John Wood Community College: $5,700 Tuition

$5,700Tuition

1,387Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,631Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About John Wood Community College

John Wood Community College builds careers through hands-on workforce training and solid transfer preparation for students across western Illinois. The college serves 1,387 students in the small town of Quincy, focusing on practical programs that connect directly to regional job markets. Students can choose from strong technical programs or use JWCC as a stepping stone to four-year universities.

The financial picture works in students' favor. Average net price sits at $6,596, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,642 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $38,631 ten years after starting, while typical student debt reaches only $8,029. Monthly loan payments average $85, making this education highly affordable compared to the earning potential it provides.

Women make up 63.66% of the student body, reflecting the college's appeal in healthcare and education programs. The Trail Blazers compete in six varsity sports with 113 total athletes. With nearly 90% of students coming from Illinois, JWCC maintains strong ties to the local community. A 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 89.4% employment rate shows employers value what graduates learn here.

Academics & Faculty

John Wood Community College focuses on workforce training and transfer preparation for students across western Illinois. The college serves 1,387 students with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that provides close mentorship in small classes. Popular programs include nursing, welding, and automotive technology that connect directly to regional job markets. Nearly 90% of students find employment after graduation. The 46% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degree. Strong partnerships with four-year universities make transferring credits seamless for students pursuing bachelor's degrees. Career-focused certificates and two-year degrees prepare graduates for immediate employment in skilled trades.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 27.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 45.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,631

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,192
Agricultural Business and Management.	Associate	$35,060
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$32,925
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$25,774
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$21,508
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$17,424

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

John Wood Community College sits in Quincy, a Mississippi River town about 120 miles from St. Louis. The 1,387 students navigate Illinois winters that demand heavy coats and boots from December through March. This is a commuter campus where nearly 89% of students come from in-state, most driving daily from surrounding rural communities.

Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and health programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent. Most students work part-time jobs in town while taking classes. Weekends often involve heading home to family farms or small towns within an hour's drive.

The Trail Blazers compete in six varsity sports with 113 total athletes, creating modest school spirit around basketball and baseball games. Social life centers more on study groups and career-focused clubs than parties. Students frequently transfer to four-year universities after completing general education requirements or earn certificates in trades like welding and automotive technology. The campus feels more like an extension of high school than traditional college life.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1974

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–34°F
July Avg: 66°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 74.0"
Annual Snowfall: -755.4"

Student Demographics

John Wood Community College draws students primarily from western Illinois, with nearly 9 in 10 coming from in-state. The school serves as an affordable stepping stone for local families, particularly those from modest economic backgrounds. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. The overwhelmingly local student base creates a tight-knit community atmosphere where students often know each other from high school. This demographic mix supports the college's dual mission of workforce training and transfer preparation for regional students.

Men: 36.3%
Women: 63.7%
White: 83.9%
Black: 4.8%
Hispanic: 2.8%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 89.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.4%

Location

Quincy sits on the Mississippi River in western Illinois, about 120 miles north of St. Louis. The town of 40,000 people provides a classic small-town college experience in a region known for agriculture and manufacturing. John Wood Community College draws 89% of its 1,387 students from within Illinois, reflecting its role as a local educational anchor. The Mississippi River location offers scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities, while the town maintains a historic downtown district. The college serves as a workforce development center for the broader western Illinois region, which includes several rural counties. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare John Wood Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Quincy, Illinois 62305-8736

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,631
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,611
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $85/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,029

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at John Wood Community College?

John Wood Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with high school diplomas or equivalents. The college serves 1,387 students primarily from western Illinois, with 89% coming from in-state. Founded in 1974, the school focuses on providing accessible higher education and workforce training to the rural Quincy area.

How much does John Wood Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,596 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,642 after aid, while higher-income families above $110,000 pay $12,913. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class communities in rural Illinois.

What is the student-faculty ratio at John Wood Community College?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in small classes. John Wood is known for strong workforce training programs that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The college operates on a semester calendar system with a focus on practical, career-oriented education.

What are typical earnings after graduating from John Wood Community College?

Graduates earn a median of $38,631 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment outcomes showing an 89.4% employment rate. The college's emphasis on workforce development pays off for students entering trades and technical fields. Graduates typically carry manageable debt loads of $8,029, with monthly loan payments averaging just $85.

Is John Wood Community College a diverse campus?

The student body is 84% white, reflecting the demographics of rural western Illinois where the college is situated. Women make up 64% of enrollment, which is typical for community colleges nationwide. The small-town setting in Quincy creates a close-knit campus environment among the 1,387 students.

Does John Wood Community College offer athletics?

The Trail Blazers compete in 6 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 113 total student-athletes participating. The college awards $283,065 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this rural community. Athletics complement the college's broader mission of serving students in western Illinois with both academic and extracurricular opportunities.