Carl Sandburg College Photo #1

Carl Sandburg College

2400 Tom L. Wilson Boulevard
Galesburg, IL 61401
Top Ranked (2025): View Rankings
  • The mission of Carl Sandburg College is to provide accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the learner's needs at the center of decision making and by working in partnership with communities of the College district.

School Highlights

Carl Sandburg College serves 2,295 students (35% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 53%.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Enrollment: 2,295 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,846
  • Out-state tuition: $6,854
  • Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
  • Minority enrollment: 28%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Carl Sandburg College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:

School Overview

The teacher population of 227 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Carl Sandburg College
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/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
227 staff
227 staff
This chart displays total faculty of Carl Sandburg College and community college average number of faculty in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.

Student Body

The student population of Carl Sandburg College has grown by 19% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Carl Sandburg College diversity score of 0.46 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 16% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,295 students
3,270 students
This chart displays the total enrollment of Carl Sandburg College and community college average number of enrollment of Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
21:1
This chart displays the student staff ratio of Carl Sandburg College and community college average student staff ratio of Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
# Full-Time Students
794 students
1,007 students
This chart displays the total number of Full-time students enrollment of Carl Sandburg College and average number of community college Full-time students enrollment of Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
# Part-Time Students
1,501 students
2,747 students
This chart displays the total number of Part-time students enrollment of Carl Sandburg College and average number of community college Part-time students enrollment of Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
This chart displays the Full-time students and Part-time students enrollment breakdown of Carl Sandburg College.
This chart displays community college average Full-Time students and Part-Time students enrollment breakdown of Illinois.
# Enrollment Undergraduate
229 students
328 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
794 students
1,007 students
This chart displays the total number of Full-time undergraduate students enrollment of Carl Sandburg College and average number of community college Full-time undergraduate  students enrollment of Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
43 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,501 students
3,310 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
18 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
This chart displays the percentage of American Indian/Alaskan students in Carl Sandburg College and the percentage of American Indian/Alaskan community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
% Asian
1%
6%
This chart displays the percentage of Asian students in Carl Sandburg College and the percentage of Asian community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% Hispanic
11%
26%
This chart displays the percentage of Hispanic students in Carl Sandburg College and the percentage of Hispanic community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
% Black
7%
13%
This chart displays the percentage of Black students in Carl Sandburg College and the percentage of Black community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% White
72%
47%
This chart displays the percentage of White students in Carl Sandburg College and the percentage of White community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
This chart displays the percentage of Hawaiian students in Carl Sandburg College and the percentage of Hawaiian community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
% Two or more races
4%
3%
This chart displays the percentage of Two or more races students in Carl Sandburg College and the percentage of Two or more races community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
4%
4%
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Carl Sandburg College.
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Illinois.
Diversity Score
0.46
0.69
This chart displays the diversity score of Carl Sandburg College and the community college average diversity score of Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4252%
0.4%
This chart displays completion rates for First-Time of Full-time students of Carl Sandburg College and community college average completion rates for First-Time of Full-time students of Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.38%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,700
$31,800
This chart displays average graduate earnings (10 Years) of Carl Sandburg College and community college average graduate earnings (10 Years) of Illinois by year, disaggregated by student subgroups with the latest 2012-13 school year data.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $5,846 is less than the state average of $7,875. The in-state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,854 is less than the state average of $10,847. The out-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,846
$7,875
This chart displays tuition fees for an in-state student of Carl Sandburg College and the public community college average tuition fees for an in-state student of Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,854
$10,847
This chart displays tuition fees for an out-of-state student of Carl Sandburg College and the public community college average tuition fees for an out-of-state student of Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
99%
82%
This chart displays the percent of students who is receiving some financial aid in Carl Sandburg College and the percent of community college students who is receiving some financial aid in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Median Debt for Graduates
$4,500
$8,187
This chart displays median debt for students who have completed a certificate or degree in Carl Sandburg College and average median debt for community college students who have completed a certificate or degree in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,500
$4,618
This chart displays median debt for students who have not completed a certificate or degree in Carl Sandburg College and average median debt for community college students who have not completed a certificate or degree in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
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

  • Carl Sandburg College was established by authority of the Illinois Community College Act of 1965 and was approved by voters in a September 1966 referendum. One year later, in September 1967, classes began at various locations in Galesburg, including the former Brown's Business College and the Central Congregational Church. Enrollment was approximately 350 students. The Main Campus is located in Galesburg with a Branch Campus in Carthage and an Extension Center in Bushnell. In addition, off-campus sites include the Educational Technology Center and the Annex in downtown Galesburg, as well as the Education Commons in Carthage. A WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMS leading to degrees and certificates is offered by the College to serve a variety of student needs. The Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), or Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree is for those students planning to transfer to a senior college or university to earn a Baccalaureate degree. Carl Sandburg is participating with other two and four year Illinois College and Universities to list a core curriculum. Occupational programs are available as a Certificate, which may be completed in as little as nine months, or as an Associate in Applied Science degree, which may be completed in as little as two years. Accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Carl Sandburg College cost?
Carl Sandburg College's tuition is approximately $5,846 for In-State students and $6,854 for Out-State students.
What is Carl Sandburg College's ranking?
Carl Sandburg College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Illinois for: Least expensive tuition, Percent of students receiving financial aid and Least debt for graduating students.

Recent Articles

Careers: Broadcasting
Careers: Broadcasting
Take advantage of career opportunities in the field of radio broadcasting by starting your training at your local community college.
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills
Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills
We offer straightforward advice on identifying transferable skills, exploring job opportunities, leveraging community resources, and embracing lifelong learning. With relatable examples and encouragement, this guide aims to empower readers to navigate the job market confidently and successfully transition into new careers.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Enrollment: 2,295 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,846
  • Out-state tuition: $6,854
  • Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
  • Minority enrollment: 28%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For Illinois public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $7,875 per year for in-state students and $10,847 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $14,511 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Illinois is 87%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Illinois community colleges have a diversity score of 0.69, which is higher than the national average of 0.00. The most diverse community college in Illinois is Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

Quick Links