What Is It Known For?
St. Louis Community College (STLCC), founded in 1962, has grown into a cornerstone of affordable education in the region. With six campus locations, it stands as the largest higher education institution in the area and the second largest in Missouri. The college offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and short-term career training, making it a versatile choice for students with diverse goals.
In the 2023–2024 academic year, STLCC served 34,404 students across its credit, certificate, and career training programs. This impressive enrollment reflects its commitment to providing accessible education to the community.
Over the years, the college has built a strong reputation for helping students achieve their academic and professional aspirations through flexible and affordable options.
Degrees & Certifications
St. Louis Community College provides a variety of career-focused programs to meet diverse educational needs. Some of the standout options include:
- Clinical Coding
- HVAC Operator
- Cybersecurity
- Legal Studies for the Paralegal
- Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Software Developer
For a full list of available programs, visit their programs page.
Class Schedules
St. Louis Community College offers flexible class schedules designed to fit your lifestyle. Whether you prefer morning, afternoon, or evening sessions, there are options to accommodate your availability. Many programs also provide weekend classes, making it easier to balance education with other responsibilities. For those who need even more flexibility, online courses are available, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Some programs, particularly in healthcare and related fields, include hands-on clinical experience as part of the curriculum. These experiences take place in real-world settings like hospitals, schools, and other facilities, giving students valuable practical skills.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, St. Louis Community College is a well-regarded institution, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a recognized accrediting body for colleges and universities in the United States.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at St. Louis Community College is estimated to be between 81% to 100%, reflecting its commitment to providing educational opportunities to all who seek them.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
St. Louis Community College offers tuition at a fraction of the cost of Missouri’s largest public four-year university, saving students over $11,000 per year.
Cost Per Credit Hour (Fall 2024 – Spring 2025):
- In-District: $122
- Out-of-District: $171
- Out-of-State: $233
- International: $243
For online education, in-district students pay $122 per credit hour, while out-of-district students pay $125 per credit hour. The college also offers discounts for specific groups:
- High school dual enrollment students: Half the normal cost per credit hour
- Seniors (60+ years old): $61 per credit hour
To help plan your education expenses, the school provides a Net Price Calculator to estimate costs and explore financial assistance options.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Hospitality
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Healthcare
- Dental Hygiene
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Paramedic Technology
- Radiology
Professional Services
- Baking & Pastry Arts
- Culinary Arts
- Interior Design
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Welding Program
- CDL
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology
- HVAC Operator
- Machining Technology
Technology
- Computer Programming
- Cybersecurity
- Database Developer
- Network Engineering
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
Campus Locations
Ferguson 3400 Pershall Road, Ferguson, MO 63135
St. Louis 5600 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
St. Louis 11333 Big Bend Road, St. Louis, MO 63122
Wildwood 2645 Generations Drive, Wildwood, MO 63040
St. Louis 3140 Cass Ave. St. Louis, MO 63106
St. Louis 4115 Meramec Bottom Road, St. Louis, MO 63129
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, St. Louis Community College – Forest Park is valued as an affordable institution with pockets of strong career-focused programs, but it is heavily criticized for its poor administrative services and inconsistent overall faculty quality.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordability and Value: Students greatly appreciate the low tuition rates (approx. $122/credit hour in-district) and see the school as an excellent, budget-friendly option for transfer or career certificates.
Strong Career and Technical Programs: Specialized departments like the Dental School (Hygiene), Truck Driving (CDL), and the science department often receive positive reviews for their quality instruction and knowledgeable faculty.
Clean and Organized Campus: The physical campus is noted for being “clean, organized,” and a pleasant environment with well-kept classrooms.
Common Criticisms
Disastrous Administrative Services: Overwhelming criticism targets the non-instructional staff. Students report Admissions, Financial Aid, and Advising staff are “rude,” “unprofessional,” and actively avoid helping, often transferring calls or letting them go to voicemail.
Severe Record and Billing Issues: The most serious complaints involve accusations of negligence and outright errors, including reports of the college attempting to incorrectly bill students thousands of dollars after they had officially dropped courses.
Inconsistent Teaching Quality: Many students feel that the faculty in core and online courses “do not teach,” instead directing students to external resources (like YouTube videos) or telling them to “critically think it out” on their own, essentially paying for the chance to take the exams.
Advising Instability and Inaccuracy: Students complain of a high turnover rate in advisors (one student noted having 7 in a year) and receiving conflicting, detrimental advice that nearly resulted in the loss of financial aid or prolonged their time to graduation.
Momentum
Recent reviews continue to reinforce the long-standing internal conflict: the campus is generally clean, and technical programs are praised, but any interaction with the core administration (Admissions, Financial Aid, Advising) results in frustration and negative feedback. The longevity and severity of the administrative complaints suggest a deep-rooted, persistent problem with the non-faculty operational departments.