- 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 1,276 students (51% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 47%.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Enrollment: 1,276 students
- In-state tuition: $4,911
- Out-state tuition: $5,151
- Student:teacher ratio: 7:1
- Minority enrollment: 15%
- 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 grown by 138% over five years.
Highland Community College
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates 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
184 staff
239 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Highland Community College has declined by 23% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 7:1 has decreased from 8:1 over five years.
The Highland Community College diversity score of 0.27 is less than the state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has declined by 23% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,276 students
2,581 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
12:1

# Full-Time Students
653 students
898 students

# Part-Time Students
623 students
1,683 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
116 students
40 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
653 students
944 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
623 students
1,844 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
19 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
5%

% Hispanic
3%
24%

% Black
7%
12%

% White
85%
53%

% Two or more races
2%
3%

% Non Resident races
n/a
1%

% Unknown races
2%
2%


Diversity Score
0.27
0.64

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
33%
36%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.54%
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 $7,972. The in-state tuition has declined by 21% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,151 is less than the state average of $10,688. The out-state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,911
$7,972

Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,151
$10,688

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
82%
81%

Median Debt for Graduates
$8,029
$8,029

Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,962
$4,600

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: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
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.
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