Public Institution

Oakton College — Des Plaines, Illinois

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Annual Tuition $3,985

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 6,229

Active Students

Avg. Salary $47,852

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Des Plaines, Illinois
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 4/19/1971

Academic Mission & Environment

"Oakton College stands as a pillar of higher education in Des Plaines, providing a robust academic foundation for 6,229 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Oakton College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Oakton College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities
49%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
27.3%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
5.6%

Enrollment Share

Mechanic & Repair
4.6%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
2.9%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech
2.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Mechanic & Repair College

The Mechanic & Repair program at Oakton College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at Oakton College provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Oakton College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Oakton College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 49.6%
Women Enrollment 50.4%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Oakton College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Oakton College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Oakton College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $3,985
Out-of-State Tuition $12,462

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 16.2%
Median Student Debt $5,250

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $3,985, graduates see a median starting salary of $47,852, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Illinois.

What salary can Oakton College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $47,852

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $6,188
Median Salary (6yr) $38,528
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Oakton College in Des Plaines?

6,229 Students

Gender Comparison

49.6% Men
50.4% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

0%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0.3%
Asian
21.6%
Black
8.1%
White
39.5%
Unknown
4.7%
Hispanic
20.7%
Two or More Races
3.4%
International
1.7%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 43.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 97.3%
🎖️
Veterans 0.9%
💍
Married Students 10.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $77,067
Average Family Income $25,017
Median Family Income $21,708

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

40.4%
59.6%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Des Plaines Campus Environment

Located at 1600 E Golf Rd., Oakton College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Illinois. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Oakton College

Is Oakton College a good college in Des Plaines, Illinois?
Oakton College is a recognized institution in Des Plaines with an enrollment of 6,229 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Illinois based on Department of Education data.
Is Oakton College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Oakton College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $47,852. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Oakton College cost for Illinois residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Oakton College is approximately $3,985. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $12,462. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Oakton College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Oakton College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 97.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Oakton College good for Humanities and Health Professions programs?
Oakton College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Oakton College?
Graduates of Oakton College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $47,852, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Oakton College?
Oakton College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Oakton College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Oakton College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Oakton College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Oakton College earn a median salary of $47,852 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Oakton College a good investment compared to other IL colleges?
Oakton College stands out as a high-value investment in Illinois. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Oakton College located and what is the campus like?
Oakton College is located at 1600 E Golf Rd. in Des Plaines, IL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 6,229 learners.
Who typically attends Oakton College in Des Plaines, IL?
The student body at Oakton College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 43.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Illinois

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Oakton College with other leading institutions in Illinois across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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