Established in 1949, Elgin Community College (ECC) is a nonprofit organization committed to meeting its students’ educational needs by offering them a variety of programs designed to hone their knowledge and skills and provide them with meaningful learning experiences. The college utilizes research-based methods to strengthen its curriculum and deliver high-quality learning-centred instruction and services.

At ECC, students will join a welcoming community of competent and skilled faculty and staff who care about their success. Their over 10,000 students and more than 40,000 alumni represent a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, career interests, and goals—while sharing a strong sense of community and a commitment to success. 

The college also provides state-of-the-art facilities for students to incorporate their activities into meaningful learning. It has a complex of ultra-modern buildings that feature state-of-the-art equipment, classrooms, and labs to aid students in gaining knowledge and skills. Its students’ organizations and community services help students broaden their college life by meeting new people, enhancing leadership skills, engaging in volunteer opportunities, honing their talents and building their resumes.

The campus is nestled in a 217-acre area graced by thirteen buildings. Conveniently located halfway between Chicago and Rockford, it is easily accessible from several major highways. In its park-like campus setting, students will enjoy peaceful vistas and state-of-the-art educational facilities.

At a glance

• Top 150 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence 2023
• #47 of 131 Best Colleges for Culinary Arts on America, Niche.com 2022
• #63 of 356 Best Hispanic-Serving Institutions in America, Niche.com 2022
• #67 of 845 Best Community Colleges in America, Niche.com 2022
• #194 out of 1,539 Best Associate Degree Schools, College Factual 2022
• # 11 among Best Precision Production Schools, College Factual 2022
• #69 out of 2,540 Best Value, College Factual 2022
• # 4 in Highest Paid Precision Production Graduates, College Factual 2022
• #43 in Highest Paid Business, Management and Marketing Graduates, College Factual 2022
• #4 of 48 Best Community Colleges in Illinois, Niche.com 2022
• #2 of 20 Best Community Colleges in Chicago Area, Niche.com 2022
• 15 Average class size
• 86.55% Job Placement Rate, National Student Clearinghouse.