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 2,684 students (21% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the state average of 53%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 2,684 students
In-state tuition: $4,911
Out-state tuition: $5,151
Student:teacher ratio: 15:1
Minority enrollment: 24%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Highland Community College has grown by 77% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The Highland Community College diversity score of 0.41 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,684 students
3,270 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
572 students
1,007 students
# Part-Time Students
2,112 students
2,747 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
268 students
328 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
572 students
1,007 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
43 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,112 students
3,310 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
18 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
9%
26%
% Black
8%
13%
% White
76%
47%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
2%
4%
Diversity Score
0.41
0.69
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4932%
0.4%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.38%
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 $7,875. The in-state tuition has declined by 28% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,151 is less than the state average of $10,847. The out-state tuition has declined by 24% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,911
$7,875
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,151
$10,847
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,029
$8,187
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,962
$4,618
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 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.
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 2,684 students
In-state tuition: $4,911
Out-state tuition: $5,151
Student:teacher ratio: 15:1
Minority enrollment: 24%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
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.
