Richland Community College: $4,590 Tuition

$4,590Tuition

1,412Students

47%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,793Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Richland Community College

Richland Community College serves 1,412 students in the heart of agricultural Illinois. The school has built its reputation around practical career training and seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities. Students choose from programs designed for immediate workforce entry or continued education. Nearly 70% of students are women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's health sciences and business programs. The small-city setting in Decatur provides affordable living while maintaining connections to larger metropolitan areas.

Students pay an average net price of $5,393 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in Illinois. Graduates earn a median of $38,793 ten years after starting college. The typical student borrows $8,256 and faces monthly loan payments of just $88. This debt load represents excellent value considering the employment rate hits 93.6%. The financial picture improves for lower-income families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying just $4,388 net.

The student-faculty ratio of 15:1 ensures personalized attention despite being a public institution. The graduation rate of 46.5% reflects the community college reality where many students transfer before completing their associate degree. Nearly all students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Richland Community College serves as a stepping stone for students in east-central Illinois, offering both career-focused programs and university transfer pathways. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes. With a 46.5% six-year graduation rate, the college provides solid support for students balancing work and education. Nearly 70% of students are women, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and human services programs. The institution excels in nursing, manufacturing technology, and agriculture programs that connect directly to central Illinois industries. Students benefit from hands-on learning in modern labs and clinical settings. Transfer students find strong preparation for four-year universities through full general education courses.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 48.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,793

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,234
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$43,957
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$29,250
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,534
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$20,373

View all 69 programs →

Campus Life

Nearly 70% of Richland's students are women, creating a supportive environment focused on practical career preparation. The Decatur campus sits about two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis, giving students access to major cities while keeping costs low. Central Illinois winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring humid heat that makes air conditioning essential.

With 99% of students coming from Illinois, most commute from nearby towns rather than living on campus. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Students often juggle classes with part-time jobs, since many are working adults returning to school. The semester calendar allows flexibility for those balancing family responsibilities.

Weekends revolve around work, family, and catching up on coursework rather than traditional college parties. Many students connect through study groups in the library or grab coffee between classes. The employment rate of 94% reflects the college's strong ties to local employers who actively recruit graduates from popular programs like nursing, business, and skilled trades.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1971

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
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–35°F
July Avg: 65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 78.8"
Annual Snowfall: 16.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly 70% of students at Richland Community College are women, reflecting the school's strong nursing and health sciences programs that draw students from across east-central Illinois. The student body is 61% white and 27% Black, mirroring Decatur's diverse community demographics. With 99% of students coming from Illinois, Richland serves as the local educational anchor for working adults and recent high school graduates. One in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the college's mission to provide affordable pathways into healthcare careers and university transfer programs for the region's residents.

Men: 30.2%
Women: 69.8%
White: 61.1%
Black: 26.8%
Hispanic: 5.2%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 99.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.5%

Location

Richland Community College sits in Decatur, Illinois, a city of about 70,000 people in the heart of central Illinois farmland. The campus lies roughly 180 miles south of Chicago and 40 miles east of Springfield, the state capital. Decatur centers around agriculture and manufacturing, with major employers including ADM and Caterpillar. Nearly all students come from Illinois, with 99.35% classified as in-state residents. The area offers small-city amenities without urban congestion, surrounded by corn and soybean fields that stretch to the horizon. Students benefit from affordable living costs and close-knit community connections. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Richland Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Decatur, Illinois 62521-8513

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,793
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,325
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $88/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,256

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Richland Community College?

Richland Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 1,412 students with 99.35% coming from Illinois. This accessibility makes it a popular stepping stone for students looking to transfer to four-year universities or gain career training.

How much does Richland Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,393 annually, making it one of the more affordable college options in Illinois. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,388 after aid, while in-state tuition runs $4,590 before financial assistance. About 33.49% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make education accessible to working-class families in east-central Illinois.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Richland Community College?

Classes maintain a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in both career training and transfer programs. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on hands-on learning in technical fields. Women make up 69.76% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in nursing and other health science programs.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Richland Community College?

Graduates achieve a 93.6% employment rate, demonstrating the college's strength in career preparation. Median earnings reach $38,793 ten years after graduation, with graduates typically carrying manageable debt of $8,256. The college's focus on practical skills training in trades and healthcare translates well to the regional job market in Decatur and surrounding areas.

Where is Richland Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Decatur, a small city in east-central Illinois that provides an intimate college environment. With just 1,412 students, everyone knows each other and the college maintains strong ties to local employers and industries. The small-town setting offers affordable living costs while still providing internship and job opportunities in manufacturing and agriculture.

Does Richland Community College have a good transfer program?

The college posts a 46.50% six-year graduation rate, which includes students who transfer to four-year institutions before completing their associate degrees. Founded in 1971, Richland has built strong transfer agreements with Illinois universities, particularly for students in liberal arts and pre-professional programs. Many students use the college as an affordable way to complete general education requirements before transferring.