Skip to content
Public, 2-year

City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

Chicago, Illinois · www.ccc.edu/colleges/wright/pages/default.aspx

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$15,150

In-state $12,090

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

7,798

Student-faculty ratio 28:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

32.5%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 36.1%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Wilbur Wright College, part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, is located in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1977, the college is named after Wilbur Wright, one of the famous Wright brothers known for their pioneering work in aviation. The college prides itself on providing a comprehensive education that caters to a diverse student body, with a mission to promote academic excellence and community engagement. Wilbur Wright College offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees and certificate programs across various fields such as business, health sciences, and liberal arts. The college emphasizes practical learning experiences, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers.

The campus environment at Wilbur Wright College is characterized by a strong sense of community and support. With a focus on student success, the college provides various resources including academic advising, tutoring, and career services to help students navigate their educational journeys. The college also fosters a vibrant campus culture, encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that enrich their college experience. Moreover, the institution is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Chicago. Graduates of Wilbur Wright College are well-prepared for the workforce, with many finding successful employment opportunities in their respective fields, contributing positively to the local economy and community.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

The data from City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in tuition fees, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.

Firstly, the increase in tuition fees for in-state students has been significant, rising from $5,961 in 2014 to $11,520 by 2024. This represents a nearly 93% increase over a decade, which is alarming for potential students and their families. In contrast, out-of-state fees have also increased from $7,498 to $14,430, marking a similar upward trend. Such increases in tuition may deter prospective students, particularly as financial burdens continue to rise nationwide.

Next, the enrollment figures indicate a troubling decline in student numbers, dropping from 12,468 in 2013 to just 7,508 in 2023. This decline of approximately 40% raises concerns about the institution's appeal and the effectiveness of its recruitment strategies. Lower enrollment can also negatively impact the overall financial health of the college, leading to fewer resources for student services and educational programs.

Moreover, the graduation rates show a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate has fluctuated but saw a notable increase to about 13.29% in 2023, up from only 2.92% in 2013. This improvement suggests that the college might be enhancing its support systems for students, contributing to higher graduation outcomes. However, the overall rates remain relatively low, which may indicate systemic issues that still need addressing.

Lastly, the retention rate has shown some improvement, rising from around 53.82% in 2013 to about 66.62% in 2023. This increase suggests that more students are choosing to continue their studies at the college, which is a positive sign in terms of student satisfaction and institutional support.

In summary, while there are positive trends in graduation and retention rates, the significant increases in tuition and declining enrollment figures present challenges that the college must address to ensure its long-term viability and success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
Chicago, about 10 mi
Nearest international airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), about 6 mi
Chicago, Illinois
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Andres Oroz (President)
Phone
7737777900
City
Chicago, Illinois
Address
4300 N Narragansett, Chicago, IL 60634-1500

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate81112 international (1.5%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
377
Biological and Physical Sciences
135
General Studies
132
Engineering, General
100
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
18
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
17
Occupational Therapist Assistant
14
Computer Programming/Programmer, General
4
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
3
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
3

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

The graduation data from City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College reveals some intriguing insights into the academic landscape for the year 2023. Notably, the programs in the General Studies category and Biological and Physical Sciences exhibited the highest number of associate degrees awarded, with 125 and 145 graduates respectively. This indicates a strong interest and enrollment in foundational programs, which might serve as stepping stones for students aiming to pursue higher degrees or enter various fields.

Conversely, programs within the engineering and computer science categories showed minimal graduation rates, with several disciplines reporting zero graduates. This contrast may point to challenges in these fields, such as possibly limited enrollment or high dropout rates, which could be a concern amidst the growing demand for skilled professionals in technology and engineering sectors.

Additionally, the data indicates a lack of international students graduating from almost all programs, suggesting that the college may not be attracting a significant number of foreign students, or that existing international students are leaning towards other institutions for their studies. This trend could significantly affect the diversity and global perspective within the college's academic environment.

Overall, while some programs are evidently thriving, others may require strategic enhancements to attract and retain students. The college's ability to adapt to these trends could ultimately define its success in meeting the evolving educational and workforce demands in today’s competitive landscape.

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

Liberal arts has 509 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$37,088
General Studies.$37,088
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 135 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.$32,715
Engineeringhas 100 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.-
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster.-
Legal professionshas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.$45,894
Health professionshas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Occupational Therapist Assistant.$46,051
Visual and Performing artshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Music, General.-
Homeland security has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Businesshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Architecture has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Architectural Technology/Technician.-

Students

7,798 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53 · Freshman retention 72.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (7,798)

Hispanic
5,074 · 65.1%
White
1,455 · 18.7%
Asian
471 · 6.0%
Black
471 · 6.0%
Two or more races
234 · 3.0%
International
81 · 1.0%
Unknown
3 · 0.0%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
9.9%
18–19
22.8%
20–21
16.9%
22–24
12.2%
25 and over
38.2%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

The student body composition at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College in 2023 reveals a diverse and interesting demographic landscape. The undergraduate freshmen segment comprises 1,100 students, with a notable male representation of 60.7% and females at 39.3%. This gender disparity suggests that the college may need to explore strategies to attract more female students in this category.

In contrast, the undergraduate juniors present a more balanced demographic, with 2,920 students and a male-to-female ratio of 46.1% to 53.9%. This shift indicates an increasing female presence as students progress in their academic journey, which is a positive sign for gender equity in higher education.

The undergraduate transfer students total 304, exhibiting a near-equal gender ratio with males at 50.7% and females at 49.3%. This balance reflects an encouraging trend in inclusivity among transfer students, who often bring diverse perspectives to the college environment.

The graduate student population, although larger at 3,184, shows a significant gender imbalance with 36.9% males and 63.1% females. This trend could be indicative of the growing number of women pursuing advanced degrees, aligning with national trends that show an increase in female graduate enrollment.

Overall, the student demographics at the college reflect a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences. The college's commitment to fostering diversity will be vital in enhancing the educational experience for all students, preparing them for a globalized workforce.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Wilbur Wright College

The age composition of students at Wilbur Wright College for 2023 presents a diverse range of age groups, reflecting the institution's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in education. Notably, the largest cohort of students falls within the 18-19 age range, comprising 1,037 male undergraduates and 757 female undergraduates. This highlights a significant influx of traditional college-age students, which is typical for community colleges, especially in urban settings.

As we examine older age brackets, participation rates gradually decline. For instance, the 25-29 age group shows 367 male undergraduates and 520 female undergraduates, indicating a trend where slightly older students are increasingly pursuing further education, particularly women. This aligns with national statistics suggesting that women are more likely to enroll in higher education, often returning to school for career advancement or skill enhancement.

The data also reveals a notable representation of students aged 40-49, with 172 male and 418 female students. This trend emphasizes the growing recognition of lifelong learning and the importance of education for career transitions or personal growth, especially amidst current economic uncertainties.

Interestingly, there is a marked absence of graduate students in the data, which may reflect either a lack of graduate programs at the college or a preference among students to pursue further studies elsewhere. Overall, the diverse age range of students at Wilbur Wright College underscores the importance of flexible and adaptive educational frameworks that cater to the varying needs of learners at different life stages.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.0%

81 in 2025 · 0.9% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.9%2017: 0.7%2018: 1.0%2019: 0.9%2020: 1.2%2021: 1.3%2022: 1.3%2023: 0.9%2024: 1.0%2025: 1.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at Wilbur Wright College

The data on international student enrollment at Wilbur Wright College reveals significant fluctuations over the years. Initially, in 2009, the college had a mere 24 international students out of a total of 11,677 undergraduates, which accounted for only 0.21% of the student body. This percentage remained relatively low for the following years, with figures dropping to as low as 0.02% in both 2010 and 2011.

A notable turning point occurred in 2016 when the number of international students surged to 96, representing a striking 0.89% of the undergraduate population. This increase may reflect broader trends in higher education, where community colleges have become increasingly attractive to international students seeking affordable and diverse educational opportunities in the United States. The peak was reached in 2020 when international students made up 1.16% of the undergraduate body, coinciding with a global rise in international study interest before the pandemic.

However, the subsequent years showed a decline in both the total undergraduate enrollment and the number of international students. By 2023, the percentage of international students had decreased to 0.93%. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changing immigration policies, and increasing competition among institutions to attract international talent.

Overall, while Wilbur Wright College has seen fluctuations in its international student enrollment, the gradual increase in percentages during certain years indicates potential for growth in this demographic. As educational institutions adjust to post-pandemic realities, fostering a welcoming environment for international students will be crucial for recovery and future growth.

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
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

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$62.6M

Government grants and contracts
$54.6M87.2%
Tuition and fees
$6.5M10.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.5M2.4%
Gifts and private grants
$15K0.0%

Expenses$65.0M

Instruction
$26.0M39.9%
Student services
$9.3M14.2%
Scholarships
$7.3M11.3%
Academic support
$5.2M8.1%
Institutional support
$4.3M6.5%
Public service
$326K0.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$319K0.5%
Other
$12.3M19.0%

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.

All faculty
$121,177peers $68,588
Professor
$152,010peers $79,972
Associate professor
$125,342peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$114,696peers $62,785
Instructor
$92,919peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Basketball1314
Soccer25-
Volleyball-10
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Basketball1515
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Basketball1515

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College:

  1. Northwestern University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Northwestern University is a prestigious private university located in Evanston, Illinois, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. University of Chicago - Known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty, the University of Chicago is ranked 12th in the nation. It is renowned for its research initiatives and is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.

  3. University of Illinois Chicago - With a rank of 82, the University of Illinois Chicago offers a diverse range of programs and is the largest university in the Chicago area.

  4. Loyola University Chicago - Ranked 142nd, this private university provides a strong liberal arts education, with a commitment to social justice and community service.

  5. DePaul University - With a rank of 151, DePaul University is known for its extensive programs and diverse student body. It emphasizes experiential learning through internships and community engagement.

  6. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 20th, the University of Notre Dame is a prestigious Catholic university located in South Bend, Indiana, known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are known for their academic excellence.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Aggravated assault
7
Domestic violence
7
Fondling
2
Weapons arrests
2
Rape
1

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 - Wilbur Wright College

The crime statistics at City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College from 2013 to 2023 reveal a fluctuating trend in criminal incidents per 1,000 students. Notably, the highest recorded crime rate was in 2013, with 0.88 incidents per 1,000 students, whereas 2022 stood out as a remarkable year with no recorded incidents, reflecting a significant decline in crime on campus.

Throughout the years, incidents involving firearms arrests have been present, but the data shows a decrease in overall crime rates. For instance, the data from 2014 to 2016 indicates lower crime rates, with the lowest at 0.28 in 2016. The rise in incidents in 2019, with a rate of 0.92, suggests that the campus experienced a resurgence in crime, though it subsequently dropped again in 2021 to 0.38.

The absence of recorded incidents in 2022 could be attributed to enhanced security measures or effective community outreach programs. However, the slight increase in incidents in 2023 demonstrates that vigilance is still required.

Overall, this data indicates that while the college has made strides in reducing crime, maintaining safety remains a continuous effort. It is essential for institutions to foster a secure environment, and the trends suggest that proactive measures can lead to significant improvements in campus safety. For further insights into how crime rates are calculated, refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College include Kim Novak (Actress and two-time Golden Globe winner), Herbert C. Brown (Chemist, 1979 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner) and Dennis Franz (Actor, known as Andy Sipowicz in NYPD Blue).

More alumni (7, by field)

Politics and law

  • Chuck Nergard 1929–2017

    Member of the Florida House of Representatives

  • M. Larry Lawrence 1926–1996

    US Ambassador to Switzerland and real estate developer

    Also attended: University of Arizona

  • Bernard Stone 1927–2005

    Alderman of Chicago's 50th Ward

    Also attended: The John Marshall Law School

  • Akua Njeri

    Writer, activist and former Black Panther Party member

    Spouse: Fred Hampton (Triton College)

Arts and media

  • Al Schwartz 1932–

    Television producer of the American Music Awards

    Also attended: University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Oscar Brashear 1944–2023

    Jazz trumpeter and session musician

  • Eric Morris 1931–

    Actor and acting teacher who created the Eric Morris System

    Also attended: Northwestern University

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

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.