Elgin Community College

Fast Facts

  • School Size

    Medium

  • Cost of Attendance

    $5,000—$10,000 Year

  • Affiliation

    Public

  • Type of School

    2yr/Community College

  • Student Body Gender

    Co-ed

  • Religious Affiliation

    No Affiliation

  • Scholarships for International Students

    Yes

  • Conditional Admission Available

    No

  • Top Programs

    Business, Computer Science, Engineering

  • Setting

    Suburban

  • Accreditation and Certification

    HLC

  • Type of Housing

    Homestay, Apartment

  • Social Media

Study at one of the top community colleges in the USA! Founded in 1949, Elgin Community College is a nationally recognized public institution offering over 130 degree programs in a community where lifelong friendships are made and faculty are dedicated to your success. Our 11,000 students and more than 66,000 alumni represent a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, career interests, and goals. Earn your associate degree in as little as two years and transfer seamlessly to a top four-year university or enroll in our award-winning Intensive English Program to improve your English. At ECC, you’ll fit right in!


Strong Academics and Extensive Transfer University Opportunities

Experience an academic journey that is engaging and benefit from small class sizes where your instructors are invested in both your academic achievements and your success. ECC offers the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree and intending to transfer to a four-year university. We provide university transfer pathways to top institutions, including a Guaranteed Transfer Admission program to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering for eligible students. Through Elgin Community College’s 2+2 University Transfer program, our students have successfully transitioned to renowned universities such as the University of Illinois-Chicago, Arizona State University, DePaul University, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Purdue University, and beyond!

For students interested in pursuing career technical programs, we offer the Associate in Applied Science to build the skills for a successful career.

For a complete listing of degree programs, please visit elgin.edu/international. 

Affordable Tuition, Great Value

Start your educational journey at ECC and save more! Elgin Community College provides tuition at a fraction of the cost compared to universities, allowing you to save thousands while still receiving a high-quality education in the U.S.

Tuition

US$9,655

Living Expenses

US$11,250

Books/Supplies & Health Insurance    

US$2,395

TOTAL

US$23,300

The above expenses are a minimum estimate for one academic year (Fall and Spring semesters only). Scholarships are available, but they are limited and competitive. The average scholarship award is about $950/year. 

Vibrant Student Life

ECC extends a warm welcome to all students, providing a space where everyone can find a sense of belonging. Engage with the campus community by participating in activities that hold personal significance for you. We offer:

  • 20+ student-led clubs and organizations, including the Black Student Achievers, Engineering Tech Club, Gamers United, Organization of Latin American Students, Student Government, and United Students of All Cultures.

  • Events for volunteering, community service, and civic engagement.

  • Cultural events and heritage months.

  • Division II athletic teams and scholarships.

Location and Housing

Located just 60 kilometers from Chicago, Illinois, the third largest city in the USA, the Chicago metropolitan region is a social, economic, financial, and educational hub and offers world-renowned opportunities and attractions for international students. Chicago has 41 km of lakefront with 25 beaches and over 320 km of bike lanes. The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation.

ECC is set in Elgin, a popular, safe, and growing suburb of Chicago with easy access to downtown via rail, car, or public transport. Elgin is a diverse and safe community along the beautiful Fox River with plenty of shopping, community activities, and things to do!

ECC's International Student Homestay Program offers a distinctive chance for full-time international students holding an F-1 visa to live in an American home as an integral part of the family. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in American life and customs, enhance your English skills, and actively participate in community activities. Additionally, there are apartments available for rent near the campus.

Apply to ECC

Applications can be submitted online at elgin.edu/international. Click on the 'Visit School Website' button below. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. No IELTS or TOEFL is needed to apply.

Contact Us

Elgin Community College
Center for Global Engagement
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL 60123 USA
+1-847-214-7809
international@elgin.edu
www.elgin.edu/international

Elgin Community College


Center for Global Engagement
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin IL 60123
P: 847-214-7809
For more information: Elgin Community College