a rural-fringe community in the northwestern part of the state. Highland fields 10 varsity sports teams competing in the NJCAA with 96 total student-athletes earning $223,809 in athletic scholarships. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 68.57% white, 13.28% Black, and 7.13% Hispanic.
Does Highland Community College offer good value for student debt?
Students graduate with a median debt of just $8,029, resulting in manageable monthly loan payments of $85. Only 6.25% of students take out federal loans, indicating most can afford the low tuition without borrowing. The loan repayment rate of 36.64% shows some graduates struggle to repay, but the low debt burden makes Highland a financially safe choice.
