Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park: 1,345 Students

1,345Students

65%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,683Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park

Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park trains students for hands-on careers in automotive technology, diesel mechanics, welding, and HVAC systems. The school serves 1,345 students in suburban Chicago, drawing almost exclusively from Illinois with 98.68% in-state enrollment. This technical college focuses on getting students job-ready quickly through intensive, practical programs that connect directly to employer needs.

Students pay an average of $24,334 after financial aid, with 67.70% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $38,683 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of $11,250. Monthly loan payments average $119, making the debt manageable for most technical careers. The employment rate hits 95.0%, reflecting strong demand for skilled trades workers in the Chicago area.

The student body is predominantly male at 74.20%, which reflects the traditionally male-dominated trades the school serves. Hispanic students make up 57.25% of enrollment, while Black students represent 29.67%. With a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at traditional colleges. The 65.30% six-year graduation rate shows that completing technical programs requires persistence, but those who finish find steady work in growing fields.

Academics & Faculty

Lincoln College of Technology focuses entirely on hands-on technical training that gets students job-ready fast. The school specializes in automotive technology, diesel mechanics, welding, and HVAC programs that teach practical skills employers actually need. Students work with industry-standard equipment in labs designed to mirror real workplace conditions. The 29:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than traditional colleges, but instructors bring direct industry experience to the classroom. About 65% of students complete their programs within six years, which reflects the challenge of balancing intensive technical coursework with work and family responsibilities. The curriculum emphasizes certification preparation and immediate job placement rather than broad academic theory.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Full-Time Faculty: 94.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,683

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$30,336
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$30,265
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$26,284

View all 6 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Lincoln College of Technology spend their days in hands-on labs rather than lecture halls. With 74% of students being male, the campus has a workshop atmosphere where classmates bond over automotive engines and welding projects. The school sits in suburban Melrose Park, about 15 miles west of downtown Chicago, giving students access to the city's job market without downtown living costs.

Nearly 99% of students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community of local residents who often commute from nearby neighborhoods. Chicago winters mean students bundle up for the walk between buildings from November through March. The 29:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller lab groups where instructors can provide individual guidance on technical skills.

With no dormitories, students head home after classes or gather at local diners and sports bars. Many work part-time jobs in auto shops or construction sites, applying classroom lessons immediately. The school's 95% employment rate reflects strong industry connections, and students often network through internships at Chicago-area dealerships and repair shops. Weekend plans typically revolve around family commitments and side jobs rather than campus events.

Setting: Suburb-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–31°F
July Avg: 66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.9"
Annual Snowfall: 38.4"

Student Demographics

Lincoln College of Technology draws working-class students from the Chicago area seeking hands-on career training. Nearly all students come from Illinois, reflecting the school's strong local reputation in technical fields. The student body is predominantly male, which aligns with the school's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades like automotive repair and welding. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves families looking for affordable pathways to skilled trades. Hispanic students make up the largest demographic group, followed by Black students, making this one of the most diverse technical colleges in the region.

Men: 74.2%
Women: 25.8%
White: 8.3%
Black: 29.7%
Hispanic: 57.3%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 98.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 67.7%

Location

Melrose Park sits just 15 miles west of downtown Chicago, making this Illinois suburb easily accessible to the nation's third-largest city. The area serves as part of the greater Chicago metropolitan region, where 98.68% of Lincoln College's students come from in-state. This working-class suburb has deep industrial roots, which aligns well with the college's focus on hands-on technical training. Students can access Chicago's job market while studying in a more affordable suburban setting. The proximity to major manufacturing and transportation centers provides internship and employment opportunities in automotive and diesel fields. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park with similar schools in the region.

Address: Melrose Park, Illinois 60160-1605

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,683
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,154
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $119/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student profile at Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park?

The school enrolls 1,345 students with a heavily male student body at 74.2%. Lincoln College draws primarily from the local community with 98.68% of students from Illinois, reflecting its focus on serving Chicago-area residents seeking hands-on technical training.

How much does Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,334 annually, with 67.7% receiving financial aid. The school serves many low-income students, as evidenced by the same percentage receiving Pell Grants, making technical education accessible to working-class families in the Chicago suburbs.

What are the class sizes like at Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 29:1, which is higher than typical for technical schools. Lincoln College specializes in career-focused programs like automotive technology, diesel mechanics, welding, and HVAC, where hands-on training is essential despite larger class sizes.

What kind of job outcomes can graduates expect from Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park?

Graduates achieve a 95% employment rate with median earnings of $38,683 ten years after graduation. The school's focus on in-demand trades like automotive and HVAC repair helps explain these strong job placement numbers in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Where is Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park located?

The campus sits in Melrose Park, Illinois, a large suburb of Chicago known for its industrial base. This location provides students access to numerous automotive shops, manufacturing facilities, and construction companies where they can apply their technical skills.

How manageable is student debt at Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park?

Graduates leave with a median debt of $11,250 and monthly loan payments of $119. The relatively low debt burden reflects the school's two-year format and focus on getting students into the workforce quickly rather than pursuing extended academic study.