About Prairie State College
The financial picture makes Prairie State accessible to working families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $3,725 after aid, while those from middle-income families ($48,000-$75,000) face net costs around $6,916. Graduates earn a median of $36,696 ten years after starting college. With typical debt loads of $11,000, most students manage monthly loan payments of $117. The math works for career-focused programs where 90.7% of graduates find employment.
Prairie State's student body reflects the diversity of the south Chicago region. Women make up 60.9% of enrollment, while 53.7% of students are Black and 22.6% are Hispanic. The Pioneers compete in eight varsity sports through the NCCAA with 126 total athletes. Small class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio mean professors know their students personally. Nearly 96% of students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 19.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,696
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,867 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $53,697 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,353 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $23,649 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $17,950 |
Campus Life
As a commuter school with no residence halls, students drive to campus for classes then head home or to work. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller, more personal classroom environments than you'd find at four-year universities. With 60.87% of students being women, the campus skews female. Most students balance coursework with jobs, since 90.7% find employment after graduation.
Weekends revolve around family, work, and study rather than campus activities. The Pioneers compete in eight varsity sports with 126 total athletes, though athletics play a smaller role in campus culture. Students often use the college as a stepping stone, either transferring to four-year schools or entering the workforce with career-focused credentials. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers rather than a traditional college town atmosphere.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1957
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–31°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.1%
- Women
- 60.9%
- White
- 13.1%
- Black
- 53.7%
- Hispanic
- 22.6%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 95.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.6%
Location
- Address
- Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411-8226
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,696
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,170
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Prairie State College?
Prairie State College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their high school GPA or test scores. The college serves 2,448 students who are primarily from Illinois, with 95.89% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education or a fresh academic start.
How much does Prairie State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,280 annually after financial aid is applied. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,725 per year, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay $4,084. The college keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition of $4,176, lower than four-year institutions.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Prairie State College?
Prairie State College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The college focuses on career-focused programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Students benefit from hands-on learning in programs designed to meet local workforce needs in the south Chicago suburbs.
What are the job prospects for Prairie State College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 90.7% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. Ten years after enrollment, alumni earn a median salary of $36,696, while those who continue working immediately after graduation earn $38,834 in their first year. The college's career-focused approach helps students enter the job market quickly with practical skills.
Where is Prairie State College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Chicago Heights, Illinois, a large suburban setting in the south Chicago suburbs. With 60.87% women and 39.13% men, the student body is predominantly Black (53.68%) and Hispanic (22.63%), reflecting the diverse local community. The college offers 8 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 126 total athletes competing as the Pioneers.
Does Prairie State College help students transfer to four-year universities?
Prairie State College specializes in transfer pathways alongside career-focused programs, though the 19.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the community college model where many students transfer before completing associate degrees. Founded in 1957, the college has built strong relationships with regional universities. Students who do graduate carry a manageable median debt of $11,000 with monthly loan payments of just $117.
