Public Institution

Prairie State College — Chicago Heights, Illinois

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Annual Tuition $4,176

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 2,448

Active Students

Avg. Salary $36,696

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Chicago Heights, Illinois
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 5/1/1967

Academic Mission & Environment

"Prairie State College stands as a pillar of higher education in Chicago Heights, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,448 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 Prairie State College offer?

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

Health Professions
40.7%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
27.2%

Enrollment Share

Mechanic & Repair
8.6%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
7.4%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
3.8%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary
2.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Mechanic & Repair College

The Mechanic & Repair program at Prairie State 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 Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Prairie State College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Prairie State College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Prairie State 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 39.1%
Women Enrollment 60.9%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Prairie State 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 Prairie State College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Prairie State College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $4,176
Out-of-State Tuition $11,064

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 35.6%
Median Student Debt $11,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $4,176, graduates see a median starting salary of $36,696, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Illinois.

What salary can Prairie State College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $36,696

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $5,280
Median Salary (6yr) $30,388
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights?

2,448 Students

Gender Comparison

39.1% Men
60.9% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

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

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.3%
Pacific Islander
0.2%
Asian
1%
Black
53.7%
White
13.1%
Unknown
3.4%
Hispanic
22.6%
Two or More Races
3.6%
International
2%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 24
🎓
First-Generation 39.3%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 88.3%
🎖️
Veterans 1.1%
💍
Married Students 6.2%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $67,449
Average Family Income $27,572
Median Family Income $19,756

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

36.3%
63.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Chicago Heights Campus Environment

Located at 202 South Halsted Street, Prairie State 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 Prairie State College

Is Prairie State College a good college in Chicago Heights, Illinois?
Prairie State College is a recognized institution in Chicago Heights with an enrollment of 2,448 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Illinois based on Department of Education data.
Is Prairie State College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Prairie State College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $36,696. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Prairie State College cost for Illinois residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Prairie State College is approximately $4,176. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $11,064. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Prairie State College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Prairie State College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 88.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Prairie State College good for Health Professions and Humanities programs?
Prairie State College is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Humanities programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Prairie State College?
Graduates of Prairie State College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $36,696, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Prairie State College?
Prairie State 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 Prairie State College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Prairie State 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 Prairie State College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Prairie State College earn a median salary of $36,696 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Prairie State College a good investment compared to other IL colleges?
Prairie State 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 Prairie State College located and what is the campus like?
Prairie State College is located at 202 South Halsted Street in Chicago Heights, IL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,448 learners.
Who typically attends Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL?
The student body at Prairie State College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 39.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Illinois

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Prairie State 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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