
The Prairie State College motto is fitting for a local community college: “Start near. Go far.” The college, which opened its doors in 1958, is located in Chicago Heights, Illinois. A two-year community college, it is the only institution run by the Illinois Community College District 515. Prairie State opens the world to its students, offering over 100 choices of certification and academic courses of study. Students leave the halls of Prairie State primed for success in the working world or prepared to matriculate to institutions of higher learning. A majority of the faculty holds master’s and doctoral degrees and works full time at the school. And thanks to the school’s transfer agreements with many highly regarded baccalaureate institutions; its students have a plethora of educational options available to them upon graduation.
Since the college experience is about developing a well-rounded individual, Prairie State offers many extracurricular clubs and activities, encouraging students to branch out academically, culturally, and socially. Students wishing to take a break from studies can also take advantage of the school’s proximity to the Windy City. Chicago offers cultural enrichment in the form of museums, concerts, the theater, and much more.
Cost effectiveness is a hallmark of the community college, and Prairie State is no exception, with tuition rates that will save you thousands of dollars. If you’re looking for features that make a difference between an acceptable education and an exceptional education, Prairie State is the logical choice. Its dedicated faculty and abundance of degree/certification plans will help you start near but go very far, indeed.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,800. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $2,900-$3,500
- Out-of-State: $8,700-$10,450
- Charges per unit:
- State Residents: $140-$170 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $390-$460 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 | 63% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 55% | $5,611 |
Receiving Student Loans | 24% | $5,275 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Prairie State College may provide services to students like those listed below:
- Distance learning
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Assisting students to find work
- Day care for children
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Many community colleges are not only a source of technical or career training but also a stepping stone for students to transfer-out to a 4-year college, therefore we have included both graduation and transfer rates below and how this school compares against other community colleges in Cook County and community colleges in Illinois as a whole.
Prairie State College | Cook County | Illinois | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 12.9% | 14.9% | 23.9% |
Transfer-out Rate | 35.1% | 28.7% | 26.6% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1969)
- 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 1975)
- Compare all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Illinois
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 Prairie State College 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,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Data Entry Technology (C)
- Commerce (C)
- Business Administration (A)
- Bookkeeping (C)
- Ecommerce (C)
- Administrative Assistant
Communication Technology
- Graphic Communications (A)
- Prepress , Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design (C)
- Audio and Video Production (A, C)
- Animation
Communications and Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Technology (A)
- Computer Networking (C)
- Computer Programming (C)
- System Administration (C)
- Web Design (C)
- Web Management and Webmaster (C)
- Computer Information Technology Services Administration and Management
Construction Trades
- Electrician (A, C)
Education
Engineering Technology
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (C)
- Cad Drafting (C)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Computer Engineering (C)
- Computer Software Technology (C)
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad (C)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- Emergency Care Attendant (C)
- EMT & Paramedic (C)
- Nursing (A)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Surgical Technologist (C)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
- General Studies (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (C)
- Industrial Mechanics (C)
- Computer Repair Technician (C)
Precision Production
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Fire Science (A, C)
- Police Science (A, C)
- Fire Prevention
Visual and Performing Arts
- Commercial Photography (A)
- Graphic Design (C)
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Prairie State College.
- South Suburban College in South Holland, IL (6 miles away)
- City Colleges of Chicago - Olive - Harvey College in Chicago, IL (13 miles away)
- Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL (15 miles away)
- City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College in Chicago, IL (16 miles away)
- City Colleges of Chicago - Kennedy - King College in Chicago, IL (17 miles away)