College of Lake County
Out-of-state tuition
$14,400
In-state $10,869
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
12,530
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
38.3%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 41.9%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The College of Lake County (CLC), located in Grayslake, Illinois, serves as a prominent educational institution dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education to its diverse student body. Established in 1969, CLC is known for its commitment to community engagement and development, offering a range of programs that cater to various academic and vocational interests. The college's motto, "Empowering Students, Strengthening Communities," reflects its mission to enhance the quality of life in Lake County through education and workforce training. With a focus on student success, CLC provides a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and academic achievement.
CLC boasts a comprehensive array of programs and degrees, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer options to four-year institutions. The college is particularly noted for its strong emphasis on community service, with numerous opportunities for students to engage with local organizations and gain practical experience. Modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas, enhance the learning experience. CLC also prioritizes student life, offering various extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletic programs that promote a vibrant campus culture. The college's commitment to equity and inclusion ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. As a result, CLC continues to produce well-prepared graduates who are ready to enter the workforce or pursue further studies, making significant contributions to their communities and beyond.
Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Enrollment Trends
The data from the College of Lake County reveals several significant trends regarding tuition, graduation rates, and student enrollment over the years. Firstly, there has been a steady increase in tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, the in-state tuition rose from $7,252 in 2014 to $10,531 in 2024, a staggering increase of approximately 45% over a decade. This trend mirrors a national concern of rising tuition costs, which can deter prospective students from enrolling, especially those from lower-income backgrounds.
Moreover, the graduation rates reflect a gradual improvement, particularly notable in the 100% graduation rate, which increased from approximately 3.4% in 2013 to about 15.6% in 2023. This improvement, while still modest, suggests that the college may be implementing effective strategies to support students through their programs, potentially contributing to better retention and timely graduation.
In terms of enrollment, there has been a concerning decline in the number of undergraduate students, from 17,685 in 2014 to 11,651 in 2023. This drop of approximately 34% raises questions about the factors influencing student choices. Economic conditions, shifts in demographics, and the increasing availability of online education options may be contributing to this trend.
Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 15 to 18 students per faculty member, indicating that the college has maintained a consistent level of faculty support despite fluctuating enrollment numbers.
Overall, while the College of Lake County has made strides in improving graduation rates, the rising tuition costs and declining enrollment present significant challenges that will require ongoing attention and strategic planning to ensure future sustainability and accessibility for all students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Chicago, about 40 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), about 25 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Lori Suddick (President)
- Phone
- 8475432000
- Address
- 19351 W Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from College of Lake County
The graduation data from the College of Lake County reveals some intriguing trends regarding the distribution of associate degrees among various programs. Notably, several fields show a significant number of graduates, particularly in child care services and HVAC maintenance, which yielded 17 and 12 graduates respectively. This suggests a strong demand for skilled professionals in these areas, likely driven by both local job market needs and national trends emphasizing the importance of early childhood education and climate control technologies.
Interestingly, there are many programs that did not produce any graduates at the bachelor, master, or doctorate levels, indicating either a lack of interest or possibly inadequate resources or faculty to support these advanced programs. This absence of graduates in higher-level degrees could reflect broader challenges in the educational sector, such as funding cuts or shifting student priorities.
Moreover, it's worth noting that all associate degree programs had zero international students graduating, which raises questions about the college's outreach and recruitment efforts for international students in specific vocational fields. As global mobility increases, attracting international talent could enhance the diversity and educational experience at the institution.
Overall, this data highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement at the College of Lake County. Focusing on enhancing program offerings and recruitment, especially for international students, could be beneficial for aligning with labor market needs and fostering a more diverse academic environment.
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. | $38,522 | |
| General Studies. | $38,522 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | $32,295 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | $74,156 | |
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Medical/Clinical Assistant. | - | |
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $72,866-$85,181 | |
| Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist. | $72,866-$85,181 | |
| Surgical Technology/Technologist. | $72,866-$85,181 | |
| Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. | - | |
| Holistic/Integrative Health. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $75,078 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting. | - | |
| Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. | - | |
| Parts, Warehousing, and Inventory Management Operations. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. | - | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - | |
| Fire Science/Fire-fighting. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef. | $34,637 | |
| Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager. | $34,637 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - | |
| Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | $47,947 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
Students
12,530 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57 · Freshman retention 71.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 7,031
- First-year undergraduates 1,175
- Transfers and others 4,324
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (12,530)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at College of Lake County in 2023
The student demographic data from the College of Lake County reveals interesting insights into the composition of its learners in 2023. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 2,023, with a balanced gender ratio, where approximately 50.6% are male and 49.4% are female. This indicates a relatively equitable entry point for students, which is encouraging in promoting diversity.
In contrast, the undergraduate continuing students, totaling 6,647, show a significant gender disparity with only 43.5% being male and 56.5% female. This trend raises questions about retention strategies and the experiences of male students in the academic environment, suggesting a potential need for programs aimed at improving engagement among male learners.
Among the undergraduate transfer students, numbering 307, the gender ratio skews slightly towards males at 52.4%. However, the overall numbers indicate that the transfer population is relatively small compared to the continuing students. This could reflect broader trends in higher education where students are increasingly taking time to explore their academic paths before transferring.
Furthermore, the data on diversity among the student body shows a predominance of white students across the various categories, which calls for continued efforts to foster an inclusive environment. The representation of other ethnic groups, such as Asian, Latinx, and African American students, appears to be less pronounced, suggesting an opportunity for targeted recruitment and support initiatives.
Overall, while the College of Lake County demonstrates a commitment to gender equity in its freshman cohort, the ongoing disparities in later stages of education indicate areas for growth, especially in fostering a more diverse and inclusive student body.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at College of Lake County
The age composition of students at the College of Lake County showcases a diverse range of ages, predominantly among the younger demographic. The largest group consists of students aged 18-19, with a total of 3,432 students, which accounts for approximately 41.6% of the overall student population. This trend reflects the increasing enrollment of traditional-age students in community colleges, as they typically serve as a gateway for higher education.
Interestingly, as age increases, the number of enrolled students decreases significantly. For example, only 507 students fall within the 25-29 age bracket, and this number dwindles further for older age groups, with just 52 students aged 65 and above. This pattern may suggest that community colleges are less appealing to older learners, possibly due to factors such as work commitments or family responsibilities.
The data also reveals a notable gender disparity, particularly among younger students. In the 18-19 age category, there are 1,699 male and 1,733 female students, indicating that females are slightly more represented, a trend that continues across other age brackets. This may parallel broader trends in higher education, where female enrollment has been consistently rising.
Overall, the College of Lake County's student population reflects both the challenges and opportunities present in the landscape of community college education. The substantial representation of younger students indicates a strong interest in pursuing higher education, while the decline in older students raises questions about accessibility and support for non-traditional learners.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
321 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at College of Lake County
The data on international student enrollment at the College of Lake County reveals a concerning downward trend over the years. From 2004 to 2021, the number of international undergraduate students has significantly decreased, dropping from 424 to just 149. This translates to a decline in the proportion of international students from 2.68% to a mere 1.26%.
The period from 2004 to 2009 saw a relatively stable number of international students; however, a noticeable decline began around 2007. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, increased competition from other institutions, and perhaps the overall perception of studying in the U.S. After a brief increase in 2022, the number rose to 184, but it still falls short of the earlier figures.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is also evident in the data, as international mobility was severely restricted, further exacerbating enrollment challenges. The uncertainty surrounding travel and study abroad opportunities likely deterred prospective international students.
Overall, the College of Lake County might need to reassess its outreach and support strategies for international students to reverse this trend. Engaging with prospective students through virtual platforms, enhancing scholarship opportunities, and promoting a welcoming campus environment could be essential in attracting a more diverse student body in the future.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$31,200
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $14,400
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $10,869
- Room and board
- $16,800
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 30% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 219%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$192M
Expenses$186M
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 NJCAA
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 18 | 21 |
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| Other Sports | 27 | 2 |
| Basketball | 11 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 19 |
| Tennis | 11 | 6 |
| Bowling | 9 | 6 |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| Golf | 6 | - |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 31 | 26 |
| Baseball | 39 | - |
| Basketball | 18 | 12 |
| Tennis | 8 | 8 |
| Volleyball | - | 15 |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| Golf | 8 | - |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 26 | 24 |
| Baseball | 48 | - |
| Basketball | 19 | 10 |
| Tennis | 10 | 10 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Softball | - | 12 |
| Golf | 8 | - |
| Cross Country | 2 | 1 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Lake Forest CollegeLake Forest · 11.9 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Northwestern UniversityEvanston · 27.0 mi
U.S. News #9
-
Loyola University ChicagoChicago · 30.5 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Wheaton College (IL)Wheaton · 33.7 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
University of Illinois at ChicagoChicago · 38.1 mi
U.S. News #95
-
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago · 41.2 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of ChicagoChicago · 44.5 mi
U.S. News #9
-
Marquette UniversityMilwaukee · 47.5 mi
U.S. News #90
-
Beloit CollegeBeloit · 52.9 mi
Liberal Arts #100
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near the College of Lake County that you might find interesting:
-
Northwestern University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Northwestern University is a prestigious research university located in Evanston, Illinois. It is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
University of Chicago - With a rank of 12th, the University of Chicago is renowned for its rigorous scholarship and commitment to academic excellence. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison - Ranked 35th, this public research university is located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is known for its research output and diverse range of programs.
-
Loyola University Chicago - Holding the 142nd position, Loyola University is a private Catholic university that emphasizes social justice and community service alongside academic achievement.
-
DePaul University - Ranked 151st, DePaul University is located in Chicago and is known for its strong programs in business and the arts.
-
Wheaton College - This liberal arts college is ranked 56th and is known for its strong Christian foundation and commitment to academic rigor.
These institutions offer a variety of programs and experiences that cater to different interests and career paths.
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 Rates at College of Lake County
The crime data from the College of Lake County over the years reveals some interesting trends regarding campus safety. In the early years, particularly 2013 and 2015, the average number of offenses per 1,000 students was relatively high, with rates of 0.92 and 1.18, respectively. However, there has been a noticeable decline in the crime rate, especially between 2020 and 2021, where the rate plummeted to 0.08, indicating a significant reduction in crime incidents on campus.
One noteworthy observation is the increase in arrests related to gun possession, which reflects broader societal concerns about gun violence and safety on college campuses. As universities across the United States grapple with the implications of gun laws and campus security, the data for the College of Lake County suggests a potential shift towards a safer campus environment.
The decrease in reported incidents, particularly during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, may also point to the impact of remote learning and fewer students being present on campus. As students return to in-person classes, there may be a need for increased vigilance to maintain safety, especially as crime rates slightly rebounded in 2022 and 2023.
Overall, while the trends indicate improvements in safety at the College of Lake County, continuous efforts and strategies will be essential to ensure that the campus remains a safe space for all students. For further insights into calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime rate calculation method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of College of Lake County include Laura Zeng (Rhythmic gymnast; 2016 and 2020 Olympian), Bryan W. Simon (Stage and film director and writer) and Ed Sedar (Former Milwaukee Brewers base coach).
-
Laura Zeng 1999–
Rhythmic gymnast; 2016 and 2020 Olympian
-
Bryan W. Simon 1956–
Stage and film director and writer
-
Ed Sedar 1961–
Former Milwaukee Brewers base coach
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.