What Is It Known For?
City Colleges of Chicago, founded in 1911, is a network of seven community colleges serving the Chicago metropolitan area. It was established to provide affordable and accessible higher education to the residents of Chicago. The school serves around 70,000 students per year, offering a range of programs to meet the needs of the local community.
The colleges within the City Colleges of Chicago system are known for their diversity and commitment to preparing students for both the workforce and further academic pursuits.
Degrees & Certifications
City Colleges of Chicago offers a variety of degrees and certifications, including:
- Associate degrees in fields like business, health sciences, liberal arts, and more.
- Certificates and diplomas for students seeking to specialize in specific skills or fields.
Associate degrees usually take about two years to complete, while certificate programs can vary in length, typically ranging from a few months to one year, depending on the field.
Class Schedules
City Colleges of Chicago offers flexible class schedules, including morning, afternoon, and evening classes to accommodate a variety of student needs. Many programs are available in hybrid or online formats, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. Additionally, some programs include externships or clinical experiences, particularly in fields like healthcare, which provide valuable hands-on training.
Is It Legit?
Yes. City Colleges of Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that the education provided meets high standards of quality.
Acceptance Rate
City Colleges of Chicago operates on an open admissions policy, meaning that all students who apply are accepted, provided they meet the basic admissions criteria.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs at City Colleges of Chicago vary depending on residency status. In-district students from the City of Chicago pay $153 per credit hour. Out-of-district students are charged $403 per credit hour, while both out-of-state and international students pay $505 per credit hour.
Financial aid options are available, and students can use the net cost calculator on the school’s website for more specific cost estimates based on their situation.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Communications Technology
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resources
- Management/Marketing
- Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
- Social Service
Healthcare
- Biotechnology
- Mammography
- Dental Hygiene
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Mortuary Science
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Patient Care Technician
- Pharmacy Technology
- Phlebotomy
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Radiography
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
Professional Services
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Personal Fitness Trainer
- Theater Art
Skilled Trades
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- HVAC
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation
- CDL
- Collision Technology
- Construction
- Carpentry
- Masonry
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical Construction Technology
- Plumbing and Fire Protection
- Logistics
- Manufacturing Technology
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Welding Engineering Technology
Technology
- Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Technology
- CNC Technology
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Game Design and Development
- Networking Systems and Technology
- Software Development
- Web Development
Campus Locations
Chicago 180 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60601
30 E. Lake Street 30 E. Lake Street Chicago, IL 60601
1145 West Wilson Ave 1145 West Wilson Ave Chicago, IL 60640
6301 South Halsted St 6301 South Halsted St Chicago, IL 60621
1900 W. Jackson 1900 W. Jackson Chicago, IL 60612
10001 South Woodlawn Ave 10001 South Woodlawn Ave Chicago, IL 60628
7500 South Pulaski 7500 South Pulaski Rd Chicago, IL 60652
4300 N. Narragansett Ave 4300 N. Narragansett Ave Chicago, IL 60634
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) system has a generally positive reputation, primarily for its affordability, accessibility, and high-quality faculty. While there are some negative reviews, they tend to be specific to a campus or a particular administrative issue rather than the system as a whole.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordability and Financial Support: This is the most consistent and widely praised aspect. Students frequently mention the low tuition costs, the availability of scholarships and grants, and the savings they can achieve by completing their first two years at a CCC before transferring to a four-year university.
Supportive and Dedicated Faculty: Reviews across multiple campuses highlight professors who are passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in student success. Many students appreciate the small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention and one-on-one help.
Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: Many students describe the colleges as having a diverse and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a community. They appreciate the inclusive environment and the sense of safety provided by campus security.
Strong Resources and Facilities: Campuses like Malcolm X College and Truman College are praised for their modern facilities, including new buildings, well-equipped labs, and clean, organized spaces. Students also find resources like tutoring centers, advising services, and career support to be highly valuable.
Flexible Scheduling: The availability of evening, online, and hybrid classes is a major plus for students who are balancing work and family responsibilities.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Communication Issues: This is the most common negative theme. Students report a lack of clear communication, particularly from specific departments. They describe difficulties in getting timely responses from advisors and receiving accurate information.
Inconsistent Instructor Quality: While most instructors are praised, a few reviews point out that some professors are not as engaging or struggle with teaching, particularly with online platforms.
Limited Student Life: Some students feel the colleges lack a vibrant social scene or the range of extracurricular activities and sports teams found at larger universities. They note that the focus is almost exclusively on academics.
Specific Program and Advising Problems: A few reviews mention frustrating experiences with specific programs or advisors. One review from Malcolm X College noted a useless online planner and difficulty getting clear information, while another from Kennedy-King College mentioned a lack of instruction from a teacher in a technical program.
Momentum
The momentum for the City Colleges of Chicago system is positive. Recent reviews consistently highlight the continued affordability, strong faculty, and valuable resources that make the colleges a smart choice for many students. While administrative and communication issues still exist, they are not a new trend and are often overshadowed by the high praise for the instructors and the overall educational value. The colleges continue to be seen as a solid starting point for students looking to earn a degree or transfer to a four-year institution.