Oakton College

Oakton College offers affordable education near Chicago, with in-state tuition around $10,446 and out-of-state tuition at $12,462. A significant 98% of students receive financial aid, with an average total aid award of $3,221. The college's low net price of $8,161 per year makes it an attractive option for students looking to save money while receiving a quality education.

Oakton College has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The college focuses on providing equitable learning opportunities to its diverse student population. While the admissions process is not highly selective, Oakton aims to support students in defining their path to success and provides resources to ensure they reach their goals.

Oakton College fosters a supportive academic environment with caring faculty and extensive resources like tutoring and advising. Students appreciate the effort professors put into teaching, with 89% agreeing that professors are invested in their classes. The college also offers flexible scheduling options, including in-person, online, and asynchronous courses, accommodating diverse student needs and lifestyles.

Oakton College prepares students for career success with programs designed to transition into the workforce or pursue advanced degrees. The Surgical Technology A.A.S. degree, for example, trains students for an in-demand occupation with a median annual salary of over $80,000 in Illinois. Additionally, 90% of Oakton graduates are employed one year after graduation, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in preparing students for the job market.

Oakton College offers a welcoming and diverse campus community where students feel comfortable regardless of their background. The college hosts various cultural clubs and fairs that celebrate diversity, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. While some students desire more frequent and better-promoted campus activities, the college provides opportunities for students to build friendships and feel at home during their studies.

Oakton College prioritizes campus safety with 24-hour security patrol, campus emergency phones, and escort safety rides. The college also offers a mobile campus emergency alert system to keep students informed. With a safety grade of A, Oakton provides a secure environment for students to focus on their studies.

Oakton College's Honors Program offers motivated students opportunities for leadership, scholarship, and service. Students can take Honors sections of regular classes or participate in interdisciplinary learning communities. Completing the Honors Scholar Designation requires 18 credits of Honors classes and provides students with a distinctive academic experience.

Oakton College serves a diverse student body, including students from 55 nations. The college was recognized as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institution (AANAPISI) by the U.S. Department of Education in 2020. Oakton provides ESL programs and other resources to support international students in their academic journey.