About Waubonsee Community College
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,614 after aid, while even higher-income families rarely pay more than $10,425. Graduates earn a median of $44,788 ten years after starting, making the typical debt load of $7,000 quite manageable with monthly payments of just $74. The employment rate hits 93.5%, suggesting strong job market connections. This represents solid value for students seeking either career training or an affordable start toward a bachelor's degree.
The student body reflects the region's diversity, with Hispanic students comprising 43.28% of enrollment and white students making up 41.77%. Nearly all students come from Illinois, creating a close-knit community feel. The Chiefs compete in 12 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 179 total athletes sharing $172,454 in athletic scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 20.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,788
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,303 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $37,208 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $33,410 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,112 |
Campus Life
The 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio means classes feel more personal than at large universities. Campus life centers around the 12 varsity sports teams, which draw 179 student athletes who compete as the Chiefs in the NCCAA. Hispanic students make up 43.28% of enrollment, creating a diverse community that reflects the changing demographics of Chicagoland's outer suburbs. Weekends often see students heading back to family or jobs in the metro area. The 93.5% employment rate suggests many students balance work with classes. Those staying on campus for activities gravitate toward athletic events or student organizations that bridge the gap between academic and career preparation.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 12°–29°F
- July Avg
- 59°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.1%
- Women
- 54.9%
- White
- 41.8%
- Black
- 8.2%
- Hispanic
- 43.3%
- Asian
- 3.4%
- In-State Students
- 99.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.5%
Location
- Address
- Sugar Grove, Illinois 60554-9454
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,788
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,133
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $74/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Waubonsee Community College?
Waubonsee Community College operates as an open-access institution typical of community colleges, meaning qualified students can enroll without competitive admissions. The college serves 5,499 students primarily from the western Chicago suburbs. Nearly all students (99.38%) come from Illinois, reflecting its role as a local community resource.
How much does Waubonsee Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,113 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,614 net, while higher earners pay up to $10,425. Only 21.52% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many families fall into middle-income brackets.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Waubonsee Community College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1, which is typical for community colleges but higher than four-year institutions. Classes tend to be larger as the college focuses on efficient delivery of foundational courses and career training programs. The college operates on a semester system to align with transfer destinations.
What are typical earnings for Waubonsee Community College graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $44,788 ten years after starting college, reflecting the practical career focus of community college programs. The employment rate reaches 93.5%, demonstrating strong job placement success. Graduates typically carry only $7,000 in debt with manageable monthly payments of $74.
Where is Waubonsee Community College located and what is campus life like?
The main campus sits in Sugar Grove, Illinois, in a rural-fringe setting about 45 miles west of Chicago. With 179 student athletes competing in 12 varsity sports through the NCCAA, the Chiefs provide athletic opportunities despite the commuter college environment. The student body is 54.94% female and diverse, with 43.28% Hispanic enrollment.
Does Waubonsee Community College have strong transfer programs?
The college maintains a 41% six-year graduation rate, which includes both associate degree completion and successful transfers to four-year universities. As a community college founded in 1966, it has established pathways to help students continue their education affordably. The low debt burden makes it an attractive starting point for students planning to transfer.
