Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Chicago Heights, Illinois |
| Online | prairiestate.edu |
| School Type | Public 2 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | No |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Prairie State College, founded in 1957, is a public community college located in Chicago Heights, Illinois, approximately 30 miles south of downtown Chicago. The campus is characterized by modernist architecture and provides a suburban atmosphere conducive to learning and student engagement. Offering a variety of associate degrees and certificate programs, Prairie State College is known for its academic offerings in nursing, dental hygiene, and industrial technology, among others. The college operates on an open admissions policy, providing educational opportunities to all applicants. While Prairie State College does not offer on-campus housing, it serves a diverse and commuter-based student population. Its dedication to technical training and career-oriented programs has made it a regional hub for workforce development.
Prairie State College has an open admission policy which permits enrollment by any high school graduate or GED holding student. 935 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,745 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $8,610 plus fees of $732.
Prairie State College is designated as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and receives federal grants supporting the school's efforts to serve low and middle-income Black Americans.
Annual Cost to Attend
In District Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,500 |
| Other Fees | $732 |
| Estimated Off Campus Cost of Living | $7,516 |
| Other Expenses Budget | $6,204 |
| Total One Year Cost | $20,396 |
Illinois Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,500 |
| Other Fees | $732 |
| Estimated Off Campus Cost of Living | $7,516 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,204 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,562 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 53% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 22% |
| Mechanic and Repair Technologies | 6% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 5% |
| General Studies | 4% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Prairie State College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=148007 IPEDS survey data for Prairie State College.
Current students may use the Prairie State College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.