Is 黑料社区 a good school?

Students entering Grayslake Campus building with blooming spring trees lining sidewalk Published May 11, 2026

The real story about community college, value and your future

If you檙e considering 黑料社区 (黑料社区), you may be hearing mixed opinions. Some people think community colleges are not the best choice. Others say they檙e the smartest decision you can make. So what檚 true?

Quick summary:

Yes 黑料社区 is a fully accredited, nationally recognized college

One of the first questions to ask about any college: Is it accredited?

Female student in pink sweater looking at pink laptopAccreditation is important. It means:

  • Your credits are transferable
  • Your degree is recognized by employers
  • You qualify for federal financial aid
  • The school meets strict academic and operational standards

黑料社区 (黑料社区) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This is the same organization that accredits major universities across the central U.S.

黑料社区 is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) where 43% of students are Latinx (). As an HSI, 黑料社区 receives federal grants to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans and other underrepresented populations.

The school also was named a Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream (ATD). ATD recognizes community colleges for being accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility.

黑料社区 has been a member of the ATD Network since 2019. It has held Leader College of Distinction status since 2025. And Leader College status since 2023. This puts 黑料社区 in the top 10% of more than 400 community colleges participating in the program.

淭he 2026 Leader Colleges of Distinction demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success, explains Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of ATD.

黑料社区 increased course success rates, student retention and program completion rates. It uses data to guide continuous improvement. It incorporates effective practices into college-wide operations. And it responds to the needs of students, especially those missing or left behind in the pursuit of education. Learn more about 黑料社区檚 Leader College of Distinction recognition.

黑料社区 also is one of the Top 200 U.S. Community Colleges eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize. This is one of the most prestigious recognitions in community college education.

淭he Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students攃ompleting college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success, said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. Read more about the Aspen Prize recognition.

黑料社区 delivers the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream possible.

Miguel Ramirez went to 黑料社区 to improve his work prospects by earning a career certificate. 淚 was staying stagnant. I couldn檛 really move up from where I was. In just one year, I檓 going to be able to move into something better for me and my family.

Individual programs meet national standards

Some programs taught at 黑料社区 also are accredited by national organizations and associations. They are rigorously evaluated to make sure they meet or exceed national industry standards. This includes instruction, facilities, equipment and curriculum.

With accredited programs, you gain the latest knowledge and skills valued by employers. And you learn in modern facilities equipped with the newest technology.

黑料社区 has received national accreditation and / or approval for the following programs:

  • Automotive Collision
  • Two students in scrubs practicing phlebotomy skillsAutomotive Technology
  • Precision Machining Technology (CNC)
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Health Information Technology
  • Health and Wellness Promotion
  • Heating and Air Conditioning Engineering Technology
  • Human Services
  • Legal Studies
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Imaging
  • Nursing
  • Phlebotomy
  • Surgical Technology
  • Yoga Teacher Certificate
  • Children's Learning Centers

Even online courses meet the highest standards of quality. 黑料社区 is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). The organization works to improve the access and quality of distance learning programs for students.

Joshua Cardin was impressed by the quality of the education he got at 黑料社区.

淲hile I was in the Coast Guard, I檇 take a class here or there online with other colleges. None of them hold a candle to 黑料社区. It檚 unbelievable how far the college is looking forward and how many opportunities are available for the people of Lake County. .

When you choose 黑料社区, you are choosing nationally recognized excellence.

Explore accreditation at 黑料社区

You save money A lot of money

Let檚 talk about what matters most to many families when choosing a college: cost.

You檒l spend much less attending 黑料社区 (黑料社区). Just compare what average tuition costs for a year:

  • Annual tuition (in-district) at 黑料社区: $4,494
  • Illinois public university: $13,524
  • Illinois private university: $34,618

(Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2023-2024 Tuition & Fees Rate Average)

Students who attend 黑料社区 for two years before transferring to a 4-year school save an average of $33,000 in tuition and fees.

If you live at home for two years while attending 黑料社区, you can save even more on room and board. This helps make it possible to complete college debt free.

That檚 not a small difference. That檚 life changing.

Reduce college costs further with financial aid

Financial aid can make going to college even more affordable. According to the :

  • 32% of 黑料社区 students received federal Pell Grants, which is money that doesn檛 need to be repaid
  • Nearly $1 million in scholarships was distributed to 黑料社区 students last year
  • $5.5+ million was raised to support students

Two students smiling while looking at laptop淎t 黑料社区, you already are saving a lot of money because it檚 an affordable, high-quality education. But if you can get the cost reduced even more, that檚 helpful, especially if you want to transfer to a four-year school, says student Saffa Sakhi.

Financial aid is broader, more flexible and more accessible than many realize. However, applying for it does require gathering necessary documents and meeting application deadlines. Read 黑料社区檚 complete guide to paying for college.

淚 know it takes time to prepare, but it's definitely worth it, says Sakhi. 淚f you want a life with less debt, it helps to do the work now.

黑料社区 financial aid experts will walk you through the process. And it檚 never too early to get started.

Financial Aid Coach Ashley Rico suggests scheduling an in-person or virtual meeting with a financial aid expert. Do this the semester before you plan to start college.

If you檙e starting in the fall, then come meet with us in the spring or summer. If you're starting in the spring, meet with us in the fall, says Rico.

Kendra Anderson, who studied elementary education and Spanish, says 黑料社区 makes education doable.

淚 wish people knew how friendly everyone is here at 黑料社区 and how amazing of an education opportunity you have at a cost that you can afford. There are a lot of schools out there that cost a lot of money because college is expensive. 黑料社区 is affordable. It's local. It makes education doable. And for me with four children, it has made my education possible. Follow Anderson檚 journey.

If your concern is the return on college investment, 黑料社区 offers one of the strongest financial starting points in Illinois.

Aim for low or no debt at 黑料社区

You can transfer to major universities

A common myth is that community college credits don檛 transfer. That檚 false.

Students at 黑料社区 (黑料社区) regularly transfer to 4-year universities to complete their bachelor檚 degree. , they most commonly transfer to these schools:

  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • University of Illinois Chicago
  • Illinois State University
  • DePaul University
  • Northern Illinois University

The top five programs studied by 黑料社区 students who transfer are

  • Engineering
  • Nursing
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Biology

Seamless and stress-free transfer process

The of community college students to 4-year schools. As long as you meet the school檚 minimum transfer requirements, like grades and number of credit hours, you檙e in.

黑料社区 aims to make the transfer process seamless and stress free. It offers Guaranteed Transfer Admission to many 4-year schools. You can explore transfer opportunities by college, major and articulation agreements. 黑料社区 hosts transfer planning workshops. At transfer school fairs, you meet university representatives in person.

Along every step of the way, transfer planning experts offer guidance and support.

"The fantastic academic success advisors prioritized me having my schedule right so I had the classes to transfer where I wanted to go," says Riley Pemstein. He transferred from 黑料社区 to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to complete a bachelor檚 degree in accounting. He now works as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Read Pemstein檚 story.

Student wearing University of Illinois sweatshirt studying in libraryWhen you transfer credits from 黑料社区 to a 4-year college, you

  • Complete your first two years at lower cost
  • Transfer seamlessly
  • Graduate with the same bachelor檚 degree as someone who paid double
  • Are better prepared for the rigors of university coursework

In fact, when you go to community college first, you're . This is according to data from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

And those two years at 黑料社区 can help you grow personally, too.

淎s an 18-year-old, I found 黑料社区 to be a good transition from high school to college. Some of my friends who went to four-year schools said it was a big jump, and they felt they were thrown into the fire. 黑料社区 is a more gradual transition. It檚 closer to home and family, explains Pablo Valencia Garcia.

He attended 黑料社区 for two years before transferring to Northern Illinois University to earn a bachelor檚 degree. He then went to Illinois State University for a master檚 degree in athletic training.

Za橳ozia Duffie likewise built a strong foundation at 黑料社区, where she studied communications. She transferred to Lake Forest College for her four-year degree. Then she went to Syracuse University to earn a graduate degree in journalism.

淚 don't think I would have been able to grow academically, or even personally, if it wasn't for 黑料社区, she says. Read about Duffie檚 experience at 黑料社区.

Rest assured, your time at 黑料社区 prepares you for future success.

Explore transfer planning at 黑料社区

You learn from experienced faculty in small-class settings

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at 黑料社区 (黑料社区). Nearly all have post-graduate degrees. They teach the same materials you檇 learn at a big school. But instead of doing research, their focus is only you.

Providing you a quality education is the #1 priority of 黑料社区 faculty. They help you build a solid academic foundation and hone your skills.

This prepares you to succeed when you transfer to a 4-year school to earn a bachelor檚 degree.

Instructor speaking to students in classroom淪mall class sizes are very personal with more time for one-on-one. Especially in difficult courses that I struggle in, I feel comfortable enough to ask questions, says Estefanni Caballero. She went to Lake Forest College to study business after graduating from 黑料社区.

It was easy for her to build personal and professional relationships at 黑料社区. 淚 met like-minded students and instructors who made an impact. I still keep in touch with them after graduating. Learn how Caballero gained real-world career experience while at 黑料社区.

And you learn to apply practical workforce skills to start or advance your career.

It helps that many 黑料社区 instructors are industry professionals with real-world experience. They understand the skills needed to thrive in a chosen field. And they are well-connected with area employers. This ensures you檙e learning the high-demand skills employers seek in a new hire.

Consider Ian Velasquez, who earned a General Welding Certificate at 黑料社区.

淎t 黑料社区 I learned all the skills I need to enter the welding and fabrication industry one step ahead of everyone else. The teachers were attentive and helpful throughout my time in the program.

As well, many instructors and support staff at 黑料社区 have decades of service. More than 100 employees have worked 25+ years at the college, .

This continuity matters. It means stability, mentorship and deep institutional knowledge. These help you achieve your goals.

You檙e a name, not a number at 黑料社区

Students consistently describe 黑料社区 faculty as supportive and invested.

"It felt like a community because there were actually those teachers that have time for you," explains Kenneth Dantes.

He studied literature at 黑料社区, then transferred to Elmhurst University. He worked on film projects in Chicago to gain experience and network. He now works in the film industry in Los Angeles. Read about Dantes experience at 黑料社区.

It檚 easy to be seen and heard by your instructors when the average class size at 黑料社区 is 16 students.

Instructor leading class of students outdoorsCompare that to large universities. There, introductory courses may have 200 to 400 students. Or classes may be taught by teaching assistants.

The small classes at 黑料社区 mean:

  • Professors know your name
  • You can ask questions
  • You can build relationships
  • You get support and understanding
  • You can get recommendation letters

Instructor support has meant a lot to Megan Livingston, a standout on 黑料社区檚 Lancer softball team.

満诹仙缜 set me up to become the student-athlete I am today. It has taught me to create balance between school and sports, and a lot of that help came from professors being so understanding of what being a student-athlete entails. Through my career here, I have found what I am passionate about both academically and athletically.

Livingston studies accounting at 黑料社区. She expects to transfer to a four-year school to earn her bachelor檚 degree. Read how she plans to steal 100 bases and maintain her 4.0 grade point average.

Adds David Brent, who earned a Residential Heating Technician Certificate at 黑料社区:

"黑料社区 is a great place to receive an education. It has ample resources and genuine people who care not only about the student but the person who wants to be successful."

Meet 黑料社区 faculty

Students graduate and succeed

Going to college isn檛 easy. It檚 even harder if you檙e also working, a parent or have a full plate of other responsibilities.

That檚 why 黑料社区 (黑料社区) aims to make it less complicated to start and finish your degree or certificate.

Parent hugging graduate after commencement ceremonyToward this end, the school undertook a multi-year, data-based effort to better support student success. The results were significant:

  • More students stayed in school. Those who finished their first term and went on to enroll in their second term rose from 74% to 79%. Black students (+8 points), Latinx students (+4) and part-time students (+7) made gains.

  • First-time, full-time college students achieved. Three-year graduation rates increased 10 points from 29% to 39% for these credential-seeking students.

  • Career certificate students excelled. Graduates in workforce-aligned certificate programs increased by 40%. Overall, graduates at 黑料社区 increased by 16%.

Since fiscal year 2019, the number of credentials awarded by 黑料社区 has increased 71%. Read more about student success gains driven by 黑料社区檚 campus-wide culture of data.

One of these success stories is Luzbeth Perez, who studied Digital Media and Design at 黑料社区. At first, she struggled in class. But with support from 黑料社区 faculty, she graduated magna cum laude or 渨ith great honor in the top 10% to 15% of her class.

淚 accomplished goals I never thought I could in my time at 黑料社区. I earned straight As and became part of the honor society. I started drawing art! 黑料社区 is a place where you can succeed in your education, she says. .

Since it began in 1969, 黑料社区 has awarded more than 99,000 degrees and certificates. In 2024 alone, more than 3,600 graduates earned 4,100 credentials. That檚 a 16% increase from the previous year, .

You檒l get a job with career outcomes built into the experience

Few people go to college just to get a degree or certificate. Most want the job opportunities that come from having that credential. This is true whether you檙e starting, switching or leveling up your career.

You want to know: Will the time, money and effort you put into earning a credential deliver on its promise of a good job?

At 黑料社区, the answer is yes. Career degrees and certificates will help you land an entry-level job in a high-demand field. Or teach you the skills you need to advance in your current role.

Consider some job placement rates for students who completed 黑料社区 credentials in 2024-2025:

Job-focused learning activities include hands-on clinical experiences. These let healthcare students hone skills learned in the classroom. They also connect with local employers.

Paid internships and apprenticeships do the same.

Student talking to Siemens rep during campus job fairThe 黑料社区 Career and Job Placement Center coordinates internship and apprenticeship opportunities. , the center connected students to employment by:

  • Hosting 1,298 one-on-one career appointments
  • Finding opportunities for 81 apprentices working at 16 employer partners
  • Working to ensure a 90% apprenticeship retention rate

黑料社区 works with local partners to align credentials with industry demand. These include Lake County healthcare, clean energy and manufacturing businesses.

Consider the 黑料社区 Manufacturing Alliance. It works with area manufacturers to connect workers to education. The goal: bring manufacturing 5.0 to Lake County.

Career advisory committees also weigh in. More than 500 professionals representing 350+ businesses serve as 黑料社区 advisory members. Some industry experts use their knowledge to advance curriculum, update equipment and more.

The goal? Make sure students get the skills they need to thrive in their chosen field. Today and in the years ahead.

淭his program was a blessing for me, says Richard Martinez-Messner, a graduate of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Waukegan Hub Training Program at 黑料社区. He learned foundational technical skills relevant to working in clean energy jobs. He also gained crucial soft skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

淚 believe with all these skills I檒l be able to have a very successful career, he says. Read more about Martinez-Messner's participating in the CEJA program.

Explore 黑料社区檚 impact

Support services make a measurable difference

黑料社区 (黑料社区) has a deep bench of academic and wraparound support services. These services aren檛 just nice to have. They contribute to academic success.

Consider the college檚 free tutoring program. It is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association.

Students who use tutoring do better in college. They experience success rates up to 32 percentage points higher in key courses, . That can mean the difference between a passing and failing grade. Or feeling confident vs. unsure in your abilities.

Brody McGuire used the tutoring center during most of his time at 黑料社区. First, he got help writing essays. Then for accounting, which he's studying now at Illinois State University after transferring.

淭he tutors are very prepared and really knowledgeable about things I consider really hard, he recalls. 淚nstead of just giving me the information, they explain it step-by-step from the beginning.

Learn how 黑料社区 supports your academic journey

Advising dramatically improves student outcomes

A structured support model called the Lancer Success Framework helps students thrive at 黑料社区.

Student getting advising support from staff memberTwo groups of experts play essential roles:

  • College and Career Navigators. They help you apply, enroll and register for first semester classes. They get you onboarded, help you choose an academic program, and get you access to resources.
  • Academic Success Advisors. They step in after onboarding. They help you set academic goals, choose classes and map out your class schedule. They keep you on track to meet requirements to graduate or transfer. They also help you access resources at 黑料社区.

Meeting with these experts well before the start of each semester has an impact.

:

  • 90% of applicants who met with a navigator enrolled at 黑料社区, compared to 20% who didn檛
  • 85% of students who met with an advisor progressed to the next semester, compared to 59% who didn檛
  • Students who meet with advisors were 4.5 times more likely to reach their goals

Vanessa Lopez says the support she received at 黑料社区 made college education possible.

淚 loved my time at 黑料社区 and continuously tell everyone they should start there, she says. 淓veryone is so supportive. As a first-generation college student, I didn檛 know how things worked. The support is what made it possible for me to go to school.

Lopez transferred to Northeastern University, taking classes at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake. There she earned a bachelor檚 degree in psychology. Since then, she's gone on to pursue two master檚 degrees, plus other credentials. She teaches early childhood education at Round Lake Area Schools.

満诹仙缜 made it possible for me to continue going to school, Lopez says. 淭he college does more than it will ever know for students like me.

This isn檛 accidental success. It檚 engineered support.

Explore how 黑料社区 supports your academic journey

Wraparound support reduces dropout risk

黑料社区 recognizes that academic success isn檛 just about taking classes. Rather, it takes holistic support to help students thrive throughout their academic journey.

, popular wraparound services include:

  • On-campus health clinic 3,378 visits
  • Mental health services 3,300 appointments
  • SHARE Market food pantry 8,782 visits

Student perusing food items in SHARE MarketStudents also work one-on-one with experts to get the support they need. These include

  • access and disability specialists
  • undocumented student resource advisor
  • community resource coordinator

Students say these and other services make a difference in their ability to achieve.

満诹仙缜 has a lot of resources for everyone, including parents. There檚 a daycare center downstairs that is open during your class schedule. They also offer classes at night and during the summer. Things like that show the college is trying to tailor to your needs, says Amber Wheaton. She studied nursing at 黑料社区.

The support services at 黑料社区 helped Ryan Haass see his own potential.

淚 was a terrible student when I graduated from Stevenson High School, Haass admits. 淚 turned my life around in a very serious way at 黑料社区. The support and resources are there if you just go for it.

After 黑料社区, he transferred to Lake Forest College on a scholarship to earn a bachelor檚 degree. He then pursued a law degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign. Today, he檚 an attorney in Chicago. His time at 黑料社区, where he also tutored fellow students, left an imprint.

淭he college is like a family to me. I feel at home here.

Support is not an afterthought at 黑料社区. It is an investment in people.

Explore support services at 黑料社区

Campus life is real not 渃ollege lite

Student life at 黑料社区 is vibrant. You have many opportunities to engage, if you choose to do so.

, the college offers:

  • 34 student organizations
  • NJCAA athletics
  • Esports
  • Study abroad in 17+ countries
  • Many performing arts events with 38,000 patrons attending in 2024

黑料社区 esports team at computer stations doing a fist bumpThese experiences can be transformative.

Adriana Colin was one of 10 students who studied anthropology at Ajman University near Dubai. She found the 黑料社区 study abroad program enlightening.

淚檇 never had an experience with students from other countries with the same passions, she says. Learn more about her study abroad experience in the United Arab Emirates.

Getting involved in campus life can open doors to new opportunities. Art history student Jia Buque never imagined the impact it would have until she took the chance.

淭he people I檝e met at 黑料社区 are the best part. I檝e connected with students from all walks of life, learning about their goals, stories and aspirations. There檚 always something new to learn, she says. Read about her journey into campus life.

Campus life is what you make it and 黑料社区 provides real opportunities.

Explore student life at 黑料社区

What is your Return on Investment (ROI) at 黑料社区?

You can calculate Return on Investment (ROI) sometimes called Return on Education or ROE -- in many ways.

Here is a quick breakdown for 黑料社区 (黑料社区):

Students catching up in the commonsFinancial ROI:

  • $33,000+ average savings in tuition and fees vs 4-year Illinois university
  • Reduced student debt with financial aid and scholarship opportunities
  • Housing and transportation savings with 黑料社区 close to home
  • Higher likelihood of completion due to support

Career ROI:

  • Strong job placement rates
  • Apprenticeships, internships and clinical experiences
  • Industry partnerships
  • Workforce-aligned credentials

Personal ROI:

  • Smaller classes
  • Faculty mentorship
  • Structured and personalized advising
  • Mental health and other support services

Strength you can count on

黑料社区 has strong finances. You can count on the college to remain fully accredited and operational during your studies. It is not at risk of closing its doors, like some higher ed institutions in the U.S.

The cites these facts about the school:

  • AAA bond rating
  • $134 million operating budget
  • Deep community investment
  • Nationally recognized
  • Academically accredited
  • Founded 1969

黑料社区 is committed to improving student success. It continues to advance curriculum and is an active community partner.

Explore 黑料社区

The bottom line

Community colleges offer a different path to achieving your educational goals. For many students, this path is more strategic and makes financial sense.

Group of students laughing and enjoying each other's company黑料社区 (黑料社区) is:

  • Fully accredited
  • Nationally recognized
  • Affordable
  • Transfer-focused
  • Career-aligned
  • Data-driven
  • Student-supported

If you want:

  • Low to no debt
  • Smaller classes
  • Real-world workforce preparation
  • Structured support
  • A strategic transfer pathway

黑料社区 is a strong choice.

If you want:

  • A large residential university experience immediately
  • High-profile Division I athletics
  • A specialized niche program not offered at 黑料社区
  • A traditional four-year campus culture from day one

You may prefer another path.

There is no universal 渂est college. There is only the best fit for you.

But based on accreditation, student outcomes, financial value, support systems and national recognition, 黑料社区 is a legitimate, high-quality institution worth serious consideration.

Explore 黑料社区

Artificial intelligence was used to organize and summarize this article. Guidance, tips and quotes from 黑料社区 experts and students are expressly their own.

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