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$4,920Tuition
6,229Students
29%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,728Earnings
Public2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Triton College

Triton College serves 6,229 students in River Grove, just west of Chicago. This community college built its reputation on career-focused programs and smooth transfer pathways to four-year universities. The school draws heavily from the local Hispanic community, which makes up 48% of the student body. Nearly all students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the suburban setting.

The financial picture looks compelling for most families. Students pay an average net price of $4,427 after aid, with low-income families paying just $3,459. Graduates earn a median of $41,728 ten years after starting, making the typical debt load of $9,413 manageable with monthly payments around $100. Only 2% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's affordability. The investment pays off quickly for most career program graduates.

Triton competes in NAIA athletics with 10 varsity sports and 173 student-athletes sharing $608,700 in athletic scholarships. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay reasonably small for a community college. With a 29% six-year completion rate, students who stay focused can earn valuable credentials or successfully transfer to continue their education elsewhere.

Academics & Faculty

Triton College serves as a gateway for students in Chicago's western suburbs, offering both career-focused programs and university transfer pathways. The college enrolls 6,229 students with a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors in classroom settings. However, the 29% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. Triton has built a reputation for strong healthcare programs, including nursing and medical assisting, along with skilled trades training that connects directly to regional employment opportunities. The college's transfer agreements with four-year universities make it a cost-effective starting point for students pursuing bachelor's degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Full-Time Faculty
34.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
29.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,728

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $59,948
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $52,357
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $42,682
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $37,208
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $35,060
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $34,420
Culinary Arts and Related Services. Associate $32,925
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $24,532
Biological and Physical Sciences. Associate $19,455
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $18,087

View all 67 programs →

Campus Life

This community college sits 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, giving students access to the city while staying rooted in the western suburbs. The 6,229 students navigate Chicago winters that demand heavy coats and boots from November through March. Nearly 98% of students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit local community feel.

As a commuter campus, students drive in for classes then head to jobs or family obligations. The 51-49 male-female split reflects the practical nature of many programs here. With 47.7% of students identifying as Hispanic, the campus buzzes with diverse languages and cultural perspectives. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally.

Weekends revolve around work, family, and catching up on studies rather than campus events. The 173 student-athletes competing in 10 sports provide some school spirit, though most students balance multiple responsibilities. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers rather than college town atmosphere. Students appreciate the straightforward path this college provides toward either transferring to four-year schools or entering the workforce quickly.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1964

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
18°–31°F
July Avg
66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
37.9"
Annual Snowfall
38.4"

Student Demographics

Triton draws students from Chicago's diverse western suburbs, with nearly all choosing to stay close to home rather than venture far for college. The student body reflects the changing demographics of the region, with Hispanic students now making up nearly half the enrollment. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year degrees. The balanced gender split mirrors Triton's broad appeal across both traditionally male-dominated trades and female-heavy healthcare and education programs.
Men
51.9%
Women
48.1%
White
26.1%
Black
12.5%
Hispanic
47.7%
Asian
2.5%
In-State Students
97.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.9%

Location

Triton College sits in River Grove, Illinois, about 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The campus serves the western suburbs in a densely populated metropolitan area where 97.76% of students come from in-state. River Grove offers the suburban feel many community college students prefer while maintaining easy access to Chicago's job market and cultural attractions. The location puts students within reach of major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics that often recruit from Triton's career programs. With a diverse student body that's 47.68% Hispanic and serves working adults alongside recent high school graduates, the college reflects the multicultural character of Chicagoland's suburbs. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Triton College with similar schools in the region.
Address
River Grove, Illinois 60171-1995
Triton's Campus in Fall
Triton's Campus in Fall
Sundial at Triton
Sundial at Triton
Triton College campus
Triton College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,728
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,252
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,500
Loan Repayment Rate
38.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$100/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,413

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Triton College?

Triton College has an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning they accept all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 6,229 students in the western Chicago suburbs. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education or career training.

How much does Triton College cost after financial aid?

Students at Triton College pay an average net price of $4,427 after aid, making it highly affordable. In-state tuition runs $4,920 while out-of-state students pay $14,880. The school keeps costs low for working families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying just $3,459 net.

What academic programs is Triton College known for?

Triton College offers strong career programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1, providing reasonable access to instructors. The school has built a reputation for practical training that leads to employment, with graduates earning a median of $41,728 ten years after enrollment.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Triton College?

Triton College achieves a 29.10% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the part-time nature of many community college students who balance work and family obligations. Employment rates reach 92.2% for graduates. The median debt load of $9,413 remains manageable compared to four-year institutions.

Where is Triton College located and what is campus life like?

Triton College sits in River Grove, Illinois, serving the large suburban area west of Chicago. The campus houses 10 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA with 173 total athletes. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, creating a strong local community connection.

What is the student diversity like at Triton College?

Triton College serves a predominantly Hispanic student body at 47.68%, reflecting the changing demographics of the western Chicago suburbs. White students make up 26.12% while Black students represent 12.46% of enrollment. The gender split remains nearly even with 51.89% men and 48.11% women enrolled.