About Parkland College
The financial picture makes Parkland particularly attractive to cost-conscious students. Average net price sits at $8,271, though families earning under $48,000 pay less. Graduates earn a median of $38,320 ten years after enrollment, while typical student debt remains manageable at $8,548. Monthly loan payments average just $91. With 93% of students coming from Illinois, most benefit from the low in-state tuition of $4,284.
The Cobras compete in eight varsity sports through the NJCAA with 143 total athletes sharing $469,670 in athletic scholarships. Student demographics reflect the broader Champaign-Urbana area, with nearly 60% white students and significant Black and Hispanic populations. The employment rate of 92.7% suggests strong job placement, though the 32.5% six-year graduation rate indicates many students transfer before completing their associate degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,320
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,463 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,321 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,082 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,798 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,009 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,565 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $30,409 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $26,353 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $24,421 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,824 |
Campus Life
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know their students by name. Most students commute to the compact campus rather than living in dorms, creating a parking lot culture where students chat between cars before heading to jobs or family obligations. The Cobras field 8 varsity sports with 143 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. Weekends often mean heading to nearby University of Illinois football games, exploring Champaign's downtown district, or working part-time jobs. The 92.7% employment rate reflects students who balance classes with real-world responsibilities, treating college as preparation for immediate career entry rather than a four-year residential experience.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1967
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–33°F
- July Avg
- 65°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 20.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 49.8%
- Women
- 50.2%
- White
- 59.5%
- Black
- 13.7%
- Hispanic
- 12.2%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 93.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.2%
Location
- Address
- Champaign, Illinois 61821-1899
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,320
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,160
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 33.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $91/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,548
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Parkland College?
Parkland College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 3,293 students with 93.16% coming from Illinois. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.
How much does Parkland College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,271 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at $4,284. About 25.15% of students receive Pell Grants, and families earning under $48,000 typically pay between $6,281 and $8,175. The college keeps costs low while providing quality education in the Champaign area.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Parkland College?
Parkland College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in smaller class settings. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career preparation and transfer programs. Students benefit from close relationships with instructors who understand the community college mission.
What are employment outcomes like for Parkland College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 92.7% employment rate, demonstrating the college's strong focus on workforce preparation. Median earnings reach $38,320 ten years after graduation, with graduates carrying a manageable median debt of $8,548. The college excels at preparing students for immediate entry into the regional job market.
Where is Parkland College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Champaign, Illinois, a small city known for its college town atmosphere shared with the University of Illinois. With 143 student-athletes competing in 8 varsity sports as the Cobras, the campus offers athletic opportunities despite its community college focus. The student body is nearly evenly split between men (49.80%) and women (50.20%).
Does Parkland College offer good transfer opportunities?
The college's 32.50% six-year graduation rate reflects its role as both a transfer institution and career training center. Founded in 1967, Parkland has built strong relationships with four-year universities, particularly the nearby University of Illinois. Many students use the college as an affordable pathway to complete general education requirements before transferring.
