- Rend Lake College is a nationally ranked community college, located on the eastern shore of scenic Rend Lake in Southern Illinois. RLC has an open enrollment policy. What does that mean? It means no waiting and watching the mailbox for that letter to arrive because YOU ARE ACCEPTED!
School Highlights
Rend Lake College serves 2,002 students (48% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the state average of 96%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 2,002 students
- In-state tuition: $4,050
- Out-state tuition: $6,000
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 16:1
- Minority enrollment: 98%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Rend Lake College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 128 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Rend Lake 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
128 staff
227 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Rend Lake College has grown by 11% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 has increased from 14:1 over five years.
The Rend Lake College diversity score of 0.19 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 25% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,002 students
2,558 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
# Full-Time Students
951 students
872 students
# Part-Time Students
1,051 students
1,686 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
167 students
40 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
951 students
872 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
43 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,051 students
1,719 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
16 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
5%
% Asian
4%
12%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
2%
25%
% White
2%
4%
% Hawaiian
90%
48%
% Two or more races
1%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
n/a
1%
Diversity Score
0.19
0.69
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.5932%
0.3913%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.6%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,100
$31,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,050 is less than the state average of $7,875. The in-state tuition has declined by 30% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,000 is less than the state average of $10,847. The out-state tuition has declined by 9% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,050
$7,875
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,000
$10,847
Tuition Notes
$135 per credit hour in district
$200 per credit hour out of district
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
87%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,187
$8,187
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,500
$4,618
Acceptance Rate
100%
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
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
28 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Agherculture Club, Agriculture Club, Amateur Radio, Art League, Automotive Club, Careers without Limits, Computer Club, Creative Writing Club, Culinary Arts Club, e-Sports, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Educators of America, Graphic Design CMYK-LUB, LGBTQA, Nursing Club, Phi Beta Lambda, Phi Theta Kappa, Radiology Club, Rod Burners - Welding, Social Media Warriors, Student Ambassadors, Tabletop Gaming, The Student Experience, Thespians Club, Trap Shooting Club, Veterans Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Rend Lake College Theatre, Spring Musical
Agherculture Club, Agriculture Club, Amateur Radio, Art League, Automotive Club, Careers without Limits, Computer Club, Creative Writing Club, Culinary Arts Club, e-Sports, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Educators of America, Graphic Design CMYK-LUB, LGBTQA, Nursing Club, Phi Beta Lambda, Phi Theta Kappa, Radiology Club, Rod Burners - Welding, Social Media Warriors, Student Ambassadors, Tabletop Gaming, The Student Experience, Thespians Club, Trap Shooting Club, Veterans Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Rend Lake College Theatre, Spring Musical
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Rend Lake College provides educational opportunities across cultural and economic boundaries to the diverse student population we serve. We are committed to our students` success in achieving their educational goals and to meeting our community-focused program objectives. With Rend Lake College, student journeys start here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Rend Lake College cost?
Rend Lake College's tuition is approximately $4,050 for In-State students and $6,000 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Rend Lake College?
The acceptance rate of Rend Lake College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 89%.
What sports does Rend Lake College offer?
Rend Lake College offers 6 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is Rend Lake College's ranking?
Rend Lake College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Illinois for: Least expensive tuition.
Recent Articles
Community Colleges Fight Back Against For-Profit Attacks: The Rebuttal
After being attacked by private colleges, community colleges are mounting a defense and publishing studies that clearly outline the differences between the public and private institutions.
Why President Obama is Hailed as the Community College President
Learn how President Obama, who is considered the "Community College President," has rightly earned his title based upon his proposed funding and support for community colleges throughout the country.
How to Know if Community College is Right for You
Figure out if community college is the right move for your education, your career, and your life.