City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
Out-of-state tuition
$15,150
In-state $12,090
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
6,121
Student-faculty ratio 20:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
28.6%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 33.2%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Harold Washington College, part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the college provides a vibrant urban campus environment that offers students easy access to a plethora of cultural, social, and professional opportunities. The college's mission focuses on providing high-quality education and workforce development, making it an ideal place for students who are looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in a diverse and inclusive setting.
The college boasts a range of programs designed to meet the needs of its students and the community. With a strong emphasis on transfer programs, Harold Washington College prepares students to continue their education at four-year institutions, ensuring a seamless transition to advanced studies. The faculty is composed of experienced educators who are dedicated to fostering an engaging learning environment, providing personalized support to help students succeed. Furthermore, the college emphasizes the importance of student involvement in extracurricular activities, which helps in building a well-rounded educational experience. Overall, Harold Washington College stands out as a dynamic institution that nurtures student growth and prepares them for successful careers in an ever-evolving job market.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Harold Washington College
Harold Washington College, a public institution in Chicago, has shown significant changes in several key metrics over the years. The tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students increased substantially from $5,961 in 2014 to $11,520 by 2024, reflecting a 93% rise. This increase in tuition could be indicative of broader trends in higher education where institutions face rising operational costs and decreased state funding, ultimately passing these expenses onto students.
Student enrollment has also dramatically decreased, dropping from 9,036 in 2014 to just 5,559 in 2023, a decline of approximately 38%. This trend mirrors a national decline in community college enrollment, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic as many students opted for remote learning or postponed their education altogether. Such a decline in student numbers raises concerns about the college's sustainability and its ability to provide a diverse learning environment.
Contrastingly, the college's graduation rates have seen a positive upward trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from 1.20% in 2013 to 8.70% in 2023, while the extended graduation rate rose from 6.18% to 23.62%. This improvement suggests that despite the declining enrollment, those who do enroll are increasingly successful in completing their programs, potentially reflecting effective support services and academic resources.
Retention rates have also improved, rising from 50.82% in 2013 to 61.95% in 2023. This positive trend indicates that once students enroll, they are more likely to continue their education at Harold Washington College, which is critical for fostering a stable student population amid declining enrollment figures.
In summary, while Harold Washington College faces challenges with increasing tuition and decreasing enrollment, it has successfully improved graduation and retention rates, which could help to attract future students and sustain its educational mission.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Chicago
- Nearest international airport
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), about 9 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Daniel Lopez (President)
- Phone
- 3125535600
- Address
- 30 E Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60601-2449
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
The graduation data from City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College reveals some interesting trends regarding the distribution of degrees among various programs. Notably, the Liberal Arts and Sciences program stands out with an impressive graduation count of 661 for associate degrees, indicating a strong interest in general education pathways. This could reflect a growing trend where students are opting for versatile qualifications that can lead to diverse career opportunities.
On the other hand, professional fields such as Business Administration and Management, as well as Architecture, show minimal graduation numbers, with only 5 and 16 associate degrees awarded respectively. This could be indicative of either a lack of enrollment in these programs or a shift in student interest towards other fields. The absence of bachelor's, master's, or doctorate graduates in these areas raises questions about the viability and appeal of these programs among the student body.
Furthermore, the data highlights a significant participation of international students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences program, with 10 graduates, while other disciplines see little to no international enrollment. This could suggest that the college's liberal arts offerings are more aligned with international students' academic aspirations compared to specialized fields.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of understanding student preferences and market demands in program offerings. Colleges must adapt to these trends to ensure they meet the evolving needs of their students, particularly in high-demand career fields, while also maintaining a robust liberal arts education that allows for broad future opportunities.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $36,822 | |
| General Studies. | $36,822 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | $35,767 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | $51,399 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Music Teacher Education. | - |
Students
6,121 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 41:59 · Freshman retention 59.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,778
- First-year undergraduates 516
- Transfers and others 2,827
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (6,121)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Harold Washington College
The student demographics at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College for the year 2023 reveal significant insights into the composition of the student population. With a total of 790 new undergraduate students, the gender distribution shows a slightly higher percentage of female students at 52.7%, compared to 47.3% male students. This trend of female enrollment surpassing male counterparts is consistent with broader trends observed in higher education across the United States.
Among the continuing undergraduate students, the figures are even more pronounced, with 2,736 students comprising 60.5% females and 39.5% males. This substantial gender disparity raises questions about the factors influencing these enrollment patterns. Possible explanations could include differing academic interests or societal expectations that may steer students toward particular fields of study.
The transfer student population is smaller, with 454 students, maintaining a similar gender ratio of 59.9% female to 40.1% male. Overall, the numbers suggest that while the college attracts a diverse group of students, there is a consistent trend of higher female enrollment across different categories.
Moreover, the data highlights the diversity within the student body, although specific racial and ethnic breakdowns for the continuing and transfer students are not available. The presence of various backgrounds is crucial for fostering an inclusive educational environment, which not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students to thrive in a multicultural world.
As educational institutions continue to adapt to the changing demographics and needs of their students, understanding these patterns is essential for developing strategies that promote equity and access in higher education.
Age Demographics at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
The age distribution of students at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College reveals interesting insights into the student population. A significant majority of enrolled students fall within the younger age brackets, with the largest group being those under 18 years old, comprising 36.5% of the total student body. This trend continues with the 18-19 age group, which accounts for 20.5% of the total, highlighting a strong representation of traditional college-age students.
As we progress through the age categories, there is a noticeable decline in both male and female students. For instance, the 22-24 age group constitutes about 10.4% of the total, while those aged 25-29 represent around 6.6%. This decrease continues with older age groups, indicating that the college predominantly attracts younger students, which aligns with national trends in higher education where younger individuals are more likely to pursue undergraduate degrees.
The absence of graduate male and female students in the data suggests that the college may primarily serve as a stepping stone for individuals seeking undergraduate education rather than advanced degrees. This aligns with the broader context of community colleges, which often cater to those looking to complete associate degrees or transfer to four-year institutions.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of understanding the age demographics within educational institutions, as it can influence program offerings, student support services, and community engagement initiatives. As higher education continues to evolve, it will be crucial for colleges to adapt to the needs and preferences of their student populations.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
147 in 2025 · 2.9% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Harold Washington College
The data on international student enrollment at Harold Washington College reveals significant trends over the years. Starting from 2010, the proportion of international students in undergraduate programs was notably low, with only 0.09% of the total student body being international. This figure gradually increased, peaking at an impressive 2.91% in 2016, indicating a growing interest from international students in the college's offerings.
The subsequent years, however, show a fluctuating trend. Despite a decline in overall undergraduate enrollment, the percentage of international students remained relatively stable in the following years, hovering around 2.3% to 2.9% from 2017 to 2022. This suggests that while the total number of students has decreased, the appeal of the college to international students has not diminished significantly.
The decline in overall student numbers can be attributed to various factors, including economic challenges and changing immigration policies affecting student mobility. The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, has also played a crucial role in reshaping the landscape of higher education, as many institutions faced enrollment challenges.
In 2023, the international student enrollment saw a slight increase to 2.61%. This rebound may indicate a recovery in international interest as the global situation stabilizes. Harold Washington College's ability to attract international students amidst these challenges reflects its commitment to providing quality education and support for a diverse student body. As global mobility resumes, it will be interesting to see how the college adapts its strategies to further enhance its international appeal.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$23,278
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $15,150
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $12,090
- Room and board
- $8,128
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 27% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 6%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$60.6M
Expenses$62.6M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
DePaul UniversityChicago · 0.6 mi
U.S. News #169
-
University of Illinois at ChicagoChicago · 1.6 mi
U.S. News #95
-
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago · 3.8 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of ChicagoChicago · 6.9 mi
U.S. News #9
-
Loyola University ChicagoChicago · 8.1 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Northwestern UniversityEvanston · 11.7 mi
U.S. News #9
-
Wheaton College (IL)Wheaton · 24.4 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
Lake Forest CollegeLake Forest · 27.1 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Aurora UniversityAurora · 38.3 mi
U.S. News #262
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College:
-
DePaul University - Ranked 151 in the 2024 US News rankings, DePaul University is a comprehensive university known for its diverse programs and strong emphasis on practical experience.
-
University of Illinois Chicago - With a rank of 82, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and it is recognized for its research initiatives.
-
Illinois Institute of Technology - Ranked 98, this institution specializes in engineering, science, and technology fields, providing a rigorous education aimed at preparing students for the demands of the workforce.
-
University of Chicago - A prestigious institution ranked 12th, the University of Chicago is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and a rigorous liberal arts education.
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Loyola University Chicago - With a rank of 142, this comprehensive university is known for its commitment to social justice and community service, along with a wide array of academic programs.
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Northwestern University - Ranked 9th, Northwestern is a top-tier comprehensive university that offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and a vibrant campus life.
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University of Notre Dame - With a rank of 20, Notre Dame is celebrated for its strong tradition in liberal arts education and its commitment to values-based learning.
These institutions provide a rich educational landscape for students in the Chicago area, each with its unique strengths and offerings.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
The crime statistics at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College over the past decade reveal a fluctuating trend in campus safety. Notably, the average number of arrests and incidents per 1,000 students varied significantly from year to year. In 2013, the rate was relatively high at 1.56, but it dramatically decreased to 0.35 in 2014, indicating a period of relative calm.
However, the trend shifted again, peaking in 2019 with a rate of 2.59, before slightly declining in 2020. This spike in 2019 could have been influenced by a variety of factors, including increased reporting or a rise in specific types of crime. The data suggests that while certain years experienced heightened levels of incidents, others saw a notable decrease, reflecting perhaps effective crime prevention strategies or changes in student behavior and campus policies.
The most recent data from 2022 shows a concerning increase, with a crime rate of 2.96 per 1,000 students. This figure underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety. The types of offenses reported, including gun-related arrests and drug arrests, highlight specific areas that may require targeted intervention.
Overall, these statistics serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining campus safety and the need for comprehensive strategies to address and mitigate crime on campus. For further understanding of crime rates and their calculations, more information can be found at this link.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.