Highland Community College ranks seventh in the top 20 best colleges in Illinois, according to a study recently published by WalletHub, a personal finance website that produces various research reports and surveys for consumers.
The report, entitled “2019’s Best & Worst Community Colleges” used three key criteria to evaluate the colleges, including cost and financing, education outcomes, and career outcomes.
The research cites 14 indicators of affordability and quality that include the cost of the in-state tuition and fees, student-faculty ratio, graduation rate, and return on educational investment.
“I applaud the high quality of work that our faculty and staff do to keep Highland well ahead of the curve,” said Tim Hood, Highland Community College President. “This recognition is due to sustaining and balancing quality with fiscal responsibility.”
Rated number one for the state of Illinois was Rend Lake College. Highland’s seventh ranking was above Sauk Valley Community College (9th); Rock Valley College (14th) and Kishwaukee College (17th). There are 48 public community colleges in Illinois. Of the 715 community colleges looked at for the study, Highland’s overall ranking was 343 nationally.
“What a win for our community,” said Hood. “Recognitions like these support the greater northwest Illinois area mission to promote learning and offer excellent choices. Students from all backgrounds, at any age, have the opportunity to continue learning through any stage of life through community colleges. I couldn’t be prouder,” he said.
Based on its research, WalletHub website states, community colleges offer a perfect solution — and a better alternative to forgoing higher education. During the 2017 to 2018 academic year, tuition and fees for full-time, in-state enrollment at a public two-year college averaged $3,570 per year versus $9,970 at a public four-year institution and $34,740 at a four-year private school. Students who earn their general-education credits at a community college before transferring to an in-state public four-year university can potentially save a lot of money.
For more information about Highland Community College, visit highland.edu.