Richland Community College

  • Welcome to Richland Community College! We are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic, personal, and overall education goals. 
  • The mission of Richland Community College is to provide innovative educational environments, opportunities, and experiences that enable individuals, communities, and the region to grow, thrive, and prosper.

School Highlights

Richland Community College serves 3,885 students (15% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 53%.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Enrollment: 3,885 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,835
  • Out-state tuition: $26,700
  • Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
  • Minority enrollment: 32%
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

The teacher population of 215 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Richland Community College
(IL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High 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
215 staff
227 staff
This chart displays total faculty of Richland Community 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 Richland Community College has grown by 36% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The Richland Community College diversity score of 0.49 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 18% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,885 students
3,270 students
This chart displays the total enrollment of Richland Community College and community college average number of enrollment of Illinois by year, with the latest 2023-24 school year data.
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1
This chart displays the student staff ratio of Richland Community College and community college average student staff ratio of Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
# Full-Time Students
575 students
1,007 students
This chart displays the total number of Full-time students enrollment of Richland Community 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
3,310 students
2,747 students
This chart displays the total number of Part-time students enrollment of Richland Community 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 Richland Community College.
This chart displays community college average Full-Time students and Part-Time students enrollment breakdown of Illinois.
# Enrollment Undergraduate
388 students
328 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
575 students
1,007 students
This chart displays the total number of Full-time undergraduate students enrollment of Richland Community 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
3,310 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 Richland Community 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 Richland Community College and the percentage of Asian community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% Hispanic
5%
26%
This chart displays the percentage of Hispanic students in Richland Community College and the percentage of Hispanic community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2021-22 school year data.
% Black
21%
13%
This chart displays the percentage of Black students in Richland Community College and the percentage of Black community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2022-23 school year data.
% White
68%
47%
This chart displays the percentage of White students in Richland Community 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 Richland Community 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
3%
3%
This chart displays the percentage of Two or more races students in Richland Community 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%
This chart displays the percentage of Non Resident students in Richland Community College and the percentage of Non Resident community college students in Illinois by year, with the latest 2017-18 school year data.
% Unknown races
2%
4%
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Richland Community College.
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Illinois.
Diversity Score
0.49
0.69
This chart displays the diversity score of Richland Community 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)
0.4%
0.4%
This chart displays completion rates for First-Time of Full-time students of Richland Community 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)
$30,400
$31,800
This chart displays average graduate earnings (10 Years) of Richland Community 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 $5,835 is less than the state average of $7,875. The in-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $26,700 is more than the state average of $10,847. The out-state tuition has grown by 85% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,835
$7,875
This chart displays tuition fees for an in-state student of Richland Community 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
$26,700
$10,847
This chart displays tuition fees for an out-of-state student of Richland Community 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
91%
82%
This chart displays the percent of students who is receiving some financial aid in Richland Community 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
$7,477
$8,187
This chart displays median debt for students who have completed a certificate or degree in Richland Community 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
$3,542
$4,618
This chart displays median debt for students who have not completed a certificate or degree in Richland Community 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

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Alpha Delta Nu, Black Student Association, Delta Alpha Pi, H.O.P.E. Club (Helping Out People Everywhere), Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Media Club/Communicatur, Nursing Club, P.R.I.D.E. (People Respecting Individual Differences in Everyone), Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government Association (SGA), Student Leaders in the Community (SLIC), Surgical Technology Club, X-Ray Vision Club
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • Richland Community College, founded in 1971, is a comprehensive community college offering transfer/baccalaureate, technical, continuing education, and community service programs. The College has an "Open Door" policy, which allows anyone within the District that could benefit from higher education to be admitted to the College. The purpose of a comprehensive community college is to serve all who then can serve to build a better society. Richland serves residents of Macon County and parts of Christian, DeWitt, Logan, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, and Shelby Counties. Approximately 6,600 students are served annually at the main campus in Decatur, the Clinton Higher Learning Center, the Fairview Park Plaza Center, and other locations throughout the District. Richland offers several transfer/baccalaureate associate degrees, including Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Fine Arts, and Associate of Engineering Science. Over 30 areas of concentration (majors) are available for students. Students can transfer their credits to a four-year college or university. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs are designed to prepare students to move directly into the workforce with specific skills. Students can earn Basic Certificates, Advanced Certificates or Associate in Applied Science Degrees in over 40 different career areas. Customized training is available through the Continuing and Professional Education Division. Students can select from a broad scope of programs designed to meet all types of needs including computer, basic skills, customer services, technical training, occupational safety training, commercial truck drivers, and management training.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Richland Community College cost?
Richland Community College's tuition is approximately $5,835 for In-State students and $26,700 for Out-State students.

Recent Articles

Is President Obama's Plan for Free Community College Right for America?
Is President Obama's Plan for Free Community College Right for America?
President Obama recently introduced a plan to deliver free Community College tuition to all Americans across the country. Is it the right call?In this story, we will not attempt to make a judgment call on whether free Community College is right or wrong for the United States. Instead, we paneled a few experts in education and economics to get their take on the issue. We’re showing both sides of the coin, and letting readers decide on their own.
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.
Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
Learn about academic bankruptcy, its benefits and disadvantages, and whether this option is right for your GPA and financial aid eligibility.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Enrollment: 3,885 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,835
  • Out-state tuition: $26,700
  • Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
  • Minority enrollment: 32%
  • Source: Verified school update

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