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Public, 2-year

South Suburban College

South Holland, Illinois · www.ssc.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$12,683

In-state $11,033

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

3,818

Student-faculty ratio 17:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

24.2%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 26.8%

Peer median 33.7%

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

About

South Suburban College (SSC) is a prominent community college located in South Holland, Illinois. Established in 1927, SSC has a rich history of providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for its diverse student body. The college's mission is to empower students through accessible education, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to succeed academically and professionally. With a strong focus on student success, SSC offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development courses, catering to a wide range of academic and career goals.

The college is well-equipped with modern facilities that enhance the learning experience. Its campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and technology resources designed to support hands-on learning. Additionally, SSC promotes a vibrant campus culture through various student organizations, extracurricular activities, and athletic programs, encouraging students to engage and develop leadership skills. The college also emphasizes community involvement, with many students actively participating in service projects and local initiatives. This commitment to community service, combined with a dedicated faculty and supportive staff, ensures that South Suburban College remains a vital institution for higher education in the region, preparing students for successful careers and lifelong learning.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at South Suburban College

The data from South Suburban College reveals several critical trends that merit discussion. One of the most telling aspects is the steady increase in tuition fees, particularly for in-state students, which rose from approximately $10,073 in 2014 to $11,033 in 2024. This 9.5% increase over a decade highlights the growing financial burden on students and could potentially deter prospective applicants, especially those from lower-income backgrounds.

Additionally, the enrollment numbers present a concerning trend. The total number of undergraduate students dropped significantly from 6,043 in 2013 to just 3,905 in 2023. This decrease of about 35% raises questions about the college's appeal and the competitive landscape of higher education, exacerbated by rising tuition costs and economic factors impacting enrollment.

Moreover, the graduation rates reflect a challenging scenario. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates hovered around 6% in recent years, with only minor fluctuations. The 150% graduation rate, while somewhat better at 16%, still indicates that a substantial number of students struggle to complete their degrees within a reasonable timeframe. This situation necessitates a critical examination of academic support services and engagement strategies to improve student outcomes.

The retention rate also presents a mixed picture. While there has been a notable increase in retention from around 32.8% in 2022 to 67.6% in 2023, which is encouraging, it raises questions about the factors that contributed to this spike. Understanding the reasons behind this improvement is vital for sustaining and further enhancing student retention.

Finally, the gender ratio among undergraduates indicates a shifting dynamic, with male students comprising only about 40.7% of the undergraduate population in 2023, suggesting a growing female majority. This demographic shift may have implications for program development and campus culture.

In conclusion, the combination of rising tuition, declining enrollment, low graduation rates, and fluctuating retention poses significant challenges for South Suburban College, necessitating a strategic response to enhance its educational offerings and support systems.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Chicago, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), about 15 mi
South Holland, Illinois
Also known as
SSC Thornton Junior College, Thornton Community College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Lynette Stokes (President)
Phone
7085962000
City
South Holland, Illinois
Address
15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473-1200

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1821 international (0.5%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
101
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
17
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
11
Biological and Physical Sciences
10
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
9
General Studies
8
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
7
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
4
Occupational Therapist Assistant
4
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
3

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from South Suburban College

The graduation statistics from South Suburban College for 2023 reveal several noteworthy trends across various fields of study. Notably, the data shows a significant focus on associate degrees, particularly in the health sciences, which aligns with the current high demand for healthcare professionals. For instance, Registered Nursing and Occupational Therapist Assistant programs have produced 15 and 9 graduates respectively, reflecting the ongoing need for trained individuals in these critical areas.

Moreover, it is striking that many programs report zero graduates at the bachelor, master, and doctorate levels. This lack of completion at higher degree levels could indicate a gap in educational offerings or a misalignment between student interests and available programs. For instance, programs in Information Science and Business Administration did not yield any bachelor's graduates, which may suggest a need for curriculum enhancement or increased support for these pathways.

Additionally, the data indicates that there are no international students graduating in any degree category. This absence highlights a potential area for growth, as attracting international students can enrich the educational environment and diversify perspectives within the college community. With the rising trend of globalization in education, South Suburban College might consider strategies to enhance its appeal to international students, which could bolster enrollment and the overall vibrancy of its academic programs.

In summary, while South Suburban College is successfully preparing graduates in certain associate degree programs, there exists a clear opportunity to expand and elevate offerings at higher degree levels and enhance its international student presence, ultimately aligning more closely with workforce demands and educational trends.

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 109 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$34,188
General Studies.$34,188
Health professionshas 41 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Occupational Therapist Assistant.-
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist.$68,067-$69,245
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$68,067-$69,245
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$73,377
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Legal professionshas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Homeland security has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Engineering technologieshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Computer and information sciencehas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Information Science/Studies.-
Human science has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Businesshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Culinary has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Barbering/Barber.-

Students

3,818 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 62.9%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,818)

Black
2,068 · 54.2%
Hispanic
872 · 22.8%
White
583 · 15.3%
Unknown
124 · 3.2%
Two or more races
87 · 2.3%
Asian
56 · 1.5%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
36.4%
18–19
17.3%
20–21
11.5%
22–24
10.3%
25 and over
24.4%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at South Suburban College (2023)

The data from South Suburban College in 2023 reveals insightful trends regarding its student demographic composition. The undergraduate freshmen constitute a notable segment, with 311 students, where the gender distribution shows a higher percentage of females at 60.8%, compared to 39.2% males. This trend appears to persist among undergraduate seniors, who have a significant population of 1,522 students, with even fewer males at 30.6%, indicating a growing female presence in higher education.

Undergraduate transfer students are fewer in number, totaling 93, with a gender ratio skewed towards females, as seen in the 67.7% female representation. This may reflect broader societal trends of women pursuing higher education at increasing rates.

Interestingly, the data on non-degree students shows a balanced gender split, with 1,979 individuals registered. This might suggest that non-degree programs are appealing to a diverse demographic, regardless of gender.

Examining the racial breakdown for the freshmen, there are 55 white students, 14 Asian students, and 115 Latinx students, indicating a diverse student body that may reflect the broader demographic trends in the region. The increasing representation of Latinx students aligns with national trends, as this group continues to grow in higher education settings across the United States.

In summary, South Suburban College's demographics illustrate the changing landscape of higher education, with an increasing female presence and a commitment to diversity among student populations. As educational institutions adapt to these trends, they must consider how best to support and engage their diverse student body.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at South Suburban College

The age demographic data from South Suburban College in 2023 reveals interesting trends about the student population. A significant portion of students, particularly those under 18 years old, represents the largest group, with a total of 1,595 students (833 males and 762 females). This indicates a strong engagement of younger individuals in higher education, potentially reflecting a trend in early college enrollment.

As we look at the 18-19 age bracket, there are 651 students, which shows that this age group also plays a crucial role in the student body. However, as students progress into older age categories, the numbers drop significantly. For instance, only 92 students fall within the 22-24 age range, and this figure continues to decline in subsequent age groups. This pattern might suggest that many students either transition into the workforce after their initial years of college or may take longer to complete their studies.

Interestingly, the data reveals that there are no graduate students enrolled in any age category. This absence might indicate that South Suburban College primarily serves undergraduate students. Additionally, the gender distribution appears balanced among the younger demographics, which is a positive sign of gender equity in education.

The data also highlights that the representation of older students (those aged 30 and above) remains low, with only a few in each age category. This could reflect societal trends where older individuals may prefer online education or part-time studies, thus opting for institutions that cater specifically to those needs.

Overall, South Suburban College's age composition indicates a vibrant, youthful student population, with a clear inclination towards undergraduate studies and a need for further exploration into the factors influencing the lower participation of older students and graduate programs.

International Students

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

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.1%2022: 0.1%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.1%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at South Suburban College

The data regarding international student enrollment at South Suburban College reveals a significant decline in the proportion of international students over the years. In 2004, international students made up 0.38% of the undergraduate population, but this figure has plummeted to just 0.03% by 2023. This trend raises concerns about the college's appeal to global students and its competitiveness in the higher education landscape.

Several factors could be contributing to this decline. The global pandemic in 2020 severely impacted international travel and student mobility, leading to a decrease in enrollments across many institutions. Furthermore, shifting immigration policies and heightened competition from other institutions may deter prospective students from choosing South Suburban College.

The data shows a brief spike in 2012, where international student enrollment reached 0.90%, which could indicate a temporary opportunity that was not sustained in subsequent years. The drop in numbers in recent years may also reflect a broader trend seen in many U.S. colleges, where international student enrollment has faced challenges.

To address these declining numbers, South Suburban College may need to enhance its outreach efforts, improve support services for international students, and create more attractive programs that cater to this demographic. As the higher education sector continues to adapt post-pandemic, it is crucial for institutions like South Suburban College to rethink their strategies to attract and retain international talent.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$18,539

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$12,683
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$11,033
Room and board
$5,856
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 4% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 33%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$49.3M

Government grants and contracts
$42.6M86.3%
Tuition and fees
$2.7M5.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$872K1.8%
Investment return
$730K1.5%
Other
$2.5M5.0%

Expenses$46.2M

Instruction
$16.3M35.3%
Student services
$8.5M18.4%
Institutional support
$6.6M14.2%
Public service
$4.1M9.0%
Scholarships
$2.8M6.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.9M4.2%
Academic support
$329K0.7%
Other
$5.7M12.2%

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
$77,042peers $68,588

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division II MENWOMEN
Soccer2420
Baseball32-
Basketball1510
Softball-14
Volleyball-11
2024
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Soccer2120
Baseball34-
Basketball1610
Softball-17
Volleyball-12
2023
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Soccer2120
Baseball37-
Basketball1812
Softball-17
Volleyball-10

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near South Suburban College:

  1. University of Chicago - Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious university is known for its rigorous academics and distinguished faculty.

  2. Northwestern University - Holding the 9th place in the rankings, Northwestern is recognized for its strong emphasis on research and a diverse range of programs.

  3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - With a rank of 35, this university is known for its comprehensive programs and vibrant campus life.

  4. Loyola University Chicago - Ranked 142nd, Loyola offers a strong emphasis on service and social justice, making it a great choice for students interested in community engagement.

  5. Illinois Institute of Technology - This university, ranked 98th, focuses on engineering and technology, providing students with a cutting-edge education.

These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students in the South Suburban area.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
1
Weapons arrests
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 South Suburban College

The crime statistics at South Suburban College over the years present a varied landscape of safety on campus. Notably, the years 2013 to 2017 showed a fluctuating crime rate, with a peak in 2017, where the rate reached 2.43 incidents per 1,000 students. This spike could be indicative of a growing issue with gun-related arrests, as the data suggests that such incidents were the most frequently recorded offenses during that period.

Interestingly, 2018 and 2019 showed a decline in incidents, hinting at potential improvements in campus safety measures or community engagement. However, the most remarkable trend is observed in the years 2020 to 2023, where the data indicates a complete absence of recorded offenses. This significant drop could reflect effective crime prevention strategies, heightened security protocols, or perhaps even a change in students’ behavior and engagement with campus resources.

The absence of crime in recent years is promising, but it is essential to remain vigilant. Zero incidents may not solely indicate a safer environment but could also suggest underreporting or a lack of transparency in crime reporting. Regular assessment and community awareness are crucial in sustaining this positive trend.

Overall, the trends at South Suburban College highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures in maintaining campus safety, as well as the need for a supportive atmosphere for students to report incidents without fear. For further understanding of crime rates, you can refer to the calculation method at this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of South Suburban College include King Von (Chicago rapper and drill music figure), Ruth Johnson Colvin (Founder of Literacy Volunteers of America) and Cliff Floyd (Former MLB left fielder with 17 seasons).

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.