Joliet Junior College
About Joliet Junior College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Joliet Junior College, founded in 1901, is the oldest public community college in the United States, and every college of its kind that came afterwards followed its example. It is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, and the sciences and nursing are its largest programs.
Founded
1901
Location
Joliet, Illinois
Students
9,306
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
20.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$4,530
Out-of-state: $13,800
Avg Net Price
$1,672
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$42,889
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
20.5% complete their degree within three years
Retention
67.3%
Transfer Out
28%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
29%
$/Student
$10.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 20.5% graduation rate is below average, but 67.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$4,530
In-State
$13,800
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,380
Total Cost of Attendance
$9,452
After Financial Aid
$1,672
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$890
Receive Grants
24.6%
Take Loans
4.1%
Don't let the $4,530 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $1,672 after financial aid, a 63% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $890.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Joliet Junior College fund their education.
While in School
24.6%
Get Grants
Free money
4.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$28,008
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$9,711
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$103/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $9,711, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Joliet Junior College.
Gender
55.8%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
9,306
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
46.8%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
25.6%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 46.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
9,306
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Joliet Junior College fields 12 varsity teams with 307 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NJCAA
Division III
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Baseball
Student Athletes
307
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
170
Men
137
Women
9
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Joliet Junior Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$42,889
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$27K
595 grads
1yr Earnings
Biological and Physical Sciences
$31K
112 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$72K
97 grads
1yr Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$58K
48 grads
1yr Earnings
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
$37K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Culinary Arts and Related Services
$28K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $36K six years out, growing to $43K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Joliet Junior College
How much does Joliet Junior College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Joliet Junior College?▾
How much do Joliet Junior College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.