Rend Lake College (RLC) in Ina, Illinois, pegs itself as a unique college that is “Small enough to get to know you, but large enough to meet your educational needs.” With a student base of over 5,300 full- and part-time students, it offers the perfect rural setting against the backdrop of beautiful Rend Lake. RLC offers more than 100 associate degree and occupational certification programs designed to help students succeed in their chosen careers when they enter the workforce.
Rend Lake College was originally founded as Mt. Vernon Community College in 1955, and was renamed the following year through the mandates of the Illinois Junior College Act. In 1969, work began on the sprawling 350-acre site that is the current home of RLC. Over the years, several buildings and facilities have been added, the most recent being the Coal Mine Training Center and the Computer Center.
RLC offers a diverse range of programs in Applied Science & Technology, Liberal Arts, Science, Mathematics, Education, International Studies, Health & P.E. and much more. With tuition fees of $4,275 per year exclusive of books, it is one of the more affordable options for those who require top-notch training in various specialty areas.
RLC is not just about high-quality education and fulfilling careers: students can participate in any of more than two dozen clubs and activities designed to complete the education experience by encouraging students to engage with others in the college and within the larger community that they are a part of.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $4,400. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. 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-$3,400
- Out-of-State: $4,500-$5,400
- Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $95-$110 per unit
- Out-of-State: $150-$180 per 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 | 85% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 71% | $4,657 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 3% | $6,296 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Rend Lake College may offer student services including:
- Online classes
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial instructional courses
- Career path counseling
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Assisting students to find work
- Day care for children
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares this school against community colleges in Illinois.
| Rend Lake College | Jefferson County | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 51.2% | - | 23.9% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 17.6% | - | 26.6% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
- Accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (since 1995)
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 Rend Lake 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,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Agricultural Mechanization (A, C)
- Agricultural Business and Management (A)
- Agricultural Machine Technology (A)
- Agricultural Production Operations (A, C)
- Horticulture (A)
- Turf Management (C)
- Horticultural Science
Business and Marketing Studies
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
Computer and Information Sciences
Construction Trades
- Electrician (A)
Education
- Mathematics Teacher Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Education
Engineering
- Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Architectural Drafting cad (A, C)
- Mining Technology (A, C)
- Computer Systems Technology (A, C)
- Computer Engineering (C)
- Computer Hardware Technology (C)
- Energy Management (C)
- Cad Drafting (C)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- Nursing (A)
- Radiology Technician (A)
- Phlebotomy (C)
- Medical Insurance Coding (C)
- EMT & Paramedic (A, C)
- Medical Transcription (C)
- Medical Staff Services Technology (A)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) (A)
- Massage Therapy (C)
- Veterinary Assistant (A)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Surgical Technologist
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Diesel Mechanic (C)
- Industrial Mechanics (A, C)
- Industrial Electronics Technology (C)
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology (A)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Culinary Arts (A, C)
- Cosmetology (A, C)
- Baking And Pastry (C)
- Nail Technician (C)
Precision Production
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
- Corrections Officer
Transportation and Materials Moving
Visual and Performing Arts
- Graphic Design (A, C)
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (A)
- Music
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Rend Lake College.
- John A Logan College in Carterville, IL (28 miles away)
- Centralia College in Centralia, WA (30 miles away)
- Kaskaskia College in Centralia, IL (33 miles away)
- Frontier Community College - Illinois Eastern Community Colleges in Fairfield, IL (33 miles away)
- Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, IL (38 miles away)