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$4,060Tuition
1,851Students
45%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,810Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Illinois Valley Community College

The Eagles serve a tight-knit community in the Illinois Valley with 1,851 students. This rural community college has been training local workers since 1924, focusing on practical career preparation and transfer pathways. Nearly all students come from Illinois, reflecting the school's deep roots in the region.

Students pay an average of $3,957 after aid, making this one of the more affordable options in Illinois higher education. Low-income families pay just $1,688 net price, while even higher-income students rarely exceed $11,312. Graduates earn a median of $40,810 ten years out, providing solid returns on a modest investment. Monthly loan payments average only $87, and typical debt loads hit $8,233. The math works for students seeking practical skills without crushing debt.

The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personal attention in a small-town setting. About 44.5% of students complete their programs within six years, which is respectable for a community college serving first-generation and working students. The Eagles compete in 11 varsity sports with 114 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the modest size. With a 98.2% employment rate, graduates find work quickly in the regional economy.

Academics & Faculty

Illinois Valley Community College serves a nearly all in-state student body with 1,851 students in a small-town setting an hour southwest of Chicago. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention typical of community colleges focused on workforce preparation and transfer pathways. About 44.5% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the college's mix of career-focused associate degrees and students transferring to four-year universities. The college emphasizes practical training in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that align with regional employer needs. Students benefit from hands-on learning in programs designed to prepare them for immediate employment or seamless transfer to Illinois public universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
46.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
44.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,810

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $53,358
Biological and Physical Sciences. Associate $26,519
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $21,052

View all 52 programs →

Campus Life

This small community college sits in Oglesby, a town about 100 miles southwest of Chicago in Illinois's rural north-central region. Nearly all students (99.81%) come from in-state, creating a tight-knit local feel on campus. The 1,851 enrolled students navigate Illinois winters that demand heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking between classes.

As a commuter school, students typically drive home after classes rather than staying for campus activities. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll likely know your professors personally and see familiar faces in the hallways. About 114 students participate in the Eagles' 11 varsity sports programs through NCCAA competition. Weekends often mean heading to nearby Starved Rock State Park for hiking or returning to hometown jobs and family obligations. The surrounding area offers small-town charm but limited nightlife options. Students frequently mention the supportive atmosphere where staff remember your name and academic goals. The 98.2% employment rate suggests strong connections between the college and local employers in manufacturing and healthcare.
Setting
Town-Distant
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1924

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
14°–30°F
July Avg
62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
38.1"
Annual Snowfall
28.5"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students come from Illinois, reflecting the college's deep roots in serving local communities since 1924. The student body is primarily white with a growing Hispanic population that mirrors demographic changes in north-central Illinois. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges that attract students pursuing health sciences and education programs. About 29% receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. Students choose Illinois Valley for its strong job placement connections and practical programs that lead directly into the regional workforce.
Men
46.5%
Women
53.5%
White
71.2%
Black
2.2%
Hispanic
19.3%
Asian
0.7%
In-State Students
99.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
28.5%

Location

Oglesby is a small town in north-central Illinois, about 100 miles southwest of Chicago. The area sits in the Illinois River valley, surrounded by farmland and small industrial communities. Just 1,851 students attend this community college in a town of fewer than 4,000 residents. The setting offers a quiet, rural atmosphere where students know their classmates and professors personally. With 99.81% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with the agricultural landscape and tight-knit communities that define this part of Illinois. The nearby Starved Rock State Park provides outdoor recreation opportunities along the Illinois River. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Illinois Valley Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Oglesby, Illinois 61348-9692

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,810
Median Earnings (5 years)
$48,589
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,600
Loan Repayment Rate
46.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$87/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,233

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Illinois Valley Community College?

Illinois Valley Community College has open enrollment, meaning they accept all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 1,851 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the local community. Nearly all students are from Illinois, with 99.81% coming from in-state.

How much does Illinois Valley Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,957 after financial aid, making it highly affordable for most families. Low-income students with family incomes under $30,000 pay just $1,688 per year. Only 28.51% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's already low tuition of $4,060 for in-state students.

What academic programs is Illinois Valley Community College known for?

The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in classes. Illinois Valley focuses on career preparation and transfer programs, serving students in the rural Illinois Valley region. The college has been preparing students for four-year universities and immediate employment since 1924.

What are the employment outcomes for Illinois Valley Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an impressive 98.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong job placement success. The median earnings after six years reach $40,810, which is solid for a rural community college. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $8,233 and monthly loan payments of just $87.

Where is Illinois Valley Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Oglesby, Illinois, a small town in the scenic Illinois Valley region. With 114 athletes competing in 11 varsity sports as the Eagles, the college offers athletic opportunities despite its modest size. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 71.15% White and 19.34% Hispanic.

Does Illinois Valley Community College offer athletic scholarships?

The college awards $186,656 in athletic scholarships across its 11 varsity sports programs. The Eagles compete in the NCCAA conference with 114 student-athletes participating. This represents a significant investment in athletics for a community college of 1,851 students.