What Is It Known For?
With four campuses—Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College—Illinois Eastern Community Schools (IECC) is a well-known network of community schools in southeast Illinois.
Founded in 1969, IECC serves a diverse student body with approximately 7,000 students enrolled each semester. This vast network of colleges enables students to benefit from various regional educational opportunities.
Degrees & Certifications
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges provides a range of educational credentials to suit diverse academic and career goals.
Students can pursue:
- Associate Degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, and Associate in General Studies.
- Certificate Programs: Certificates in Automotive Technology, Medical Coding and Billing, Early Childhood Education, and Computer Networking.
For those interested in vocational and technical fields, IECC also provides Diploma programs. For a comprehensive list of available programs and degrees, visit their Areas of Study page.
Class Schedules
Students at IECC benefit from flexible class schedules, including morning, afternoon, and evening options. A combination of hybrid, online, and in-person classes are offered.
Many of the programs here also provide practical experience through externships or clinical placements, especially in disciplines such as healthcare.
Is IECC Legit?
Yes. Illinois Eastern Community Colleges ia a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and various professional accrediting bodies for specific programs. These affiliations ensure the colleges adhere to high standards of educational quality.
Acceptance Rate
IECC operates with an open admissions policy, meaning that it has a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
Tuition costs at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges vary depending on the program and residency status. On average, tuition ranges from $130 to $150 per credit hour for in-district students, with higher rates for out-of-district and out-of-state students. ‘
For detailed information on tuition and fees, visit their Tuition Page.
Programs & Courses
Arts & Design
- Digital Media
- Graphic Arts
- Graphic Design
- Music
Business
- Accounting
- Bookkeeping
- Customer Service
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resources
- Office Admin
- Office Management
- Small Business Development
- Sports Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
Education
- Early Childhood
Law
- JUS
Healthcare
- CNA
- EMT
- Health Information Technology
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Phlebotomy
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Practical Nursing
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Gunsmithing
- Landscape Technology
- Nail Tech
- Real Estate
Skilled Trades
- Auto Technology & Service
- Collision Repair
- Diesel Engines
- Facilities Maintenance
- Fire
- Manufacturing
- Supervising
- Truck Driving
- Welding
Technology
- Information Technology
- Networking
Campus Locations
Olney Central Community College 305 North West Street, Olney, IL 62450
Frontier Community College 2 Frontier Drive, Fairfield, IL 62837-2601
Lincoln Trail Community College 11220 State Highway 1, Robinson, IL 62454
Wabash Valley Community College 2200 College Drive, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges has a consistently positive reputation. The feedback from both students and community members is generally favorable, praising the college’s accessibility, resources, and campus environment.
Overall Score: 4.6/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordable and Accessible: Reviewers appreciate that the college is close to home and offers an excellent selection of classes at an affordable price.
Supportive Environment: Students describe the campus as having “friendly people” and “amazing instructors” who contribute to a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
Community Resources: The college is noted for providing a vast amount of resources not only for its students but also for the wider community.
Positive Campus Experience: The campus is described as “beautiful” and “nice,” providing a good setting for learning.
Common Criticisms
Irrelevant and Confusing Feedback: One review is entirely about a fast-food experience with comments about fries and trash cans, which is unrelated to the college itself. Another review is an isolated comment that does not appear to have any connection to the school’s educational or community services.
Lack of Specificity: The reviews are generally positive but lack detailed critiques, making it difficult to identify any specific areas for improvement.
Momentum
The reviews, while not recent, show a consistent positive sentiment over several years, indicating a stable and well-regarded reputation. External information confirms that Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is a system of four colleges—Wabash Valley, Olney Central, Lincoln Trail, and Frontier—that offer a wide range of academic programs, including over 100 associate degree and certificate options. The colleges are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a well-regarded regional accreditor. The tuition is generally considered to be lower than that of four-year universities, with in-district rates being particularly affordable, which aligns with the positive comments about the school’s accessibility. The most recent external data from 2024 and 2025 supports the college’s focus on providing accessible and high-quality education to its local communities.