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Rural Colleges in Illinois

15 schools in Illinois. See our methodology.

Morrison Institute of Technology stands out among Illinois rural colleges with graduates earning $63,571 annually, the highest median salary despite serving only 54 students. This specialized school in Morrison represents one extreme in a varied market that spans from tiny Lincoln Trail College with 360 students to larger institutions like Waubonsee Community College serving 5,499. Rural Illinois colleges offer remarkable affordability, with net costs ranging from $3,271 at Lake Land College to $8,719 at Lincoln Trail College. These institutions serve as important workforce pipelines for Illinois industries, particularly manufacturing and healthcare sectors that drive the state economy. The Illinois MAP Grant program helps low-income students access these affordable options. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Principia College's impressive 76.2% to Kishwaukee College's 38.4%, reflecting different institutional missions and student populations. Community colleges dominate this rural education sector, preparing students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. Many graduates find opportunities in Chicago's expanding job market or stay local to support rural Illinois communities with essential services and skilled trades.
15
Schools
$7,635
Avg. Net Price
$40,440
Avg. Earnings
49.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Illinois

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Distant 54 $24,326 66.7%
2 Rural-Distant 1,196 $7,309 60.4%
3 Rural-Fringe 2,492 $3,271 53.5%
4 Rural-Fringe 1,164 $8,388 51.5%
5 Rural-Fringe 5,499 $6,113 41.0%
6 Rural-Fringe 1,842 $6,839 48.5%
7 Rural-Fringe 4,335 $8,093 39.3%
8 Rural-Distant 659 $5,571 51.0%
9 Rural-Fringe 360 $8,719 46.6%
10 Rural-Fringe 926 $5,359 46.0%
11 Rural-Fringe 3,917 $5,294 42.5%
12 Rural-Fringe 735 $6,584 43.1%
13 Rural-Fringe 1,794 $6,480 38.4%
14 Rural-Distant 675 $4,542 44.1%
15 Rural-Fringe 337 76.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Morrison Institute of Technology unique among rural Illinois colleges?

Morrison Institute of Technology graduates earn $63,571 annually, significantly higher than other rural Illinois colleges. With only 54 students, this specialized institution maintains a 66.7% graduation rate while charging $24,326 net cost, the highest among rural schools but producing the strongest earning outcomes.

How affordable are rural Illinois colleges compared to urban options?

Rural Illinois colleges cost between $3,271 and $24,326 annually, with Lake Land College offering the lowest net price. Most community colleges charge under $9,000 per year. The Illinois MAP Grant program provides additional assistance to qualifying low-income students attending these institutions.

Does enrollment size affect graduation rates at rural Illinois colleges?

Enrollment size shows mixed correlation with graduation rates. Tiny Lincoln Trail College with 360 students achieves a 46.6% graduation rate, while larger Waubonsee Community College serving 5,499 students maintains 41%. Principia College, with 337 students, leads all schools at 76.2% graduation rate.

What career opportunities exist for rural Illinois college graduates?

Graduate earnings range from $32,999 to $63,571 annually, reflecting varied career paths in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. Many graduates find employment in Chicago's job market or remain in rural areas supporting local industries and essential services across Illinois communities.

Where can students find the best value among rural Illinois colleges?

Lake Land College in Mattoon offers strong value at $3,271 net cost with a 53.5% graduation rate and $38,877 median earnings. Rend Lake College provides strong returns at $7,309 cost with 60.4% graduation rate, second-highest among community colleges in this group.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.