
The College of DuPage acceptance rate is 100%, embodying its open admission policy that makes higher education accessible to almost everyone with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Unlike selective four-year universities where acceptance rates for College of DuPage peers might hover below 50%, this community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, prioritizes opportunity over competition. For novices, an acceptance rate measures the percentage of applicants admitted; at College of DuPage (COD), it means virtually all qualified applicants enroll, eliminating the stress of rejection letters. This approach suits students seeking affordable starts, transfers to top schools like University of Illinois, or direct workforce entry.
Enrollment College of DuPage enrollment trends show resilience amid national community college shifts. Peak enrollment hit 28,849 in fall 2012, dipping to 20,589 by fall 2022 due to demographic changes and economic factors, per IPEDS data. 📊 Yet, COD maintains over 20,000 students annually, with recent upticks in dual enrollment from high schools. These College of DuPage admission statistics signal steady demand, especially in high-demand programs like nursing and IT, which may have waitlists despite overall openness. College of DuPage selectivity is low globally, ideal for international students via F-1 visas needing I-20 forms post-admission.
Boost your College of DuPage admission odds with these beginner tips. First, submit the free online application anytime—rolling admissions mean no strict College of DuPage application deadlines, though fall starts fill fast (apply by August for September). Next, complete the ALEKS placement test for math/English (free, online prep available); it determines course levels without SAT/ACT. Explore College of DuPage financial aid via FAFSA early—45% of students receive grants averaging $5,200, slashing net costs below $5,000/year for in-district residents. For competitive spots like honors or athletics, highlight GPA, extracurriculars, or contact coaches early; while no legacies or donations sway general admission, athletic recruitment boosts scholarships (e.g., 200+ spots in 15 sports). Diversity thrives here—37% Hispanic, 14% Black, 6% Asian—via TRIO programs supporting first-gen students.
Parents and students, gauge faculty quality via Rate My Professor for College of DuPage insights before enrolling. Compare with peers like Harper College (100% rate) or College of Lake County. Visit the official College of DuPage admissions page for forms. For global applicants, note English proficiency options like TOEFL waivers for strong placements.
Ready for your academic journey? Explore higher-ed-jobs, community-college-jobs, or academic jobs in Glen Ellyn. Check Rate My Professor for COD, scholarships, and higher-ed-career-advice to plan ahead. AcademicJobs.com connects you to opportunities in Illinois higher ed.
The College of DuPage acceptance rate stands at 100%, reflecting its open admissions policy as a public community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. This means virtually all applicants who meet basic eligibility—like having a high school diploma, GED (General Educational Development), or equivalent—are admitted without a competitive selection process. Unlike selective four-year universities, College of DuPage prioritizes accessibility, calculating its rate as total applicants divided by those admitted, which consistently hits 100% per data from the official site and sources like Niche and College Board.
This high acceptance rates for College of DuPage underscores its mission to provide affordable education to diverse students, including first-generation learners and working adults. Historical trends over the past decade show steady enrollment around 20,000-25,000 students annually, with no significant fluctuations in admissions due to the open model—no waitlists or rejections based on GPA or test scores. For context, peers like College of Lake County (100%) and Harper College (100%) follow similar non-selective approaches in Illinois.
The importance of this rate lies in democratizing higher education; it removes barriers, allowing focus on readiness via placement tests for math and English. Implications include high starting success for motivated students, though retention depends on support services. Unique aspects include transfer pathways to universities like University of Illinois via articulation agreements, boosting College of DuPage admission statistics.
Actionable insights: Submit applications anytime via rolling admissions—no strict deadlines, but fall semester priority by August 1 and spring by December 15 for upcoming cycles. Prepare transcripts early and explore financial aid through FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). To gauge fit, review Rate My Professor for College of DuPage faculty insights. For College of DuPage selectivity, note it's low, with odds near 100% absent disqualifiers like incomplete apps. International students follow similar open access with TOEFL/IELTS options.
Compare via College of DuPage Admissions or Niche profile. Explore jobs in the area at Academic Jobs in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, or US pages, and higher ed jobs for career paths post-graduation.
Understanding historical trends in College of DuPage acceptance rate helps students and parents gauge stability and plan applications effectively. As a community college, College of DuPage (COD) follows an open admissions policy, meaning it admits nearly all applicants who meet basic requirements like a high school diploma or GED equivalent, without holistic review. This results in a consistent acceptance rates for College of DuPage at or near 100% over the past decade, unlike selective four-year universities.
Acceptance rate, a key indicator in College of DuPage admission statistics, is calculated as (number of admitted students / total applicants) × 100. For novices, this metric shows accessibility: a 100% rate signals open doors for local residents, transfers, and international students seeking affordable entry into higher education. Trends reflect COD's mission to serve the community, with no major fluctuations despite enrollment dips during COVID-19 (e.g., full-time enrollment fell from 7,500 in 2019 to 6,200 in 2021 before rebounding).
| Year | Applications | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ~12,000 | 12,000 | 100% | Stable open policy |
| 2016 | ~11,500 | 11,500 | 100% | Growing enrollment |
| 2018 | ~13,200 | 13,200 | 100% | Peak applications |
| 2020 | ~10,800 | 10,800 | 100% | COVID impact on apps |
| 2022 | ~11,000 | 11,000 | 100% | Recovery trend |
| 2023 | 10,001 | 10,001 | 100% | Per Niche data |
| 2024 (proj.) | ~10,500 | 10,500 | 100% | Consistent access |
Reasons for this stability include COD's non-selective model, prioritizing placement tests (e.g., English/math assessments) over GPAs or essays for course placement rather than admission. Implications? Predictable entry boosts College of DuPage enrollment trends, ideal for undecided students building credits before transferring to universities like University of Illinois. Applicants can use these trends to set realistic expectations—no need for hooks like athletics or donations, as odds are near-certain post-requirements.
For example, a student with a 2.5 GPA denied elsewhere might thrive at COD, then transfer with 3.5+ via honors programs. Check Rate My Professor for College of DuPage to select supportive faculty. Explore academic jobs in Glen Ellyn or higher ed jobs for family career insights. Visit the official College of DuPage admissions page for latest details, and scholarships to offset costs.
Understanding the College of DuPage acceptance rate starts with recognizing its open enrollment model, which delivers acceptance rates for College of DuPage near 100% for general admission. This community college policy means most applicants are automatically accepted upon meeting basic eligibility, unlike selective four-year universities. Open enrollment (a system where high school graduates or GED holders can enroll without holistic review) democratizes access, aligning with College of DuPage admission statistics showing high accessibility for diverse students, including first-generation and international applicants.
Key factors include completing the free online application at COD's site, submitting official high school or GED transcripts, and taking placement tests like ACCUPLACER for math, English, and reading unless exempted by prior college credits, ACT/SAT scores (minimum ACT English 21 or Math 19), or high school GPA above 3.0. Averages aren't competitive since there's no minimum GPA for general entry, but examples show 80% of enrollees place into college-level courses via strong test prep. For selective programs like Nursing (ADN), Radiography, or Dental Hygiene, admission hinges on a points-based system evaluating cumulative GPA (average accepted 3.2-3.5), prerequisite grades (e.g., Biology B or higher), healthcare experience, and interviews—only 40-60 spots per cycle from 300+ applicants.
Admissions culture at College of DuPage emphasizes inclusivity and equity, prioritizing local residents (in-district tuition $137/credit vs. out-of-district $396) while welcoming global students via F-1 visas with TOEFL/IELTS proof. No legacies, large donations, or nepotism influence general odds, though athletic recruitment boosts spots for sports like basketball or soccer (about 5% of freshmen via NJCAA scholarships). College of DuPage Admissions details this transparently.
Boost odds by exploring Rate My Professor for College of DuPage to pick supportive faculty, or connect via clubs for networking. Parents, note financial aid via FAFSA unlocks aid for 70% of students. Compare peers like College of Lake County (similar open model). For jobs post-enrollment, browse higher ed jobs or Academic Jobs in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Ethical hooks? Dual enrollment in high school or honors program entry (GPA 3.5+). This setup ensures high College of DuPage admission odds for prepared applicants.
Comparing College of DuPage (COD) with peer institutions—other public community colleges in Illinois like Harper College, College of Lake County, Elgin Community College, and McHenry County College—helps students and parents evaluate options based on accessibility, affordability, and student outcomes. These peers were selected for their similar open-admission policies, regional proximity, and focus on associate degrees and transfers to four-year universities. Since acceptance rates for College of DuPage and peers are all effectively 100% due to open enrollment (anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent qualifies), benchmarking other key stats reveals insights into size, costs, and success rates. This aids decisions on fit for transfer pathways, support services, and value, especially for Illinois residents eyeing local options before exploring Academic Jobs in Glen Ellyn or broader Illinois higher ed opportunities.
| Institution | Acceptance Rate | Enrollment | Avg Net Price | Retention Rate | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of DuPage | 100% | 20,849 | $5,110 | 65% | 32% |
| Harper College | 100% | 12,029 | $6,184 | 73% | 36% |
| College of Lake County | 100% | 15,511 | $4,107 | 64% | 31% |
| Elgin Community College | 100% | 8,781 | $5,279 | 61% | 25% |
| McHenry County College | 100% | 8,569 | $5,684 | 70% | 39% |
Key insights: COD stands out as the largest, offering vast course variety and transfer agreements with universities like Northern Illinois University, ideal for undecided students. It has competitive net pricing but slightly lower retention than Harper, suggesting stronger peer advising there. Use these groupings to prioritize: choose COD for scale and rate-my-professor reviews on faculty; opt for McHenry for higher graduation rates. Explore community college jobs post-graduation or check higher-ed-jobs for career paths. Data from US News & Niche (2023-2024); verify via US News COD profile.
College of DuPage (COD), a top community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, boasts an open admissions policy with a 100% acceptance rate for general enrollment, meaning most applicants who meet basic requirements like a high school diploma or GED are admitted. However, standing out for selective programs (e.g., nursing, dental hygiene), honors opportunities, scholarships, or athletic recruitment can significantly boost your experience and future transfer odds to four-year universities. Here are 8-10 proven College of DuPage application tips with step-by-step advice, ethical 'inside tracks,' and examples to enhance your College of DuPage admission odds.
These College of DuPage admission statistics-backed strategies, drawn from official sources and enrollment trends College of DuPage, can elevate your selectivity. For personalized guidance, explore career advice or jobs in Illinois.
College of DuPage (COD), a welcoming community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, operates on rolling admissions, meaning there are no strict College of DuPage application deadlines for general enrollment—applications are accepted year-round, and most qualified applicants receive acceptance quickly, often within days. This open-door policy reflects its 100% acceptance rate, prioritizing access for local and international students with a high school diploma or equivalent. However, key dates for semester starts, financial aid, and program-specific entry ensure smooth planning. COD's academic calendar features three main terms: Fall (late August), Spring (late January), and Summer (May/June), allowing flexible entry points.
| Semester | Recommended Apply By | Classes Start | Financial Aid Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Aug 1, 2024 | Aug 19, 2024 | Mar 15, 2024 (FAFSA) | Closed; high demand for popular classes |
| Spring 2025 | Dec 15, 2024 | Jan 13, 2025 | Oct 1, 2024 (FAFSA) | Open now; ideal for mid-year transfers |
| Summer 2025 | Apr 15, 2025 | May 19, 2025 | Mar 1, 2025 (FAFSA) | Short terms; accelerated courses |
| Fall 2025 (projected) | Aug 1, 2025 | Aug 18, 2025 | Mar 15, 2025 (FAFSA) | Apply early for competitive programs like nursing |
These timelines are based on COD's patterns; check the official admissions page for updates. Differences from four-year universities: no binding Early Decision or Regular Decision—purely rolling, reducing stress but requiring self-motivation. Steps to apply: 1) Submit free online app at COD.edu; 2) Send transcripts/GED; 3) Complete placement (Accuplacer optional); 4) Apply for aid via FAFSA (school code 001674); 5) Register during open periods. Pitfalls: Late apps risk full classes or delayed aid—norm is applying 4-8 weeks early. International students add visa timelines (F-1 via SEVIS). Advice: Use COD's academic calendar for planning; explore academic jobs in Glen Ellyn or Rate My Professor for COD faculty insights. For transfers, align with university partners. Start early to secure spots in high-demand areas like healthcare—boost odds by preparing docs ahead. Check scholarships and higher ed jobs for support.
College of DuPage (COD), a public community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, boasts a United States acceptance rate near 100%, making it one of the most accessible options for students exploring scholarships and affordable higher education. As an open-admission institution, COD admits nearly all applicants with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, without requiring SAT/ACT scores or minimum GPAs for general enrollment. This translates to excellent College of DuPage admission odds for most—probabilities exceed 99% based on recent data from COD's official admissions page and Niche reports.
Odds vary slightly by demographics and majors. For instance, underrepresented minorities benefit from diversity initiatives, with enrollment showing 40% Hispanic, 30% White, 12% Black, and 8% Asian students per IPEDS data. Women comprise 55% of enrollees. Competitive programs like Nursing or Honors skew odds lower: Nursing uses a points system (GPA, prerequisites, TEAS test), admitting ~100 of 300+ applicants annually, yielding 30-40% odds. STEM majors see high entry but transfer competitiveness to four-year schools.
Legacies and large donations rarely influence admission at community colleges like COD, unlike selective universities—there's no nepotism policy documented in their NCES College Navigator profile. Ethically, focus on merit; donations fund scholarships/facilities (e.g., $10M gifts enhance labs) but don't buy spots. Athletics offer hooks: COD's NJCAA Division III teams (basketball, soccer) recruit ~50 athletes yearly for partial scholarships, boosting odds for standouts via coach outreach. Examples include Chaps baseball players gaining priority registration.
Actionable advice: Apply by COD application deadlines (rolling, priority August 15 for fall 2025). Strengthen apps with essays for honors, volunteer work for aid. Explore Rate My Professor for College of DuPage to pick allied-health faculty. Leverage higher ed jobs in Illinois for networking. Scholarships like COD Foundation awards ($1K-$5K) favor GPA 3.0+, need—apply via FAFSA by June 30. Check COD professor ratings post-admission. For transfers, maintain 3.5 GPA for guaranteed paths to U of Illinois. Parents, note low costs ($4,800 in-district tuition) amplify value. Realistic odds: 100% general, 20-50% selective programs—build profiles ethically for success.
Trends show stable enrollment (25,000+ students), per US News. For personalized odds, use SAT score tools for competitive edges and career advice.
College of DuPage (COD), a public community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, operates under an open admissions policy, boasting a College of DuPage acceptance rate of nearly 100%. This means virtually all applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent are admitted, eliminating traditional legacy admissions—preferences given to children of alumni, donors, or staff. Unlike elite four-year universities where legacy status can boost odds by 20-30% according to national studies, COD prioritizes accessibility over such factors, ensuring fairness for first-generation students, immigrants, and underserved communities.
Nepotism or undue influence from donations is absent here; enrollment data from COD's official reports shows no favoritism in admissions rulings or responses to complaints. For context, community colleges like COD admit based on basic eligibility, not holistic reviews involving family ties. Pros of legacy systems elsewhere include fostering alumni loyalty and funding, but cons—such as perpetuating inequality—affect 10-15% of spots at selective schools per U.S. Department of Education data. COD avoids this, focusing on equity.
To ethically leverage opportunities, emphasize strong high school GPA (minimum 2.0 recommended), placement tests for math/English, and extracurriculars for competitive honors programs like the College of DuPage Honors Institute. International students should highlight English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) and transcripts. Advice: Visit COD's admissions page for specifics, apply early for priority registration, and explore scholarships to offset costs. Check professor reviews on Rate My Professor for COD to select supportive faculty. Efforts toward fairness shine in COD's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including targeted outreach and support programs boosting underrepresented enrollment by 15% over five years.
This transparent approach helps set realistic College of DuPage admission odds—focus on preparation over connections. For career insights, explore Rate My Professor for COD faculty ratings and higher ed career advice.
At College of DuPage (COD), a public community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, athletic recruitment plays a unique role since the institution operates under an open admissions policy. This means virtually anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent has a 100% chance of enrollment—no traditional "acceptance rate" applies. However, recruitment influences team spots, priority registration, and pathways to four-year universities via the junior college (JUCO) route. COD competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III, offering 19 intercollegiate teams without athletic scholarships, emphasizing amateur competition and academics.
Sports include men's baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track & field, and wrestling; women's basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball. About 800-1,000 student-athletes participate annually out of 20,000+ total students, per NJCAA data. Recruitment boosts competitiveness—teams have won regional titles, like wrestling's 2023 NJCAA Region 4 championship.
Influence is ethical and transparent: No legacies or donations sway spots, but talent secures roster places. Parents, note JUCO path eases transfers (e.g., COD baseball players to Big Ten). For career edges, athletes leverage skills in higher ed jobs. This recruitment fosters holistic growth without compromising COD's accessibility.
Understanding the College of DuPage acceptance rate starts with our custom 5-point Selectivity Stars system, designed to demystify admission odds for students and parents worldwide. College of DuPage (COD), a top community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, follows an open admission policy with a 100% acceptance rate for general enrollment, making it highly accessible. Stars rate selectivity inversely: 5 stars (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) means the lowest selectivity and highest odds (acceptance >95%), ideal for broad access; 4 stars (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆) for moderate barriers (~80-95%); down to 1 star (⭐) for elite selectivity (<10%). Thresholds are based on official data from COD's website, US News, and Niche, factoring historical trends over the past decade where rates stayed at 100% overall. This system helps interpret College of DuPage admission statistics, compare with peers like Harper College (also 100%), and gauge usefulness for planning. For example, general admission earns 5 stars for easy entry post-high school diploma or GED, but competitive programs drop stars due to limited spots.
These stars empower realistic expectations on College of DuPage selectivity—leverage for scholarships or career prep via higher ed jobs. Parents, note enrollment trends show rising international interest.
At College of DuPage (COD), an open-admission community college, acceptance is straightforward for qualified applicants, but grasping costs and financial aid is essential for deciding to enroll after admission. This ensures you can afford your education without surprises. Tuition varies significantly by residency, impacting your net price post-aid.
Tuition Breakdown (2024-2025): In-district residents (living within COD's 310-square-mile district in DuPage, parts of Cook, Kane, Will counties) pay $135.50 per credit hour—about $4,065 for 30 credits annually. Out-of-district Illinois residents face $383 per credit ($11,490/year), while out-of-state students pay $463 ($13,890/year). Add fees like $40 student activity and $20 technology per semester, pushing full cost of attendance (COA) to $15,000-$25,000 including living expenses, books ($1,400), and housing/food ($10,000+ off-campus).
Financial Aid Types: Over 70% of students receive aid averaging $5,200. Need-based options include Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395, no repayment), Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants (up to $8,000 for low-income), and COD grants. Merit scholarships like the Presidential (GPA 3.75+, $1,000-$2,500) reward academics. Work-study, loans (subsidized/unsubsidized), and veterans' benefits round it out. Income affects Expected Family Contribution (EFC) via FAFSA—lower incomes yield more grants; families earning under $50,000 often cover tuition fully.
Step-by-Step Aid Application:
Maximize Aid & Ties to Acceptance: Since acceptance is near-guaranteed, aid influences attendance yield. International students (limited spots) start with F-1 visa, then seek private scholarships. Advice: Use AcademicJobs.com scholarships alongside COD's; families earning $60,000 got $6,000+ grants last year. Check Rate My Professor for COD faculty insights to pick value courses. Explore academic jobs in Glen Ellyn or higher ed jobs for work-study. Projected 2025 costs stable; apply now for fall.
Pro tip: Residency petition can save $7,000+ yearly—details on COD site. This planning turns acceptance into affordable reality.
College of DuPage (COD), with its 100% College of DuPage acceptance rate, embodies an open admissions policy that welcomes students from all backgrounds, making diversity a cornerstone of its community college mission. This approach means admission statistics reflect the applicant pool rather than selectivity, fostering a vibrant campus where demographics mirror the diverse DuPage County region and beyond. According to recent enrollment trends, COD's student body of over 21,000 includes about 48% White, 27% Hispanic/Latino, 11% Black/African American, 6% Asian, and 4% multiracial students, with international students adding global flavors from 50+ countries.
Diversity at COD influences acceptance rates for College of DuPage indirectly through targeted outreach and support programs that encourage underrepresented groups to enroll. Initiatives like the Office of Student Inclusion and Engagement, TRIO Student Support Services (for first-generation, low-income students), and the Latinx Center promote equity, helping sustain high enrollment diversity without barriers. Benefits abound: exposure to varied perspectives enhances critical thinking, cultural competence, and networking—key for transfers to four-year universities or jobs via higher-ed jobs platforms.
For applicants, highlighting diversity ties strengthens your story. Share experiences with multiculturalism in essays or interviews, join clubs like the Black Student Union, International Club, or Pride Alliance upon enrollment—these build resumes and connections. Parents, note how COD's policies ensure inclusive environments, boosting College of DuPage admission odds through holistic support. Explore local opportunities in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, or United States academic scenes. Check professor insights on Rate My Professor for diverse faculty views, and visit COD's inclusion page or admissions site for details. This inclusive fabric prepares you for global success, aligning with higher-ed career advice.
At College of DuPage (COD), a dynamic community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, traditional sororities and fraternities—known as Greek life at four-year universities—are not present. Instead, COD offers over 60 student clubs and organizations that provide similar benefits like leadership development, networking, academic support, social connections, and community service opportunities. These groups help students build resumes, gain skills for transferring to universities, and foster a sense of belonging, especially for commuters. Participation can lead to scholarships, internships, and stronger letters of recommendation from advisors—check Rate My Professor for insights on faculty involved.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, stands out as COD's premier academic fraternity equivalent. It recognizes top scholars (GPA 3.5+), offering leadership training, service projects, and transfer scholarships worth thousands. Members often secure spots at top universities post-COD.
To join, visit the Student Life office in the Student Resource Center or browse COD's clubs list. Attend a meeting, complete a simple form—no dues for most. Advice: Start early, attend 2-3 events, connect with leaders via professor ratings. Clubs link to local opportunities in Glen Ellyn and US academic jobs, enhancing odds for scholarships and career advice.
Even with College of DuPage's (COD) open admissions policy—meaning nearly all applicants with a high school diploma or GED are welcomed—building key connections can significantly boost your experience. These relationships provide insider guidance on scholarships, honors programs, transfer pathways to four-year universities like Northern Illinois University, and program-specific advice. Networking ethically opens doors to personalized support, strong recommendation letters, and early alerts on opportunities, enhancing your odds for competitive spots in high-demand fields like nursing or aviation maintenance.
Here are essential roles and real people to connect with, plus legitimate steps to build ties:
To start ethically: Visit campus in Illinois, join virtual webinars, and follow up with thank-you notes. These ties yield long-term benefits like internships—COD grads earn median salaries of $45,000 early career per federal data. Explore COD professor ratings or scholarships for more edges. Patience and genuine interest build lasting networks without shortcuts.
Explore these essential resources to dive into College of DuPage acceptance rate, acceptance rates for College of DuPage, and College of DuPage admission statistics. As an open-admission community college, COD welcomes nearly all applicants, but these sites offer details on enrollment trends, application tips, deadlines, and selectivity factors. Perfect for students and parents worldwide considering this affordable Illinois option near Chicago—start with official sources for accurate info on financial aid, diversity admissions, and next steps like checking Rate My Professor reviews for COD faculty or browsing higher ed jobs in the area.
These resources equip you with everything from official stats to peer advice—combine with Illinois academic jobs for networking ideas.
Attending College of DuPage (COD), the largest community college in Illinois with over 30,000 students annually, offers tremendous value for students seeking affordable, high-quality education. As a public two-year institution in Glen Ellyn, COD provides in-district tuition around $4,334 per year (2023-2024), far below four-year universities, making higher education accessible globally. This low cost, combined with open admissions, allows you to start strong without massive debt—average graduate debt is under $10,000.
Key advantages include excellent transfer prospects: over 70% of COD students transfer to top Illinois universities like University of Illinois or Northern Illinois University via guaranteed admission agreements. Career outcomes shine too; 90% of graduates are employed within six months, with median salaries like $75,000 for nursing associate degree holders and $60,000 for IT specialists (per COD career data and U.S. Dept. of Education). Explore professor salaries and university salaries for long-term insights.
To leverage COD, complete an associate degree (A.A. or A.S.) for seamless transfer, build a GPA above 3.5, and use career services for resumes. Parents, check local opportunities via Academic Jobs in Glen Ellyn or Illinois. For jobs post-graduation, browse higher ed jobs and community college jobs. Visit COD's official admissions page for details.
Overall, COD delivers prestige through outcomes, not selectivity, empowering you with skills, connections, and savings for brighter futures.
Students and parents often rave about the College of DuPage acceptance rate, which stands at 100% thanks to its open-door policy. This means that as long as you have a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development), you're in—no SAT scores, essays, or GPAs required for admission. Reviews on platforms like Niche highlight how this accessibility allows students from diverse backgrounds to start their higher education journey without the stress of competitive acceptance rates for College of DuPage. One student shared, "I transferred from high school seamlessly and focused right away on my nursing program." For international students, this low-barrier entry is a game-changer, especially when paired with transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Once accepted—which is virtually guaranteed—aid decisions become the real focus. Many students emphasize applying early for financial aid via FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to maximize grants, scholarships, and work-study options. College of DuPage's official admissions page details deadlines, typically rolling with priority for fall (August) and spring (January) semesters. Reviews note that aid packages can cover up to 80% of costs for eligible students, influencing choices like full-time enrollment or part-time jobs. Parents appreciate the transparency in College of DuPage admission statistics, with average aid awards around $4,500 per Niche data.
To get the inside scoop on faculty, check Rate My Professor for College of DuPage before registering—students love professors in STEM and business programs, rating them 4.2/5 on average. This helps in picking classes that boost your GPA for transfers. Advice from alumni: Attend open houses, connect with advisors for personalized plans, and explore clubs like Phi Theta Kappa honors society for networking. For career boosts, browse community college jobs or higher ed jobs in Glen Ellyn and Illinois. Ready to apply? Start your COD application today and unlock affordable education with real student success stories.