Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Chicago Heights, Illinois |
| Online | prairiestate.edu |
| School Type | Public 2 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | No |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Prairie State College is a public community college located in Chicago Heights, Illinois, approximately 30 miles south of downtown Chicago. The main campus consists of modern buildings spread across 137 acres in a suburban setting, with satellite facilities in Matteson and Oak Forest. Founded in 1958 as Bloom Township Junior College, the institution adopted its current name in 1967 and has grown to serve students from throughout Chicago's south suburban region. The college offers associate degrees and career certificate programs with emphasis on healthcare, manufacturing technology, and business studies. Campus facilities include recently renovated science laboratories, a conference center, and a fitness complex, while most students commute to campus as the college does not provide residential housing.
Prairie State College is designated as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and receives federal grants supporting the school's efforts to serve low and middle-income Black Americans.
Annual Cost to Attend
In District Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,500 |
| Other Fees | $732 |
| Estimated Off Campus Cost of Living | $7,516 |
| Other Expenses Budget | $6,204 |
| Total One Year Cost | $20,396 |
Illinois Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,500 |
| Other Fees | $732 |
| Estimated Off Campus Cost of Living | $7,516 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,204 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,562 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 53% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 22% |
| Mechanic and Repair Technologies | 6% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 5% |
| General Studies | 4% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Prairie State College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=148007 IPEDS survey data for Prairie State College.
Current students may use the Prairie State College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024