Kishwaukee College: $4,980 Tuition

$4,980Tuition

1,794Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,657Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Kishwaukee College

Kishwaukee College serves 1,794 students in Malta, a rural farming community about 90 minutes west of Chicago. This community college has built a reputation for practical career training and transfer programs since opening in 1968. The college draws entirely from Illinois, creating a tight-knit campus where students often know their classmates from local high schools.

Students pay an average of $6,480 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in northern Illinois. Graduates earn a median of $39,657 ten years after starting college. With typical debt of just $9,395 and monthly loan payments around $100, the financial burden stays manageable for most students. The 96% employment rate shows that local employers value Kishwaukee credentials.

Women make up 58% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and health programs. The campus supports 14 varsity sports with 167 athletes competing as the Kougars in NCCAA competition. Athletic scholarships total $43,887 across all teams. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and can provide individual attention that large universities cannot match.

Academics & Faculty

Kishwaukee College serves as a community college gateway for students seeking affordable higher education or career training. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors for academic support. However, the 38.4% six-year graduation rate reflects common community college challenges where many students transfer before completing degrees or juggle work and family responsibilities. The college offers traditional transfer programs for students planning to continue at four-year universities. Career and technical education programs prepare students for immediate workforce entry in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business. Students benefit from small class sizes typical of rural community colleges. The semester system allows flexibility for working students managing multiple commitments.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 39.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,657

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$63,005
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$45,026
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$26,997
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$26,933
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,999

View all 47 programs →

Campus Life

Kishwaukee College sits in rural Malta, about 60 miles west of Chicago's downtown loop. With 1,794 students spread across a small campus, you'll recognize faces quickly in hallways and the cafeteria. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number.

Northern Illinois winters demand heavy coats and snow boots from December through March. Most students commute from nearby DeKalb, Sycamore, and surrounding farming communities since this is a community college without dorms. The 58% female student body reflects the school's strong nursing and health science programs. Weekend life revolves around DeKalb, home to Northern Illinois University, where Kishwaukee students often hang out at restaurants and shops along Lincoln Highway.

The Kougars compete in 14 varsity sports with 167 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the commuter campus atmosphere. Students gather in the student center between classes, and many work part-time jobs while completing their two-year degrees. The 96% employment rate shows most graduates quickly enter the workforce or transfer to four-year universities.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1968

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–27°F
July Avg: 60°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The student body at Kishwaukee College draws entirely from Illinois, reflecting its role as a local workforce development center for the rural communities surrounding Malta. Women make up nearly 60% of enrollment, typical for a community college emphasizing health sciences, education, and social services programs. The college serves a diverse population with significant Hispanic and Black representation alongside white students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school fulfills its mission of providing affordable education to working-class families in northern Illinois.

Men: 41.4%
Women: 58.6%
White: 51.3%
Black: 13.9%
Hispanic: 26.5%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.2%

Location

Malta sits in rural northern Illinois, about 60 miles west of Chicago's downtown core. This DeKalb County community of roughly 1,200 residents offers a classic small-town Midwest atmosphere. The college serves as an educational anchor in an area dominated by farmland and prairie landscapes. Malta's location provides students access to both agricultural opportunities and proximity to the greater Chicago metropolitan area for internships or transfer pathways. The rural-fringe setting means students experience genuine small-town life while remaining connected to urban resources. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Kishwaukee College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Malta, Illinois 60150-9699

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,657
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,285
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $100/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,395

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Kishwaukee College?

Kishwaukee College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, with 100% of students coming from Illinois. The rural Malta campus serves 1,794 students who can start their college journey without the stress of competitive admissions processes.

How much does Kishwaukee College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Kishwaukee College is $6,480, making it an affordable option for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,532 after aid, while only 25.22% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many families can afford the low sticker price.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Kishwaukee College?

Kishwaukee College maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors. The college focuses on career-oriented programs and transfer preparation, helping students build foundations for four-year universities or immediate workforce entry.

What are the career outcomes for Kishwaukee College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $39,657 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 96% employment rate. The college's focus on practical skills training shows in the relatively low median debt of $9,395 and manageable monthly loan payments of $100.

Where is Kishwaukee College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Malta, Illinois, offering a rural-fringe setting that combines small-town atmosphere with proximity to urban areas. With 58.58% women and a diverse student body that's 26.48% Hispanic and 13.94% Black, the campus reflects the changing demographics of northern Illinois.

Does Kishwaukee College offer athletic programs?

The Kougars compete in 14 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 167 total athletes. The athletic program distributes $43,887 in scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes to continue competing while pursuing their education at an affordable community college.