
Waubonsee Community College, located in Sugar Grove, Illinois, was founded in 1966 as a result of votes in Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, LaSalle and Will counties voting to establish Community College District 516. Since its inception the school has grown, finding a permanent home 1968, and adding an additional three campuses in subsequent years. The school is dedicated to providing the best education possible, as it feels that an educated populace is the cornerstone of a democratic society. The school was named by two are residents who submitted the name separately as part of an open competition in 1967. The word Waubonsee means “early dawn” or “early day” and was the name of a Pottawatomie chief who had resided in the Fox River Valley in the early 19th century.
Academics
Waubonsee Community College offers a number of programs resulting in associate degrees or certificates. These programs provide academic or career training. Academic programs allow students to fulfill the first two years of a four year education at a low cost and allow for transfer to a four year institution upon completion. As a public institution, the school has a number of agreements in place with public four year colleges and universities that allow for ease of transfer. Career programs train individuals in a particular field, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully perform duties in a work environment. Graduates will receive a certificate or diploma and be eligible for entry into the workforce immediately after graduation. Certificate programs tend to be shorter than degree programs due to the absence of general education courses in their curriculum.
Programs offered include:
In addition, the school offers non-credit courses for individuals wishing to take classes for enjoyment and adult education courses for individuals who wish to return to school and complete their high school education. Continuing education courses are available for professionals who need such classes in order to renew licenses or certifications.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment at Waubonsee Community College should complete the admissions application and submit all pertinent documents, including transcripts and test scores. Students must also take a placement exam in order to determine which math and English courses they will enroll in, though this may be waived based on ACT scores. Though WCC is an open enrollment based institution, some programs have limited enrollment space and students interested in entering those programs must meet a separate set of admission requirements.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, and work study programs. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is used by the school to determine need, eligibility and awards. Scholarships are also available through the school and by separate entities. Scholarships offered outside of the school may require separate applications and may be awarded for reasons other than need. The school's financial aid office also offers assistance regarding financial aid, including application assistance and offering information.
Athletics
Waubonsee Community College participates in intercollegiate athletics through the Nation Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference. Membership in athletic programs is encouraged by the school as it provides a healthy competitive atmosphere and encourages students and faculty to support their school. Additionally, such programs foster the development of important skills that may be transposed into academic or professional environments to the benefit of the individual. Suck skills include teamwork, discipline, and maintaining healthy habits. Athletic programs have tryouts at various points throughout the year. Interested students should visit the athletic department to obtain dates and times.
Athletic programs at Waubonsee Community College:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Cheerleading
- Baseball (Men Only)
- Golf (Men Only)
- Wrestling (Men Only)
- Softball (Women Only)
- Volleyball (Women Only)
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $4,700. 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: $2,600-$3,200
- Out-of-State: $7,400-$8,874
- Charges for part-time students are:
- State Residents: $110-$130 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $310-$370 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 | 57% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 44% | $4,258 |
Receiving Student Loans | 15% | $3,189 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Waubonsee Community College may provide student services like those listed below:
- Online classes
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Helping students find work after graduation
- Day care
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often times offer both career training courses and curriculum to help students transfer out to a 4-year college or university, that is why we include how this school compares for both graduation and transfer rates against other community colleges in Kane County and community colleges in Illinois in total.
Waubonsee | Kane County | Illinois | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 30.1% | 29.4% | 23.9% |
Transfer-out Rate | 23.9% | 22.7% | 26.6% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- 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 2014)
- Find all the other nursing 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 Waubonsee Community 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
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Accounting (A, C)
- Executive Assistant (A, C)
- Bookkeeping (C)
- Data Entry Technology (A, C)
- Human Resources (A)
- Small Business Management (A)
- Construction Management (A)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Administrative Assistant
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services
- Corporate Communications
- Tourism and Travel Services Management
- Sales Manager
- Retailing and Retail Operations
Communication Technology
Computer and Information Sciences
- Web Design (A, C)
- Computer Programming (A, C)
- Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications (C)
- System Networking
Construction Trades
- Electrician (C)
- Property Management (C)
Education
- Music Teacher Education
- Teacher Assistant (TA)
Engineering
- Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Cad Drafting (A, C)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A, C)
- Electromechanical Technology (C)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (C)
- Survey Technology (A, C)
- Industrial Technology (A, C)
- Telecommunications Technology
- Energy Management
- Solar Energy Technology
- Architectural Drafting cad
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
- Child Care
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Sign Language Interpretation and Translation (A, C)
- Language Interpretation and Translation (C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- Emergency Care Attendant (A, C)
- Phlebotomy (C)
- Nursing (A)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A)
- Medical Assistant (C)
- Medical Insurance Coding (C)
- Medical Executive Assistant (C)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (C)
- Surgical Technologist (C)
- Massage Therapy (C)
- Community Health Services, Liaison, Counseling (A, C)
- Medical Transcription
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
- General Studies (A, C)
Library Science
- Library Assistant (A, C)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Auto Body (A, C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (A, C)
- Industrial Mechanics (A, C)
Precision Production
- Welding (A, C)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (A)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Science Technology
- Biology Technician, Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
Security and Protective Services
- Fire Science (A, C)
- Police Science (A)
- Fire Services Administration (C)
- Security and Loss Prevention Services
Visual and Performing Arts
- Graphic Design (A, C)
- Commercial Photography (C)
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (C)
- Music (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Waubonsee Community College.
- Elgin Community College in Elgin, IL (17 miles away)
- College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL (20 miles away)
- Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL (23 miles away)
- Joliet Junior College in Joliet, IL (26 miles away)
- Harper College in Palatine, IL (28 miles away)