- Wilbur Wright College was established in 1934 by the Chicago Board of Education as one of the system of three city junior colleges designed to serve the post-secondary educational needs of Chicago citizens. Except for a three-year period during World War II, when the U.S. Navy took it over for training purposes, the college remained at 3400 N. Austin until the recent move to the new campus in 1993. In 1966, Wright and the other city colleges were reorganized into a new community college district, named the City Colleges of Chicago, with its own Board of Trustees and taxing authority.
School Highlights
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College serves 7,798 students (32% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 50:1 is higher than the state community college average of 33:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 54%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 7,798 students
- In-state tuition: $6,460
- Out-state tuition: $7,891
- Student-teacher ratio: 50:1
- Minority enrollment: 78%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Selectivity
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 157 teachers has declined by 58% over five years.
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
157 staff
94 staff
School Calendar
AccreditationAccred.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Student Body
The student population of City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College has declined by 11% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 50:1 has increased from 23:1 over five years.
The City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College diversity score of 0.56 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,798 students
3,095 students
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Student-Teacher Ratio
50:1
33:1
# Full-Time Students
2,470 students
1,013 students
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
# Part-Time Students
5,328 students
2,082 students
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
# Enrollment Undergraduate
7,798 students
2,720 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,470 students
1,082 students
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5,328 students
2,308 students
% Asian
6%
5%
Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% Hispanic
62%
28%
Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% Black
6%
13%
Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% White
22%
46%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
Diversity Score
0.56
0.69
Showing 2011–2025. View full 19-year historical data
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
30%
38%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry (measured in 2022-2023, in 2024 dollars)
$47,007
$42,901
Points are in the dollars of their own College Scorecard release, and the colleges behind the state line differ by period. The lines do not show inflation-adjusted growth.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $6,460 is less than the state average of $8,019. The in-state tuition has declined by 43% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,891 is less than the state average of $10,874. The out-state tuition has declined by 45% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$6,460
$8,019
Showing 2008–2024. View full 18-year historical data
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,891
$10,874
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
85%
80%
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Median Debt for Graduates
$5,900
$8,029
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,750
$4,618
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- The Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center (HPVEC) of Wilbur Wright College is located at 1645 North California on Chicago's near northwest side. The center opened its doors in 1995, and serves as an education and training resource for the Humboldt Park/West Town Community. The Center provides community residents with occupational skills training in areas with high employment potential. Wright College education programs lead to Associate Degrees of 60 to 64 semester credit hours and Certificates for programs of less than 60 hours. Six types of Associate Degrees are offered. They are the Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate of Fine Arts(A.F.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate of Engineering Science(A.E.S.), Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.) and other Certificates & Programs. The Wright College Library provides the student with a variety of books, periodicals, and electronic material for study, course-related research, and personal growth. Our library resources are available online to assist our students in meeting their educational objectives. More resources consists of quality faculty devoted to student learning, a campus culture that promotes the free exchange and sharing of ideas and allows for innovation, opportunities for professional development, facilities, technology, and staff that promote and support student learning, extracurricular activities and cultural events that enhance the learning community, counseling and other advisory services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College cost?
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College's tuition is approximately $6,460 for In-State students and $7,891 for Out-State students.
What is City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College's ranking?
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Illinois for: Least expensive tuition, Lowest acceptance rates and Least debt for graduating students.
In what neighborhood is City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College located?
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College is located in the Dunning neighborhood of Chicago, IL.
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