Sauk Valley Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$12,900
In-state $11,640
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,467
Student-faculty ratio 14:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
51.5%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 54.9%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC), located in Dixon, Illinois, is a vibrant institution that plays a crucial role in providing quality education and vocational training to its community. Established in 1966, the college has developed a reputation for its supportive and inclusive environment, which fosters personal and academic growth. SVCC offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education options, catering to a diverse student population. The college prides itself on its strong emphasis on student success, providing resources such as academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling to help students achieve their goals.
One of the distinctive features of SVCC is its commitment to community engagement and workforce development. The college collaborates closely with local businesses and organizations to ensure that its training programs align with the needs of the job market, thereby enhancing graduates' employability. Additionally, SVCC hosts numerous events and activities that enrich the campus culture, such as art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and sports events, promoting a sense of belonging among students. The college's facilities, including a modern library, state-of-the-art classrooms, and recreational areas, support a dynamic learning environment. With a focus on academic excellence, community involvement, and holistic student development, Sauk Valley Community College continues to be a cornerstone of education in the region.
Analysis of Key Trends at Sauk Valley Community College
Sauk Valley Community College has experienced significant shifts in several key areas over the years. One of the most notable trends is the increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2021, in-state tuition rose from $9,152 to $12,368, representing a staggering increase of approximately 35%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition jumped from $9,984 to $12,998, marking an increase of about 30%. This trend of rising tuition costs raises concerns about college affordability, especially as many students may struggle to finance their education amidst stagnant wages and rising living costs.
Another critical area is student enrollment, which has seen a downward trajectory over the same period. The number of undergraduate students decreased from 2,230 in 2013 to 1,386 in 2021. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including economic conditions, competition from online education, and demographic shifts. The reduced enrollment can lead to financial strain on the institution, as lower student numbers often correlate with decreased tuition revenue.
Furthermore, retention rates have fluctuated but generally remained around 67% to 71% in recent years. The retention rate is crucial as it reflects the institution's ability to keep students engaged and enrolled. A stable retention rate, despite declining enrollment, indicates that the college is successful in supporting its current students, but it also highlights the need for strategies to attract new students.
Lastly, graduation rates have shown modest improvement, with the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increasing from 14.1% in 2013 to nearly 30% in 2023. While this is a positive sign, the rates still suggest that a significant portion of students is not completing their degrees on time, which can impact their future earnings and employment opportunities.
In conclusion, while Sauk Valley Community College has made strides in improving graduation rates, the rising tuition costs and declining enrollment present ongoing challenges that need to be addressed to ensure future sustainability and accessibility.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Madison, about 90 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), about 90 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. David M. Hellmich (President)
- Phone
- 8152885511
- Address
- 173 Illinois Rt 2, Dixon, IL 61021-9112
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Sauk Valley Community College
The graduation data for Sauk Valley Community College in 2023 reveals noteworthy trends within various academic disciplines. A significant observation is the dominance of the Associate degree in the fields offered, with Liberal Arts and Sciences leading with 122 graduates. This reflects a broader trend in community colleges, where Associate degrees often serve as a gateway for students pursuing further education or entering the workforce directly.
In the health sector, Registered Nursing stands out with 29 graduates, which aligns with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the global pandemic. The emphasis on nursing education is crucial as healthcare systems worldwide continue to grapple with staffing shortages.
Interestingly, the data shows no graduates for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees across all disciplines, which raises questions about the college's offerings or the student demographic. This absence of higher degree graduates could indicate a focus on vocational training or an opportunity for the college to expand its degree programs to cater to aspiring students seeking advanced education.
Moreover, the absence of international students graduating from these programs highlights potential barriers for attracting a diverse student body. In an increasingly globalized education landscape, fostering an inclusive environment for international students could enhance the educational experience and bring various perspectives to the college community.
Overall, while the college shows robust graduation rates at the Associate level, it may benefit from strategic initiatives to diversify its offerings and attract a broader range of students, including those interested in advanced degrees.
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. | $30,151 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $55,708 | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $63,999 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair Technology/Technician, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting. | - | |
| Selling Skills and Sales Operations. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management, General. | - | |
| Agricultural Business Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
Students
1,467 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 73.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 729
- First-year undergraduates 272
- Transfers and others 466
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,467)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Sauk Valley Community College in 2023
The demographic data from Sauk Valley Community College for the year 2023 reveals a diverse student body with varying proportions of undergraduate freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students. Notably, undergraduate freshmen make up a significant portion of the student population, totaling 351 individuals, with a gender distribution that shows 42.7% male and 57.3% female students. This suggests a trend towards a higher enrollment of female students in this category, which is consistent with broader trends observed in higher education where female participation often exceeds that of males.
Undergraduate juniors, numbering 704, also follow a similar pattern, with 36.6% male and 63.4% female. This consistent gender disparity across undergraduate categories may indicate shifting societal norms and the increasing representation of women in higher education. Interestingly, the number of undergraduate transfer students is relatively low at 26, yet they too reflect a higher percentage of female students at 65.4%.
Moreover, the diversity within the student body is highlighted through various ethnic backgrounds, although detailed data on these subsections is limited. The data for graduate students and specific ethnic breakdowns for juniors and transfer students were not disclosed, indicating a potential area for further exploration and transparency.
In summary, Sauk Valley Community College exhibits a strong female presence among its undergraduate populations, alongside a commitment to diversity. This aligns with national trends in education and may suggest a need for tailored support programs that cater to the unique experiences and challenges faced by these demographics.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Sauk Valley Community College
The age composition of students at Sauk Valley Community College reveals some interesting insights into the demographic trends of higher education. A significant portion of the student body, particularly in the under 18 and 18-19 age brackets, indicates a strong presence of younger students who are likely to be recent high school graduates. Specifically, 41.8% of the total male student population and 45.9% of the total female student population fall within the under 18 and 18-19 age categories, suggesting that the college attracts a youthful demographic that is eager to pursue higher education.
As we move through the age categories, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment. For instance, the 20-21 age group accounts for 12.7% of male students and 15.9% of female students, and this trend continues with further age increases. The 22-24 age group shows a drop to just 6.2% for males and 8.7% for females. This decline may reflect the challenges that older students face in balancing education with work and family commitments, a situation echoed across many community colleges nationwide.
Moreover, the absence of graduate male and female students in the data suggests that Sauk Valley Community College primarily caters to undergraduate students. This trend could be indicative of the college's focus on providing foundational education rather than advanced degrees, which may limit its appeal to those seeking graduate-level qualifications.
Overall, the data highlights the importance of community colleges in supporting younger students while also pointing to potential barriers for older demographics seeking to further their education. Understanding these trends can help the institution tailor its programs and support services to better meet the needs of its student body.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
4 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Sauk Valley Community College
The data regarding international student enrollment at Sauk Valley Community College reflects a notably low presence of international students over the years. From 2007 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduates has shown slight fluctuations, with a peak of 0.22% in 2022. This indicates a gradual increase in the visibility of international students, although the overall numbers remain minimal.
One of the most striking aspects is the consistent low enrollment figures prior to 2022, where only one or two international students were recorded annually from 2007 to 2018. This raises questions about the college's outreach and recruitment strategies for attracting a more diverse student body. Given the increasing global mobility of students and the growing emphasis on international education, the low percentages suggest that the institution may not be fully capitalizing on potential opportunities to diversify its campus.
Furthermore, the data reveals a reduction in total undergraduate enrollment over the years, which could further impact the ratio of international students. With global trends indicating a rising interest in studying abroad, Sauk Valley Community College may need to reevaluate its marketing and recruitment strategies to enhance its appeal to international students.
In conclusion, while there has been a tentative increase in international student enrollment, the overall figures remain significantly low. This trend highlights the need for strategic initiatives to attract a broader range of students, enhancing the college's educational environment and fostering a more inclusive atmosphere.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$23,698
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $12,900
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $11,640
- Room and board
- $10,798
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 31% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 60%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$29.4M
Expenses$24.5M
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 I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 35 | - |
| Basketball | 13 | 11 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 17 | 7 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 16 | 7 |
| Tennis | 7 | 7 |
| Cross Country | 10 | 4 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Softball | - | 11 |
| Golf | 9 | - |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 35 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | 10 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 10 | 8 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 12 | 5 |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| Golf | 12 | - |
| Tennis | 6 | 6 |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| Cross Country | 5 | 4 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 37 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 11 |
| Tennis | 9 | 8 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 9 | 7 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 6 | 9 |
| Softball | - | 12 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Golf | 8 | - |
| Cross Country | 1 | 3 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Augustana CollegeRock Island · 53.9 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Beloit CollegeBeloit · 55.6 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
Aurora UniversityAurora · 64.4 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Knox CollegeGalesburg · 72.6 mi
Liberal Arts #85
-
Wheaton College (IL)Wheaton · 77.1 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
Bradley UniversityPeoria · 77.4 mi
U.S. News #169
-
University of St. FrancisJoliet · 79.9 mi
U.S. News #276
-
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison · 87.5 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Lake Forest CollegeLake Forest · 95.6 mi
Liberal Arts #62
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Sauk Valley Community College:
-
Northern Illinois University - Ranked 269 in the 2024 US News, this university offers a comprehensive educational experience, providing a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Augustana College - With a ranking of 100, Augustana College is a liberal arts college known for its small class sizes and personalized education.
-
Beloit College - Ranked 86, Beloit College is another liberal arts institution that emphasizes a diverse and engaging learning environment.
-
Knox College - With a ranking of 75, Knox College is recognized for its strong emphasis on critical thinking and creativity in a liberal arts context.
-
Wheaton College - Ranked 56, Wheaton College is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to integrating faith and learning.
-
Bradley University - This university is ranked 185 and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on practical experience and community involvement.
-
University of St Francis - With a ranking of 280, this university offers a range of programs with a focus on building a strong community and ethical leadership.
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison - A well-respected institution, ranked 35, known for its research opportunities and diverse academic offerings.
-
Northwestern University - Ranked 9, Northwestern is renowned for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
University of Chicago - With a prestigious ranking of 12, the University of Chicago is famous for its rigorous academics and distinguished faculty.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic landscape surrounding Sauk Valley Community College.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Sauk Valley Community College
The crime data at Sauk Valley Community College reveals a notable trend in on-campus safety over the years. The statistics indicate a significant spike in recorded offenses in 2013, with a crime rate of 2.24 per 1,000 students. However, from 2014 to 2019, the college experienced a remarkable zero crime rate, suggesting that the institution effectively enhanced its safety measures during this period.
The situation appears to have shifted slightly in 2022, with a recorded crime rate of 1.31 per 1,000 students, which, while low, reflects a re-emergence of criminal activity after several years of dormancy. This could be attributed to various factors, including changes in student population, external community influences, or even revised reporting practices that have made it easier to document incidents.
It is important to contextualize these numbers within broader national trends concerning campus safety. Many colleges and universities across the United States have seen fluctuations in crime rates, often influenced by societal issues such as drug abuse, gun violence, and domestic disputes. The data for Sauk Valley Community College shows a commendable effort to maintain a safe environment, especially during the years when no crimes were reported.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for the college administration to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing any emerging safety concerns, ensuring that students feel secure on campus. Continued monitoring and transparency in crime reporting will be essential to foster a trusting environment among the student body. For those interested in calculating crime rates, more information can be found here.
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.