About Rend Lake College
The financial picture works in students' favor. After aid, the average net price is $7,309, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training in Illinois. Graduates earn a median of $35,775 ten years out, while carrying just $5,809 in debt. Those low debt loads translate to monthly payments of only $62, making the investment manageable for working-class families. The employment rate hits 95.9%, reflecting the college's focus on in-demand skills.
The Warriors compete in 11 NJCAA sports with 118 total athletes sharing $460,858 in athletic scholarships. Women make up 61% of the student body, and the campus remains predominantly white at 88%. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in technical programs. This college works best for students who want to stay close to home while building practical skills for steady careers.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,775
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,108 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,937 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $20,140 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $20,140 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $16,663 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $13,702 |
Campus Life
Most students commute from surrounding farm towns and small cities, giving the campus a quiet weekday buzz that fades by Friday afternoon. The Warriors compete in 11 NJCAA sports with 118 total athletes who bring energy to basketball and baseball games. Weekend life revolves around the nearby lake recreation, hunting, and trips to larger towns like Marion or Carbondale. The campus culture reflects rural southern Illinois values of hard work and community connection. Students often work part-time jobs while studying, contributing to the impressive 95.9% employment rate after graduation. Snow days occasionally disrupt the semester schedule during harsh Illinois winters.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1955
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–40°F
- July Avg
- 68°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 8.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 38.7%
- Women
- 61.3%
- White
- 88.1%
- Black
- 7.9%
- Hispanic
- 2.3%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 99.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.0%
Location
- Address
- Ina, Illinois 62846
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,775
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $39,750
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $62/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $5,809
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Rend Lake College?
As a community college, Rend Lake College maintains an open admission policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalent credentials. The college serves 1,196 students primarily from southern Illinois, with 98.97% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility reflects the community college mission of providing educational opportunities to local residents.
How much does Rend Lake College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,309 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $4,500 while out-of-state students pay $7,800. Students typically graduate with just $5,809 in median debt, keeping monthly loan payments to a manageable $62.
What academic programs is Rend Lake College known for?
The college emphasizes career and technical education programs that prepare students for immediate employment in southern Illinois. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, classes remain small and focused on practical skills. The college operates on a traditional semester calendar system to accommodate working students.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Rend Lake College?
Graduates achieve a strong 95.9% employment rate, demonstrating the value of the college's workforce-focused programs. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $35,775. The college's 60.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working.
Where is Rend Lake College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Ina, Illinois, serving as an educational center for the surrounding agricultural communities. With 61.29% female enrollment and a predominantly white student body at 88.13%, the college reflects its rural southern Illinois demographics. The Warriors compete in 11 NJCAA sports with 118 total athletes receiving $460,858 in athletic scholarships.
Does Rend Lake College offer significant financial aid to low-income students?
The college serves a financially diverse population, with 30.99% of students receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $6,369, while those from $30-48,000 income families pay $6,411. Only 20.15% receive institutional grants, but the average award of $4,797 provides meaningful support.
