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 33:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 54%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
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)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition & Financial Aid
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.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
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.
Learn how a full required course can delay graduation, how to navigate waitlists, and how to find approved alternatives that protect your community college degree timeline and financial aid eligibility.
Understand how catalog years determine community college graduation requirements, how enrollment breaks and major changes affect eligibility, and what to verify before choosing courses or switching to a newer catalog.
Learn what happens when your community college discontinues your program before graduation, including teach-out options, credit transfers, financial aid implications, student protections, and practical steps to finish your degree successfully.
Quick Facts (26-27)
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)
For Illinois public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $8,019 per year for in-state students and $10,874 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $14,123 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
