
College of DuPage (COD) is a two-year community college located on a 273-acre campus in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. COD is one of the largest single-campus community colleges in the U.S. In addition to its main campus in Glen Ellyn, COD has six regional centers. It offers more than 45 associate's degree and pre-baccalaureate transfer programs, 59 occupational degree programs, and 90 certificate programs.
COD also offers basic adult education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and continuing education.
In addition to its transfer, degree and certificate programs, COD offers a wide variety of Special Interest programs, which offer opportunities to follow alternative learning formats or programs for increased personal and professional enrichment. Special Interest programs at COD include:
- Adult Fast Track - an accelerated program for working students with busy lifestyles
- COD Online - distance learning in more than 36 disciplines
- Cooperative Education and Internships - providing on-the-job experience
- Field and Experiential Studies - unique credit courses that include field-based learning
- Flex - self-directed courses as an alternative to classrooms or online learning
- Global Scholars - a curriculum of GSP-designated courses and a foreign language
- Honors Program - highly motivated students take enhanced courses for more challenge
- Learning Community - enroll in courses connected by a common theme
- International Education - intercultural experiences are the focus
- Study Abroad - travel abroad to complete a short or long program
- Office of High School Partnerships - high school students can pursue dual enrollment
- Service Learning - blending classroom learning with community involvement
- Vocational Skills - challenging courses for students with mild cognitive impairment
History
The College of DuPage was founded in 1967. Also in 1967, the school established its newspaper, The Courier. The campus-based radio station, WDCB 90.9 FM, was founded in 1977. The campus-based literary magazine, Prairie Light Review, was founded in 1982.
Academics
The College of DuPage offers nine different Associate's degrees.
The academic calendar of the College of DuPage follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer "sessions."
Colleges and Schools
As a two-year community college, COD's academic units are divided into divisions, rather than colleges and schools. Its academic divisions are:
- Business and Technology
- Continuing Education / Extended Learning
- Health and Sciences
- Learning Resources
- Liberal Arts
Student Life
The College of DuPage offers nearly 50 student clubs and organizations on campus, providing students a connection to academics, personal interests, or social activities. There are many opportunities for practicing leadership and professional skills through the various groups and programs available.
Many student services are also available, and the College of DuPage Library is an excellent student resource with its collections of books, microfiche, video, and more.
The renowned McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage enriches student entertainment on campus, offering more than 200 educational, visual, cultural and artistic events and performances annually.
Traditions
The school colors are green and gold, with white as a third color. The school mascot is the chaparral bird (common name: roadrunner). The school's athletics department is traditionally referred to as "Chaparral Country."
Athletics
The College of DuPage has had a highly successful community college athletic program for more than 20 years. The COD "Chaparral" athletic teams compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cheer Team
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track and Field
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cheer Team
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
College of DuPage has Regional Centers at:
- Addison
- Bloomingdale
- Carol Stream
- Naperville
- West Chicago
- Westmont
Community Life
College of DuPage offers a variety of community services, providing opportunities for entertainment, culture, education and employment. Several academic departments offer affordable services such as Dental Hygiene Appointments, Cosmetology Appointments, Free Ultrasounds, fitness classes at the Community Recreation Center, and assistance at the Child Care Center. The Plants Plus program in the Horticulture Department offers low-cost bulbs, plants, yard art, and more.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,300. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $20 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $4,200-$5,000
- Out-of-State: $12,000-$14,290
- Charges per unit:
- State Residents: $140-$170 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $400-$480 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 71% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 46% | $5,369 |
Receiving Student Loans | 58% | $4,912 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, College of DuPage may offer services to students like:
- Online classes
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Assistance to find work
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Students who attend a community college will be able to choose from a variety of programs that will lead to an associate's degree or transfer to a four year institution. The following list shows graduation and transfer-out rates for COD compared to community colleges in Illinois, which can be useful for determining which community college to attend.
COD | DuPage County | Illinois | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 15.9% | - | 23.9% |
Transfer-out Rate | 30.7% | - | 26.6% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Art and Design Program
- Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation (since 2009)
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 2002)
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 2011)
- Compare all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Illinois
- Radiology Technician Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1971)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by College of DuPage by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Horticulture (A, C)
- Landscaping (C)
- Plant Nursery Operations and Management (C)
- Crop Production (C)
- Greenhouse Operations and Management (C)
- Ornamental Horticulture
- Turf Management
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Sales (C)
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Hotel and Hospitality Management (A, C)
- Tourism and Travel Services Marketing Operations (A, C)
- Sales Manager (A, C)
- Entrepreneurship (C)
- Fashion Merchandising (A, C)
- Tourism and Travel Services Management (A)
- Construction Management (A)
- Resort Management (C)
- Office Management and Supervision (A)
- Ecommerce
- Real Estate
Communication Technology
- Animation (A, C)
- Photographic and Film Technology (C)
- Prepress , Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design
Communications and Journalism
- Radio and Television (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Networking (A, C)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (C)
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications (A, C)
- Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications (A, C)
- Web Design (C)
- System Networking (A, C)
Construction Trades
- Property Management (A, C)
- Electrician (A)
Education
- Education (C)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (A)
- Early Childhood Education (A)
Engineering
- Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Computer Systems Technology (C)
- Architectural Drafting cad (A, C)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (A, C)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A, C)
- Cad Drafting (A, C)
- Robotics Technology (A, C)
- Biomedical Technology (A)
- Energy Management (C)
- Computer Engineering (C)
- Telecommunications Technology (C)
- Electromechanical Engineering and Technology
- Electromechanical Technology
English Language and Literature
- Technical and Business Writing
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Development (C)
- Child Care (C)
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
- Fashion and Fabric Consultant (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- EMT & Paramedic (A, C)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Nursing (A)
- Pharmacy Technician (C)
- Home Health Aide (C)
- Medical Transcription (C)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Radiology Technician (A, C)
- Sterile Processing Technician (C)
- Hospital and Healthcare Facility Management (C)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Electrocardiograph Technology (C)
- Surgical Technologist (A, C)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A)
- Medical Assistant (A, C)
- Speech and Language Pathology (A)
- Medical Insurance Coding (C)
- Ultrasound Technician (A, C)
- Nuclear Medicine (C)
- Polysomnography (C)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (A, C)
- Mental Health Technician (C)
- Medical Office Management (C)
- Cardiovascular Technologist (C)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A, C)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
- General Studies (A)
Library Science
- Library Assistant (A, C)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (A, C)
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Industrial Electronics Technology (A, C)
- Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology (A)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cosmetology (A, C)
- Culinary Arts (A, C)
- Baking And Pastry (C)
- Cooking and Related Culinary Arts (A)
- Restaurant and Catering Management (A, C)
Physical Sciences
- Meteorology (C)
Precision Production
- Welding (C)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (A, C)
- Human Services
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
- Fire Prevention (A, C)
- Homeland Security (A, C)
- Fire Science (C)
Social Sciences
- Geography (C)
- Social Science (C)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Visual Communications (A, C)
- Commercial Photography (A, C)
- Interior Design (A, C)
- Music (A)
- Art Studies (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to College of DuPage.
- Triton College in River Grove, IL (13 miles away)
- Morton College in Cicero, IL (16 miles away)
- Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL (16 miles away)
- Harper College in Palatine, IL (16 miles away)
- City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College in Chicago, IL (16 miles away)