Oakton College: $3,985 Tuition

$3,985Tuition

6,229Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,852Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Oakton College

Oakton College prepares students for university transfer and careers through programs designed for Chicago's diverse northwest suburbs. The college enrolls 6,229 students and operates in Des Plaines, serving as a stepping stone for students planning to continue their education at four-year universities. Nearly all students are Illinois residents, with 96.34% coming from in-state.

Students pay an average net price of $6,188 after financial aid, making Oakton one of the more affordable options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $47,852 ten years after enrollment, creating a strong return on investment given the low debt burden. Only 16.18% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many families can handle the modest costs without extensive aid. Those who do borrow graduate with a median debt of just $5,250 and monthly payments of $56.

The student body reflects the area's diversity, with significant Asian (21.61%) and Hispanic (20.66%) populations alongside white students (39.46%). Small class sizes with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio provide personal attention often missing at larger institutions. The Raiders compete in 13 varsity sports through the NCCAA, giving 160 student-athletes opportunities to continue playing while earning their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Oakton College serves Chicago's northwest suburbs as a community college focused on transfer preparation and career training. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors for students navigating their first college courses or career changes. However, the 31.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or face financial pressures that delay completion. Oakton has built a reputation for strong nursing and health sciences programs that feed into area hospitals. The college also offers robust business and computer science pathways. Nearly all students come from Illinois, with 96.3% in-state enrollment creating a local community atmosphere where students often know classmates from high school.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 24.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,852

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$60,771
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$52,107
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$47,260
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,797

View all 82 programs →

Campus Life

Oakton College sits in Des Plaines, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. With 6,229 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll find small classes where professors know your name. The campus serves as a commuter center where 96% of students come from Illinois. Most students drive to campus each morning and head home after classes since there's no on-campus housing.

Chicago winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, while summers bring humid heat. Students grab coffee between classes and study in the library, but weekends usually mean heading home or into Chicago for entertainment. The diverse student body includes 22% Asian students and 21% Hispanic students, creating a multicultural environment. With 160 student-athletes competing in 13 varsity sports as the Raiders, games provide some campus social life. Many students work part-time jobs since only 16% receive Pell Grants, and the college's strong workforce training programs help students balance education with career preparation.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

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: 18°–31°F
July Avg: 65°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 32.3"
Annual Snowfall: 33.6"

Student Demographics

Oakton College draws primarily local students, with 96% coming from Illinois. The student body reflects the diversity of Chicago's northwest suburbs. Asian students make up over one-fifth of enrollment, while Hispanic students represent another fifth. White students comprise about 40% of the population. This demographic mix mirrors the suburban communities Oakton serves. The college attracts working adults and recent high school graduates seeking affordable pathways to four-year universities or direct entry into careers. Only 16% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from middle-income families looking for cost-effective higher education options.

Men: 49.6%
Women: 50.4%
White: 39.5%
Black: 8.1%
Hispanic: 20.7%
Asian: 21.6%
In-State Students: 96.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 16.2%

Location

Oakton College sits in Des Plaines, Illinois, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The campus serves Chicago's northwest suburbs in a densely populated area where 96.34% of students come from in-state. Des Plaines offers the suburban feel many community college students prefer while maintaining easy access to the city's job market and cultural opportunities. The region combines residential neighborhoods with commercial districts, giving students both quiet study environments and internship possibilities. With a diverse student body that's 21.61% Asian and 20.66% Hispanic, Oakton reflects the multicultural makeup of Chicagoland's suburbs. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Oakton College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Des Plaines, Illinois 60016-1268

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,852
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,269
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 56.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $56/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $5,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Oakton College?

Oakton College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college enrolls 6,229 students and serves as a gateway to higher education for Chicago's northwest suburbs. Nearly all students are Illinois residents, with 96.34% coming from in-state.

How much does Oakton College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,188 annually at Oakton College. In-state tuition runs $3,985 while out-of-state students face $12,462 in tuition costs. Only 16.18% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's already affordable pricing structure.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Oakton College?

Oakton College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring smaller class sizes for personalized attention. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses heavily on transfer preparation and workforce training. Students benefit from close faculty interaction while preparing for four-year universities or entering the job market directly.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Oakton College?

Oakton College achieves a 31.40% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the varied paths community college students take. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,852 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 90.1% employment rate. Students typically graduate with just $5,250 in debt and manageable monthly loan payments of $56.

Where is Oakton College located and what is the campus like?

Oakton College sits in Des Plaines, Illinois, a small city in Chicago's northwest suburban corridor. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 39.46% White, 21.61% Asian, and 20.66% Hispanic. The college's Raiders compete in 13 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 160 total student-athletes.

Does Oakton College offer athletic scholarships?

Oakton College provides $189,300 in total athletic scholarships across its 13 varsity sports programs. The Raiders compete in the NCCAA and field teams with 160 student-athletes. This represents a significant commitment to athletics for a community college, offering opportunities for students to continue their sports careers while pursuing affordable education.