Illinois Central College: $4,650 Tuition

$4,650Tuition

4,909Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,366Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Illinois Central College

Illinois Central College has built its reputation as a stepping stone for students across central Illinois since 1967. The college enrolls 4,909 students on its suburban East Peoria campus, serving as both a launching pad for four-year university transfers and a training ground for immediate career entry. Nearly 97% of students come from within Illinois, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Cougars compete in eight varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 147 student athletes sharing $449,865 in athletic scholarships.

The financial picture looks promising for families weighing their options. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $8,666 after aid, while even higher-income families face reasonable costs. Recent graduates earn a median of $37,366 ten years after enrollment, which easily covers the typical monthly loan payment of $94. Only 7.13% of students take federal loans, and those who do graduate with a manageable median debt of $8,900.

The student body skews 61% female and reflects the region's demographics. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personal attention. The 96.6% employment rate demonstrates the college's success in preparing students for the workforce, whether they transfer to complete bachelor's degrees or enter careers directly after graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Illinois Central College builds its reputation around practical career training and seamless university transfer options. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and can provide hands-on guidance in lab-heavy programs. With a 40.40% six-year graduation rate, the college reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing associate degrees or attend part-time while working. ICC excels in healthcare programs, particularly nursing and allied health fields that feed into central Illinois hospitals. The college also maintains strong partnerships with Illinois State University and other regional universities, making credit transfer straightforward. Students can earn industry certifications alongside their degrees in programs like welding, automotive technology, and business.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 42.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,366

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,910
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$47,846
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$42,682
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$39,009
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$36,312
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$33,993
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$30,771
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$26,353
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services.	Certificate	$22,578
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$17,208

View all 80 programs →

Campus Life

Students drive to the East Peoria campus from across central Illinois, with 96.6% coming from in-state. The suburban setting sits about 10 minutes from Peoria, giving you access to a mid-sized city without the chaos of Chicago two hours north. Winter coats are essential from November through March as temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

With 4,909 students and no dormitories, this is a commuter campus where most students work jobs alongside their studies. The 60.9% female student body reflects the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. Students often grab coffee between classes or study in the library, but weekends typically mean heading home or to work rather than campus activities. The 147 student-athletes competing in 8 varsity sports provide some school spirit, though the Cougars don't draw massive crowds. Many students appreciate the 16:1 student-faculty ratio that makes professors accessible. The campus culture centers on getting quality education at an affordable price before transferring to a four-year university or entering the workforce directly.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–33°F
July Avg: 66°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.6"
Annual Snowfall: 26.2"

Student Demographics

Illinois Central College draws students from across central Illinois, with 97% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the school's mission as an accessible community college serving working families. Women make up 61% of enrollment, drawn to ICC's strong healthcare and business programs. The college serves a diverse population with significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside its white majority. Students typically come from the local Peoria area seeking affordable career training or transfer preparation. Many are first-generation college students looking for practical pathways to employment or four-year degrees.

Men: 39.1%
Women: 60.9%
White: 68.0%
Black: 15.3%
Hispanic: 6.7%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 96.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.3%

Location

East Peoria sits across the Illinois River from Peoria, Illinois's seventh-largest city with roughly 113,000 residents. The campus serves the greater Peoria metropolitan area, which houses about 400,000 people in central Illinois. This region built its identity around manufacturing and agriculture, with Caterpillar's global headquarters anchoring the local economy. The college draws 96.56% of its students from within Illinois, reflecting its role as a regional institution. East Peoria offers suburban amenities while maintaining small-town accessibility, positioned about 165 miles southwest of Chicago and 160 miles northeast of St. Louis. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Illinois Central College with similar schools in the region.

Address: East Peoria, Illinois 61635-0001

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,366
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,821
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 45.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $94/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,900

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Illinois Central College?

Illinois Central College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, accepting 96.56% of students from in-state. The college serves as an accessible entry point for students seeking affordable higher education or career training in central Illinois.

How much does Illinois Central College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,510 after aid, with lower-income families paying less at $8,666 for those earning under $30,000. Only 22.25% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working students and those with moderate family incomes.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Illinois Central College?

Illinois Central College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio among its 4,909 enrolled students. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career-oriented programs alongside traditional academic transfer courses.

What are the employment outcomes for Illinois Central College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 96.6% employment rate with median earnings of $37,366 ten years after enrollment. The college's strong job placement reflects its emphasis on practical career training and partnerships with local employers in the East Peoria area.

Where is Illinois Central College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in East Peoria, Illinois, serving a large suburban community in central Illinois. With 147 student-athletes competing in 8 varsity sports as the Cougars, the campus offers a modest but engaged athletic program alongside its academic mission.

Does Illinois Central College offer good value for career training?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $8,900 and monthly loan payments of $94, making it an affordable option for career preparation. The 40.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's focus on working students who often attend part-time while balancing other responsibilities.