Lake Land College: $4,280 Tuition

$4,280Tuition

2,492Students

54%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,877Earnings

#14 in IllinoisPublic2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Lake Land College

Lake Land College serves east-central Illinois with practical career training and transfer programs that prepare students for immediate employment or four-year universities. The community college enrolls 2,492 students in a rural-fringe setting near Mattoon. Students benefit from small class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The college focuses on hands-on learning in high-demand fields while maintaining strong partnerships with local employers and universities.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $3,271 after financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $1,259. Graduates earn a median of $38,877 ten years after enrollment, making the typical monthly loan payment of $66 quite reasonable. The median debt of $6,188 keeps borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.

Nearly 97% of students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Women make up 60% of enrollment, reflecting strong participation in the college's health sciences and education programs. The Lakers compete in five NJCAA sports with 113 total athletes sharing $635,228 in athletic scholarships. With an 86.2% employment rate, graduates find work quickly in the regional economy.

Academics & Faculty

Lake Land College serves east-central Illinois with practical career training and university transfer pathways. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes where professors know your name. With 53.5% of students completing their programs within six years, the college provides solid support for those committed to finishing. The school emphasizes hands-on learning in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture that reflect the region's economic needs. Transfer students find strong preparation for four-year universities through general education courses. Career-focused programs connect directly to local employers who actively recruit graduates for immediate employment opportunities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 73.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,877

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,748
Agricultural Mechanization.	Associate	$44,384
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$42,682
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$41,937
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$41,087
Information Science/Studies.	Associate	$32,711
Social Work.	Associate	$25,194
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$22,989
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$20,824
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$18,967

View all 80 programs →

Campus Life

Rural east-central Illinois shapes the Lake Land College experience, where 97% of the 2,492 students come from in-state. The campus sits in Mattoon, about two hours southeast of Springfield and three hours from Chicago. Students need heavy winter coats for Illinois winters and can expect hot, humid summers typical of the Midwest.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know your name. Most students commute from nearby towns rather than living on campus, creating a local community feel. Women make up 60% of enrollment, and the student body is predominantly white at 87%. Weekend activities often revolve around the Lakers' five NJCAA sports teams, with 113 total athletes competing. Many students work part-time jobs in Mattoon or surrounding communities, preparing for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. The semester system allows students to balance coursework with family and work responsibilities. With an 86% employment rate after graduation, most students see Lake Land as a practical stepping stone to immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1966

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus
Domestic Violence	0	3
Burglary	1	0
Dating Violence	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–34°F
July Avg: 65°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 94.3"
Annual Snowfall: 24.2"

Student Demographics

Lake Land College draws overwhelmingly from east-central Illinois, with 97% of students staying close to home. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and human services. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The student body is predominantly white at 87%, mirroring the rural demographics of the region it serves. This community college has built its reputation by training local students for local jobs.

Men: 40.0%
Women: 60.0%
White: 87.4%
Black: 3.3%
Hispanic: 3.5%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 97.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.6%

Location

Lake Land College sits in Mattoon, Illinois, about 180 miles south of Chicago. The school draws 97% of its students from within Illinois, reflecting its strong ties to the east-central region. Mattoon is a small city surrounded by farmland and prairie, typical of downstate Illinois communities. The area relies heavily on agriculture and manufacturing, with many Lake Land graduates staying local for work. The college serves as an educational center for rural communities where driving to campus is often necessary. The setting offers a quieter pace than urban areas while still providing access to essential services. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Lake Land College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mattoon, Illinois 61938

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,877
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,173
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $66/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,188

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Lake Land College?

Lake Land College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, accepting all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college enrolls 2,492 students and serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in east-central Illinois. Students can begin their studies in either fall or spring semesters under the semester calendar system.

How much does Lake Land College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Lake Land College is $3,271, making it highly affordable for most students. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,259 after aid, while even middle-class families earning $48,000-$75,000 pay only $5,089. Only 26.62% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's already low base tuition of $4,280 for in-state students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Lake Land College?

Lake Land College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small class settings. The college focuses on career training and transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities or immediate employment. With 97.16% of students coming from Illinois, the college serves as a local educational center for the surrounding rural communities.

What are the job prospects for Lake Land College graduates?

Lake Land College graduates achieve an 86.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market success. The median earnings ten years after graduation reach $38,877, reflecting the value of the college's career-focused programs. Graduates typically carry low debt loads with a median of $6,188 and manageable monthly loan payments of just $66.

Where is Lake Land College located and what is campus life like?

Lake Land College sits in Mattoon, Illinois, a rural-fringe community in east-central Illinois. The campus supports 113 student-athletes across five NJCAA sports programs, with the Lakers receiving $635,228 in athletic scholarships. The student body is 59.99% women and primarily reflects the local demographics with 87.44% white students.

Does Lake Land College offer good transfer opportunities?

Lake Land College specializes in transfer programs alongside career training, serving students who plan to continue at four-year universities. The college's 53.50% six-year graduation rate reflects typical community college patterns where students often transfer before completing associate degrees. Founded in 1966, the college has built strong partnerships with regional universities to facilitate smooth academic transitions.