About Joliet Junior College
The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from low-income households pay just $1,132 after aid, while those from middle-class families ($30-48K income) pay $3,663. Even students from higher-income families rarely pay more than $9,406. Graduates earn a median of $42,889 ten years after starting, with typical debt loads of just $9,711. Monthly loan payments average only $103, making this an affordable route to career advancement.
The student body reflects the diverse suburbs it serves, with 30% Hispanic students and a roughly even gender split at 55% women. The Wolves compete in 19 varsity sports with 214 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships. With a 92.4% employment rate and strong local employer connections, JJC delivers practical results for students seeking either immediate career entry or preparation for university transfer.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 28.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 20.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,889
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,144 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,863 |
Campus Life
The large suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance, though many students drive the hour into Chicago for entertainment. With 55% women and a diverse student body that's 30% Hispanic, classroom discussions reflect the changing demographics of Will County. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a supportive environment for those balancing work and family obligations. Students often study in small groups between classes, and the 19 varsity sports teams provide school spirit, though athletics take a backseat to academics and career preparation for most of the student body.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1901
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–31°F
- July Avg
- 64°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.9%
- Women
- 55.1%
- White
- 50.3%
- Black
- 9.9%
- Hispanic
- 30.5%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 99.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.9%
Location
- Address
- Joliet, Illinois 60431-8938
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,889
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,065
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $103/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,711
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Joliet Junior College?
Joliet Junior College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school serves 8,843 students and draws 99.25% of its enrollment from Illinois residents. As one of the oldest community colleges in the nation, founded in 1901, it focuses on accessibility for local students seeking transfer preparation or career training.
How much does Joliet Junior College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,741 annually at Joliet Junior College. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,132 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $4,530 before assistance. Only 22.93% of students receive federal aid, reflecting the college's affordable base tuition that keeps many families from needing loans.
What academic programs is Joliet Junior College known for?
Joliet Junior College offers strong transfer pathways to four-year universities alongside career and technical education programs. The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in smaller classes. Students can choose from programs designed for either immediate workforce entry or seamless transfer to complete bachelor's degrees.
What career outcomes do Joliet Junior College graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median salary of $42,889 ten years after attending Joliet Junior College. The college boasts a 92.4% employment rate among its alumni, demonstrating strong job market preparation. However, the 20.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many community college students who balance work and family responsibilities.
Where is Joliet Junior College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Joliet, a large suburb southwest of Chicago, serving the broader regional community. With 214 student-athletes competing in 19 varsity sports as the Wolves, the campus maintains an active athletic presence. The diverse student body includes 30.48% Hispanic students and 9.85% Black students, reflecting the changing demographics of the Chicago suburbs.
Is Joliet Junior College financially accessible for working students?
Students who borrow graduate with a median debt of just $9,711 and monthly loan payments of $103. Only 2.51% of students take federal loans, indicating most can afford the education without significant borrowing. This affordability makes the college particularly attractive to working adults and students seeking cost-effective pathways to higher education.
