Prairie State College
About Prairie State College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Prairie State College teaches in Chicago Heights, in the far southern suburbs, and is a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Dental support and nursing are among its largest programs, and close to a quarter of its students transfer on.
Founded
1957
Location
Chicago Heights, Illinois
Students
2,443
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
21%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$4,176
Out-of-state: $11,064
Avg Net Price
$4,738
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$36,696
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
21% complete their degree within three years
Retention
51.4%
Transfer Out
24%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
29.9%
$/Student
$5.9K
Class Size
Medium
The 21% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$4,176
In-State
$11,064
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$2,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$13,908
After Financial Aid
$4,738
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$3,546
Receive Grants
33%
Take Loans
8.2%
Tuition is $4,176/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $4,738.
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 Prairie State College fund their education.
While in School
33%
Get Grants
Free money
8.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$19,756
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$11,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$117/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $11,000, 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 Prairie State College.
Gender
59.9%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,443
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
39.3%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
37.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 39.3% 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
2,443
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Prairie State College fields 6 varsity teams with 125 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NJCAA
Division II
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
6
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
125
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
75
Men
50
Women
4
Men's Teams
4
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Prairie State Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$36,696
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$35K
198 grads
1yr Earnings
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
$66K
35 grads
4yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$68K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
Biological and Physical Sciences
—
18 grads
Computer and Information Sciences, General
—
7 grads
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
—
7 grads
Median earnings are $37K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Prairie State College
How much does Prairie State College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Prairie State College?▾
How much do Prairie State 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.