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 2,295 students (35% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 53%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 2,295 students
In-state tuition: $5,846
Out-state tuition: $6,854
Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
Minority enrollment: 28%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Carl Sandburg College has grown by 19% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Carl Sandburg College diversity score of 0.46 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 16% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,295 students
3,270 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
794 students
1,007 students
# Part-Time Students
1,501 students
2,747 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
229 students
328 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
794 students
1,007 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
43 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,501 students
3,310 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
18 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
11%
26%
% Black
7%
13%
% White
72%
47%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
4%
4%
Diversity Score
0.46
0.69
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4252%
0.4%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.38%
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 $7,875. The in-state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,854 is less than the state average of $10,847. The out-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,846
$7,875
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,854
$10,847
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
99%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$4,500
$8,187
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,500
$4,618
Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
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: 2024 (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.
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Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 2,295 students
In-state tuition: $5,846
Out-state tuition: $6,854
Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
Minority enrollment: 28%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
For Illinois public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $7,875 per year for in-state students and $10,847 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $14,511 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
