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Prairie State College

Chicago Heights, IL·Public·2,448 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 2,448 students.

N/A
Accept
2,448
Students
$5,280
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
$33,300
Earnings
10 yr
$8,000
Debt

About This School

Prairie State College is a public institution located in Chicago Heights, Illinois with approximately 2,448 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $5,280 per year. Typical graduates earn $33,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Prairie State College is a public community college in Chicago Heights, Illinois. It is the only college operated by Illinois Community College District 515.

Worth considering if you're looking to keep costs low while staying close to home — at just $5,280/year average net price and only $8,000 in median debt at graduation, the financial risk here is minimal. That said, the median earnings of $33,300 a decade out suggest most graduates aren't landing high-paying careers, so this makes the most sense as a stepping stone toward a four-year transfer or a specific trade credential rather than a direct path to strong earning potential.

Founded
1957
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions41%
Computer Science7%
Business & Marketing2%
Visual & Performing Arts1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$4,176
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,064
Avg Net Price
$5,280
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants36%
Median debt at graduation$8,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
N/A
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$33,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$8,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$8,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$27,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$33,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White13%
Black54%
Hispanic/Latino23%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,448 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Prairie State College

202 South Halsted Street

Chicago Heights, IL 60411-8226

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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