Best Community Colleges in Illinois

Sandburg offers five degrees for transfer, 17 program degrees, and 36 career program certificates to students from diverse backgrounds. This community college in Illinois also boasts a reverse transfer program, in which students who earned some credit at a four-year school can apply that credit toward an associate degree at Sandburg.

Academically gifted degree-seekers who possess a minimum 3.5 high school GPA can apply to Sandburg's Honors Program. Honors students take two honors courses and complete a project that involves community service or a research paper. Honors students must stay in good academic standing by maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA and earning a "B" or better in both honors courses.

Incoming degree-seekers can apply for Foundation Scholarships between October 1 and March 15. The college also awards six additional scholarships, each with its own application requirements, such as academic excellence or residency in a specific county.

In addition to associate degrees and certificates, SVCC offers college-preparation tracks, including a dual-credit program for high school students. This community college in Illinois also offers an academy exclusively for high school seniors, where learners complete all of their general education core courses in one year.

Transfer degrees at SVCC include psychology, secondary education, and nursing. Some academic programs feature multiple degrees and certificates, and the school offers 10 degrees entirely online. Students gain access to the college's Business Services/Career Services Center where they can receive resume critiques, practice interviewing skills, and explore potential careers.

Prospective degree-seekers can apply for the summer, fall, or spring semester. Transfer applicants should possess at least 12 credits. SVCC posts new scholarship opportunities each month; each scholarship requires a separate application, and requirements may vary.

At WCC, students can choose from four academic options: transfer programs, career programs, individual courses, and professional development. Degree-seekers planning to transfer to a bachelor's completion program can complete an AA or AS degree. WCC boasts transfer agreements with over two dozen colleges and universities throughout the Midwest. Unlike many other Illinois community colleges, WCC does not ask students to select a major. Instead, learners choose an area of concentration.

Online degree-seekers can select from four-, eight-, or 12-week courses. They use Blackboard to access asynchronous course content. Learners who plan to earn a degree on campus but still desire a flexible education can take evening or weekend courses. This community college in Illinois runs campuses in Sugar Grove, Aurora Downtown, Aurora Fox Valley, and Plano.

WCC has different application requirements for new, transfer, returning, and international students. Prospective degree-seekers can attend a virtual workshop that explains the application process. Each year, WCC awards over 150 scholarships to incoming students.

Another Illinois Eastern Community College (IECC) institution, WVC educates approximately 1,100 students on its Mount Carmel campus and online. The college was the second to join IECC in 1960 and offers the same transfer degrees as other IECC schools. Students earning a certificate can major in areas such as gunsmithing, coal mining maintenance, and truck driving.

Adult and continuing education programs at this Illinois community college include GED-preparation courses, computer literacy, and adult literacy. WVC participates in the Federal TRIO Program, and the college also provides local high school students with college counseling services. Undergraduates may also be able to receive tutoring at no additional cost.

Incoming students may qualify for scholarships exclusive to WVC. The college boasts over 20 scholarships open to all learners; these financial aid opportunities have a March 29 deadline. Transfer students may qualify for additional financial aid opportunities.

SIC boasts both career- and transfer-orientated AA and AS programs, as well as a GED-preparation course for adult learners. This community college in Illinois also features many community education programs open to residents living in and around Harrisburg, including firearms training, food handler training, and a career exploration camp for young adults.

SIC offers specialized students services, including highly trained advisors who work exclusively with online and first-generation students. Online students can select from four associate degrees and 13 certificates. Learners earning a certificate can specialize in biodiesel production, accounting, or early childhood education, among other in-demand fields.

Incoming learners can skip placement tests if they possess a 20 or higher on the ACT or if they earned a "C" or better in a college-level math or English course. SIC awards programmatic scholarships in over a dozen fields. Degree-seekers in art-related programs may qualify for additional scholarships. Application requirements include a 750-1,000-word essay and official transcripts.

Richard J. Daley College has provided Chicago residents with excellent academic programs since 1960. Incoming learners can select from traditional for-credit programs, adult education, online learning, continuing education, and programs for high school students. The college boasts both dual-credit and dual-enrollment options for high schoolers living in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Distance learners can access the same virtual and on-campus student services as on-campus learners. Some courses may ask learners to take proctored exams on campus. Unlike other Illinois community colleges on this ranking, Richard J. Daley College requires that all online students reside in Illinois. The college delivers both accelerated 12-week and traditional 16-week courses.

Richard J. Daley College features six start dates throughout the year, although the college uses fall and spring scholarship deadlines. Degree-seekers can submit one scholarship application each semester.

With three campuses in Godfrey, Edwardsville, and East Alton, L&C brings degree and certificate programs to students living throughout southwestern Illinois. Popular certificates include music production, criminal justice, and paramedicine. Online programs are available for both degree-seekers and individuals interested in professional and personal enrichment.

L&C boasts an Honors College. As students prepare to transfer to a bachelor's completion program, they complete service projects and original research. The Honors Program also provides smaller class sizes and an exclusive mentorship program. Degree-seekers in the Honors Program also receive a discount on on-campus housing fees.

Prospective L&C students can apply for the spring, summer, or fall semester. This community college in Illinois accepts transfer credit and awards credit based on incoming students' Advanced Placement scores. College and departmental scholarships award up to $1,000 in financial aid. Illinois residents may qualify for additional state-funded scholarships.

From its Kankakee campus, KCC offers 18 associate degrees for transfer and six academic departments that confer career-aligned associate degrees and certificates. Popular programs include business, health, and technology. Career-aligned degrees -- like transfer degrees -- require approximately 65 credits. Students at this Illinois community college can also select from more than 20 clubs and organizations.

In addition to awarding degrees and certificates, KCC partners with community organizations to provide residents with free or low-cost courses in computer literacy, professional development, and switching careers. The college also works with local businesses to design and implement employee-training programs.

In addition to a high school diploma, applicants to degree programs must complete specific high school prerequisites. Prospective degree-seekers who possess a GED and at least 24 transferable undergraduate credits may also apply. KCC posts new institutional and private scholarship opportunities throughout the year. These $250-$2,500 awards have different application requirements and deadlines.

Located in Palatine, Harper offers associate degrees and certificates in 10 areas of interest. The college awards seven types of associate degrees, three of which transfer to Illinois public colleges and universities. Typical degree-seekers who have not yet picked a major can earn an associate of general studies. This degree fulfills general education requirements for a bachelor's degree.

Online and on-campus students can access seven academic support centers at this Illinois community college, including an anatomy room, developmental math center, and tutoring center. Harper offers one associate degree and four professional certificates entirely online. Other degrees and certificates allow students to study in a hybrid format. Online courses use Blackboard.

Incoming degree-seekers interested in Harper's Honors Program must submit an additional application. Each year, nearly 10,000 students at Harper receive a college-funded scholarship. Students submit only one application to apply to all scholarship opportunities. Learners who do not qualify for scholarships can still receive financial aid through an on-campus work-study program.

Wright College offers degrees and certificates in 10 focus areas, including information technology, healthcare, and construction technology. At this community college in Illinois, students can earn an associate degree by taking 16-, 12-, or eight-week courses. Accelerated courses may be suitable for learners who can dedicate themselves fully to a program.

Online and on-campus learners can access Wright College's extensive student support services, such as transfer advisors and a Career Planning and Placement Department. In addition to working with students one-on-one, career advisors research the latest job opportunities in the Chicago area and post them to the Wright College website.

Prospective students can apply for the spring, summer, or fall semester. In-district learners -- including Chicago residents and students who work full time within the city limits -- save approximately 75% on tuition compared to out-of-state degree-seekers. Wright College offers new scholarships in the spring and fall semesters; scholarships require a separate application.

With two campuses just outside Chicago, Oakton boasts dozens of associate degrees in areas such as accounting, manufacturing technology, and nursing. Like many other Illinois community colleges, Oakton also awards an associate of general studies to students who have not yet chosen their academic major.

Online learning opportunities at Oakton include one AA degree and several certificate programs. Students learn asynchronously through the Desire2Learn course management system. Some online courses may require hybrid components, including field experiences and occasional on-campus course meetings. On-campus and online learners receive access to academic tutoring, counseling, and career advising services.

Admission to Oakton requires a 10-step process that involves submitting transcripts, attending an orientation, and taking placement exams (if applicable). Incoming learners submit a separate scholarship application. The college also helps degree-seekers explore private scholarship and grant opportunities.

Based in western Illinois, JWCC offers numerous transfer degrees, technical degrees, and certificates. Transfer degrees include AA, AS, and associate in fine arts options; most transfer degrees involve humanities and natural science topics. Students can pursue beef specialist, industrial welding, and nursing assistant certificates.

Learners have the option of open or online learning. In an open learning course, students work one-on-one with a professor and finish in 8-16 weeks, depending on the course. Online courses at JWCC use Canvas. The college offers prospective students detailed instructional videos on how to succeed at learning online.

Applicants must possess either a high school diploma or GED certificate. The college also considers transfer credits on a case-by-case basis. JWCC awards eight types of scholarships each year, and each scholarship uses a different deadline and unique application requirements. JWCC also offers work-study programs to help students pay for their degree.

Southern Illinois residents can complete associate programs or professional certificates at KC. The school boasts 48 degrees and over 100 certificates in fields such as accounting, criminal justice, and the humanities. Each degree page on KC's website provides prospective students with information concerning learning outcomes and potential careers. Learners should note that some programs may require on-site training or field trips.

This Illinois community college provides 13 academic programs that students can complete entirely online. Many other programs also offer hybrid options, and KC undergraduates can select from over 500 online courses each semester. Students receive 24/7 access to IT support, as well as free tutoring and career-planning services through KC's Academic Center for Excellence.

Students must submit FAFSA results, take placement tests, and attend a mandatory new student orientation. In-state students save approximately 60% on tuition compared to their out-of-state peers. Degree-seekers interested in college-funded scholarships only need to submit one scholarship application.

Students at RVC can select a degree or certificate in one of 11 academic fields, including business and mathematics. This community college in Illinois boasts over 30 transfer degrees in areas such as economics, geography, and philosophy; however, these degrees may not transfer seamlessly to schools outside of Illinois. Students earning a career-oriented degree can complete a program in one of over 20 subjects.

RVC boasts seven student support services, including the only behavior intervention team (BIT) at any community college on this ranking. BIT intervenes when a student's behavior concerns or alarms others. BIT creates and implements an intervention plan with the goals of reducing negative behavior and ensuring that all students can learn in a safe environment.

As RVC offers both short- and long-term courses, incoming learners can start a program at one of many points throughout the year. RVC awards nearly 300 Foundation Scholarships annually. Learners must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to qualify for scholarships and other college-funded financial aid opportunities.

Located in northern Illinois, MCC serves residents and students throughout the state. The college offers degrees for transfer, noncredit courses, and professional development programs. Certificate programs at this Illinois community college include administrative office skills, baking and pastry assistant, and emergency medical technician.

Besides conferring degrees and certificates, MCC provides community members with valuable continuing education opportunities. Immigrants can complete an on-campus citizenship or ESL course. Learners of all ages can also prepare for a driver's license test by taking a course in traffic safety. Additionally, adult learners who dropped out of high school can prepare for the GED and take the examination on campus.

Prospective students must possess either a high school diploma or GED certificate. Degree-seekers can look for scholarship opportunities on the school's scholarship website, and MCC posts new scholarships throughout the year. Application requirements and awards vary.