About Moraine Valley Community College
The financial picture makes Moraine Valley particularly attractive for budget-conscious students. After aid, students pay an average net price of just $1,771, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying only $1,623. Graduates earn a median of $43,892 ten years after starting, creating a strong return on investment given the low debt load of $9,500. Monthly loan payments average just $101, making this one of the more manageable debt burdens in higher education.
The student body reflects the area's diversity, with 45.76% white students, 30.48% Hispanic, and 9.05% Black students. Only 28.78% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from working-class families seeking affordable advancement. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors, though the 33.20% six-year completion rate indicates persistence challenges typical of community colleges.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,892
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,325 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $48,849 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,455 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $41,565 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,281 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,133 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $29,685 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $29,141 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $24,421 |
Campus Life
Chicago winters mean you'll need a heavy coat from December through March, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The suburban campus provides plenty of parking for commuters who drive in from nearby towns. With a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes feel more personal than at larger universities. About 53% of students are women, and the student body is diverse with 30.48% Hispanic students.
Weekend life revolves around work and family since most students juggle school with jobs or other responsibilities. The Cyclones compete in 12 varsity sports with 167 total athletes, though athletics play a smaller role than at four-year schools. Students often transfer to universities after completing their associate degrees, with the college serving as an affordable stepping stone to higher education.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1967
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–33°F
- July Avg
- 64°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.8%
- Women
- 53.2%
- White
- 45.8%
- Black
- 9.1%
- Hispanic
- 30.5%
- Asian
- 3.6%
- In-State Students
- 99.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.8%
Location
- Address
- Palos Hills, Illinois 60465-0937
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,892
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,991
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Moraine Valley Community College?
Moraine Valley Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school serves 7,417 students primarily from the Chicago suburbs. Nearly 100% of students come from Illinois, making it a true community-focused institution.
How much does Moraine Valley Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of just $1,771 after aid, making it one of the most affordable college options in Illinois. In-state tuition runs $3,822 while out-of-state students pay $9,846. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,623 net price.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Moraine Valley Community College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1, which is standard for community colleges but means larger class sizes than four-year institutions. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career preparation and transfer pathways. Students can choose from numerous programs designed for both workforce entry and university transfer.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Moraine Valley Community College?
Graduates achieve an 88.2% employment rate, reflecting strong workforce connections in the Chicago metro area. Median earnings reach $35,570 one year after graduation and climb to $43,892 after ten years. The college's focus on practical skills and local employer partnerships helps students transition directly into careers.
Where is Moraine Valley Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Palos Hills, a large suburban community southwest of Chicago. With 167 student-athletes competing in 12 varsity sports as the Cyclones, the school offers more athletic opportunities than most community colleges. The student body is 53% female and reflects the area's diversity with 46% white, 30% Hispanic, and 9% Black students.
How does Moraine Valley Community College support student success?
The college awards $278,521 in athletic scholarships annually and provides institutional grants averaging $9,403 to 8.5% of students. With a 33% six-year graduation rate, the school focuses on helping students complete programs efficiently. Only 3% of students take federal loans, keeping debt burdens low with a median of $9,500.
