- The mission of Carl Sandburg College is to provide accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the learner's needs at the center of decision making and by working in partnership with communities of the College district.
School Highlights
Carl Sandburg College serves 1,603 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is lower than the state community college average of 34:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 54%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 1,603 students
- In-state tuition: $5,846
- Out-state tuition: $6,854
- Student-teacher ratio: 24:1
- Minority enrollment: 29%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Carl Sandburg College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Resources
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 66 teachers has declined by 70% over five years.
Carl Sandburg College
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
66 staff
94 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
8
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Carl Sandburg College has declined by 8% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Carl Sandburg College diversity score of 0.47 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 19% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,603 students
3,110 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
34:1
# Full-Time Students
686 students
1,028 students
# Part-Time Students
917 students
2,082 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
112 students
378 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
686 students
1,082 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
42 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
917 students
2,308 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
14 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
5%
% Hispanic
12%
28%
% Black
7%
13%
% White
71%
46%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
5%
4%
Diversity Score
0.47
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
43%
38%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,700
$31,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,846 is less than the state average of $8,019. The in-state tuition has declined by 25% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,854 is less than the state average of $10,874. The out-state tuition has declined by 21% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,846
$8,019
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,854
$10,874
Tuition Notes
$178 per credit hour
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
80%
Median Debt for Graduates
$4,500
$8,029
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,500
$4,618
Acceptance Rate
n/a
75%
SAT Reading
n/a
390
SAT Math
n/a
360
SAT Writing
n/a
355
ACT Composite
n/a
17
ACT English
n/a
17
ACT Math
n/a
17
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Carl Sandburg College was established by authority of the Illinois Community College Act of 1965 and was approved by voters in a September 1966 referendum. One year later, in September 1967, classes began at various locations in Galesburg, including the former Brown's Business College and the Central Congregational Church. Enrollment was approximately 350 students. The Main Campus is located in Galesburg with a Branch Campus in Carthage and an Extension Center in Bushnell. In addition, off-campus sites include the Educational Technology Center and the Annex in downtown Galesburg, as well as the Education Commons in Carthage. A WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMS leading to degrees and certificates is offered by the College to serve a variety of student needs. The Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), or Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree is for those students planning to transfer to a senior college or university to earn a Baccalaureate degree. Carl Sandburg is participating with other two and four year Illinois College and Universities to list a core curriculum. Occupational programs are available as a Certificate, which may be completed in as little as nine months, or as an Associate in Applied Science degree, which may be completed in as little as two years. Accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Carl Sandburg College cost?
Carl Sandburg College's tuition is approximately $5,846 for In-State students and $6,854 for Out-State students.
What is Carl Sandburg College's ranking?
Carl Sandburg College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Illinois for: Least expensive tuition, Percent of students receiving financial aid and Least debt for graduating students.
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