- Highland Community college is committed to shaping the future of our communities by providing quality education and learning opportunities through programs and services that encourage the personal and professional growth of the people of northwestern Illinois.
School Highlights
Highland Community College serves 2,684 students (21% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the state average of 53%.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Enrollment: 2,684 students
- In-state tuition: $4,911
- Out-state tuition: $5,151
- Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
- Minority enrollment: 24%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Highland Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 184 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Highland Community College
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
184 staff
239 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Highland Community College has grown by 77% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The Highland Community College diversity score of 0.41 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,684 students
3,838 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
572 students
1,091 students
# Part-Time Students
2,112 students
2,747 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
268 students
328 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
572 students
1,091 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
43 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,112 students
3,310 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
18 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
9%
26%
% Black
8%
13%
% White
76%
47%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
2%
4%
Diversity Score
0.41
0.69
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
49%
40%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
55%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$30,300
$31,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,911 is less than the state average of $7,875. The in-state tuition has declined by 28% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,151 is less than the state average of $10,847. The out-state tuition has declined by 24% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,911
$7,875
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,151
$10,847
Tuition Notes
$151 per credit hour (In-District students), $252 per credit hour (Out-of-District students), $252 per credit hour (Out-of-State students)
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
81%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,029
$8,029
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,962
$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
- Highland Community College offers more than 60 programs of applied and transfer degrees, community education and business training. In addition to comprehensive academic programming, Highland provides theatre, art and music opportunities for the community. Highland Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association’s Academic Quality Improvement Program. Located in Freeport and Elizabeth, Highland is conveniently positioned in the tri-state region with access to several major metropolitan areas. For more information about Highland Community College, call 815.235.6121 or visit www.highland.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Highland Community College cost?
Highland Community College's tuition is approximately $4,911 for In-State students and $5,151 for Out-State students.
What is Highland Community College's ranking?
Highland Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Illinois for: Least expensive tuition.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Highland Community College is Sauk Valley Community College (29.5 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
173 Illinois Rt 2
Dixon, IL 61021
(815) 288-5511
Dixon, IL 61021
(815) 288-5511
29.5 miles
Enrollment: 2,402 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 In-state tuition: $8,998 Out-state tuition: $9,754 Minority enrollment: 29%
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College
Private for-profit
1130 South Alpine Road Suite 100
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 965-8616
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 965-8616
32.8 miles
Enrollment: 1,173 student Student-teacher ratio: 40:1 Private-state tuition: $10,964 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rasmussen University-Illinois
Private for-profit
6000 East State Street, 4th Floor
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 316-4800
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 316-4800
34.3 miles
Enrollment: 3,643 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Private-state tuition: $10,764 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rock Valley College
Public
3301 N Mulford Rd
Rockford, IL 61114
(815) 921-7821
Rockford, IL 61114
(815) 921-7821
34.6 miles
Enrollment: 7,769 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Acceptance rate: 50% In-state tuition: $7,934 Out-state tuition: $14,774 Minority enrollment: 47%
701 Portland Ave
Morrison, IL 61270
(815) 772-7218
Morrison, IL 61270
(815) 772-7218
36.8 miles
Enrollment: 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Acceptance rate: 85% In-state tuition: $20,422 Out-state tuition: $20,422 Minority enrollment: 60%
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