Morton College: $4,884 Tuition

$4,884Tuition

2,593Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,406Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Morton College

Morton College has built its reputation as a workforce training powerhouse in Chicago's diverse western suburbs. The community college enrolls 2,593 students in Cicero and focuses heavily on preparing graduates for immediate employment in high-demand fields. Hispanic students make up 83.57% of the student body, reflecting the college's deep roots in the local Latino community. The Panthers compete in 12 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 155 total athletes.

Students pay an average net price of $6,763 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable college options in the Chicago area. Graduates earn a median of $42,406 ten years after starting college, providing solid returns on a relatively modest investment. Only 1.39% of students take federal loans, and those who do graduate with just $8,000 in median debt. The monthly loan payment averages a manageable $85.

The college delivers on its workforce mission with an impressive 92.3% employment rate for graduates. However, the 28.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. Nearly all students (98.65%) come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where classmates often become professional networks in the local job market.

Academics & Faculty

Morton College serves a predominantly Hispanic student population with 83.57% of its 2,593 students identifying as Latino. The community college specializes in workforce training programs that prepare students for immediate employment in the Chicago area. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in career-focused programs. However, only 28.30% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face balancing education with jobs and family responsibilities. The college offers practical training in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business that connect directly to local job markets. Most graduates find employment quickly, with a 92.3% employment rate demonstrating strong connections between classroom learning and career opportunities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 39.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,406

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$57,995
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$51,551
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$32,284
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$30,409
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$17,067

View all 34 programs →

Campus Life

Morton College sits in Cicero, just 10 miles from downtown Chicago, giving students easy access to internships and jobs in the city. With 83.57% of students identifying as Hispanic, the campus reflects the active Latino community that defines this working-class suburb. Winter coats are essential as Chicago-area temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February.

The 2,593 students commute to campus since Morton doesn't offer dormitories. Most work part-time jobs while taking classes, with many enrolled in career-focused programs like nursing, automotive technology, and business. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in smaller classrooms. Weekends often involve family time or shifts at local jobs rather than traditional college parties. The Panthers compete in 12 varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 155 student-athletes representing about 6% of enrollment. Students frequently head into Chicago for entertainment, taking advantage of the city's museums, restaurants, and cultural events when schedules and budgets allow.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1924

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	2	0	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0	0
Dating Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–32°F
July Avg: 67°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.4"
Annual Snowfall: 38.8"

Student Demographics

Morton College draws students from Chicago's working-class Hispanic communities, with 84% of the student body being Latino. Nearly all students come from Illinois, reflecting the college's deep roots in Cicero and surrounding suburbs. Women make up 58% of enrollment, typical for community colleges that attract students pursuing healthcare and education careers. One in three students receives Pell Grants, showing Morton serves families seeking affordable pathways to better jobs. The Panthers recruit locally from high schools where college-bound students want to stay close to home while building practical skills.

Men: 41.9%
Women: 58.1%
White: 4.6%
Black: 3.2%
Hispanic: 83.6%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 98.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.0%

Location

Morton College sits in Cicero, Illinois, just 8 miles west of downtown Chicago. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep roots in the local community. The campus serves a predominantly Hispanic student body in a working-class suburb that's part of the broader Chicago metropolitan area. Students have easy access to Chicago's job market and cultural opportunities through public transportation. The area offers the benefits of suburban living while maintaining close ties to one of America's major cities. Cicero itself is known for its strong immigrant communities and affordable housing. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Morton College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cicero, Illinois 60804-4398

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,406
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,967
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $85/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Morton College?

Morton College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, accepting nearly all applicants who apply. The school serves 2,593 students primarily from the Chicago suburbs, with 98.65% coming from Illinois. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education or workforce training.

How much does Morton College cost after financial aid?

Morton College students pay an average net price of $6,763 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at $4,884, while students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay just $5,934 net. With 35% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and lower-income students in the diverse Cicero community.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Morton College?

Morton College maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The college focuses heavily on workforce training programs that prepare students for immediate employment. This hands-on approach helps explain why 92.3% of graduates find employment after completing their programs.

What are the job prospects for Morton College graduates?

Morton College graduates earn a median income of $42,406 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical, career-focused nature of the programs. The college boasts a 92.3% employment rate among its graduates. However, the 28.3% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students take longer to complete degrees or transfer to four-year institutions.

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

Morton College sits in Cicero, Illinois, a large suburb of Chicago with a predominantly Hispanic population. The student body reflects this community, with 83.57% Hispanic enrollment and 58% female students. The Panthers compete in 12 varsity sports with 155 total athletes, though campus life centers more around commuter students than residential experiences.

Does Morton College offer good value for students with debt concerns?

Morton College graduates carry a relatively low median debt of $8,000, with monthly loan payments averaging just $85. Only 1.39% of students take federal loans, indicating that most can afford the education without significant borrowing. This debt-conscious approach aligns with the college's mission to serve working-class families in the Chicago area.