College of DuPage: Courses, Fees and Rankings 2025
College of DuPage: Learn. Grow. Achieve.
Table of Content
- About the College of DuPage
- Why Choose College of DuPage?
- College of DuPage Rankings
- College of DuPage Degrees and Programs
- College of DuPage Admissions 2025
- Acceptance Rate & GPA Requirements
- College of DuPage Fees & Cost of Living
- College of DePaul Scholarships and Financial Assistance
- Student Life in Glen Ellyn
- College of DuPage Notable Alumni
- College of DuPage vs Other Universities in Illinois
- Off-Campus Housing near the College of DuPage
Looking for an affordable, high-quality college experience near Chicago? College of DuPage offers a wide range of programs, flexible pathways for careers or transfer to four-year universities, and strong student support. In this guide, we’ll break down programs, costs, admissions, and rankings for 2025 to help you decide if it’s the right fit.
About the College of DuPage
College of DuPage (COD) is a public community college based in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, just outside Chicago. With over 20,000 students, it’s one of the largest undergrad institutions in the state. COD offers a wide mix of transfer degrees, career-focused programs, certificates, and continuing education courses. Whether you're planning to move on to a four-year university or step directly into the workforce, COD offers an affordable, high-quality place to start.
Why Choose College of DuPage?
Affordable tuition—especially for in-district students
Open admission—no SAT or ACT required
Strong transfer options to schools like UIUC, UIC, NIU, and more
Specialized career programs in nursing, architecture, hospitality, EMT, HVAC, and more
Hands-on learning through labs, internships, and student-run operations (like restaurants and radio)
COD strikes a rare balance: it’s practical, affordable, and academically solid, without the pressure or price tag of a four-year university.
College of DuPage Rankings
So, COD doesn’t exactly show up on those fancy national university lists, but in Illinois? Yeah, it’s always near the top for community colleges. People rave about the place—good academics, chill campus (like, you actually feel safe walking around), and tons of support if you need it. If you’re into architecture, culinary, business, or health sciences, it’s basically a goldmine.
| Category | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Top Community Colleges in Illinois | Ranked among the best for academic quality and value |
| Architecture Program | Highly regarded in the state for hands-on learning and industry exposure |
| Culinary Arts | Frequently ranked among the top culinary schools in the Midwest |
| Business Programs | Known for strong transfer pathways and a practical curriculum |
| Health Sciences | Recognized for modern labs, clinical partnerships, and licensure success rates |
| Campus Safety | Consistently noted for a safe campus environment and active security services |
| Student Resources | Offers one of the largest community college libraries and robust career services |
College of DuPage Degrees and Programs
COD offers over 170 programs across arts, sciences, health, engineering, tech, and trades. Students can choose from associate degrees, pre-transfer pathways, and short-term certificates.
| Degree Type | Focus Areas | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Associate in Arts (AA) | Psychology, Sociology, Political Science. | Transfer to BA |
| Associate in Science (AS) | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Transfer to BS |
| Associate in Engineering Sci. | Mechanical, Civil, Electrical Engg. | Transfer to top engineering schools |
| Associate in Applied Science | Culinary, Nursing, EMT, HVAC | Direct-to-workforce or certification |
| Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) | Music, Art, Theatre | Transfer to BFA programs |
| Certificates (Short-Term) | Graphic Design, Coding, Paralegal | Skill-building for jobs or promotions |
COD also offers online courses, hybrid formats, and flexible scheduling for working students.
College of DuPage Admissions 2025
The admissions process is straightforward. COD is an open-admission college and accepts most applicants.
Application type: Online
Application fee: $20
SAT/ACT: Not required
Deadline: Rolling admission—apply any time (but earlier = more course options)
Documents: high school diploma or GED. International students need to show English proficiency scores (like TOEFL or IELTS).
Acceptance Rate & GPA Requirements
Acceptance Rate: Almost 100% for most programs.
Minimum GPA: 2.0 is recommended
Competitive programs (like nursing or dental hygiene) have their own application steps and higher GPA cut points.
This is an opportunity for students to realize COD is a sustainable option for students who have had an academic reset, or if students have no path.
College of DuPage Fees & Cost of Living
Here’s a breakdown of costs for the 2024–2025 academic year:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| In-District Tuition & Fees | $9,750 |
| Out-of-District/State Fees | $11,850 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,410 |
| Off-Campus Housing | $15,000–$17,000 (shared apartment) |
| Meal & Utilities | $4,000–$6,000 (estimated) |
| Average Financial Aid | $5,400–$8,000 (grants/scholarships) |
College of DePaul Scholarships and Financial Assistance
COD offers a solid mix of grants and scholarships to help students pay for college without sinking into debt.
| Scholarship Name | Who It’s For | Award Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholars Award | High school graduates with a top GPA | Covers up to 64 in‑district credit hours (~2 years of tuition) |
| Board of Trustees Scholars | High school graduates | $5,000 total ($1,250 per semester), renewable for 2 years |
| Deans Scholars Award | High school graduates | $2,000 total ($500 per semester), renewable for 2 years |
Presidential Scholars also get Honors Program placement and automatic Phi Theta Kappa membership. These awards require maintaining a GPA of ~3.5 and enrolling full-time.
Student Life in Glen Ellyn
Your time at COD consists of more than just textbooks and classes—the college and surrounding community have many ways in which to stay connected and stay involved. It is located in one of best places to live in Illinois and proves to have a student-friendly and safe campus.
Clubs and organizations: 60+ student organizations ranging from culturally based organizations to debate, theater, student government, and gaming.
Campus media: Student newspaper, student literary journal, and working FM radio station.
Athletics: COD has athletics in the NJCAA Division III ranks. Popular sports are football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. The college has national championships in football.
Arts and events: There are gallery exhibitions, concerts, open mics, and food festivals throughout the academic year.
Support services: Academic advising, mental health counselling, career services, and transfer advising.
Glen Ellyn is a quiet, suburban location that is safe— a great atmosphere for the student who wants to focus on their studies while having a little fun- and Chicago is still less than an hour away.
College of DuPage Notable Alumni
| Name | Notability | Program at COD | Years at COD |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Belushi | Emmy-winning actor and comedian (SNL, Animal House) | General Studies (briefly attended) | 1969–1970 |
| Jim Belushi | Actor (According to Jim, Saturday Night Live) | Theater Arts | Graduated 1974 |
| Bob Odenkirk | Actor, writer (Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad) | Broadcasting | Attended 1980–1981 |
| Marisol Nichols | Actress (Riverdale, 24) | Theater | Attended in the early 1990s |
| Tom Pukstys | U.S. Olympic javelin thrower (1992, 1996) | Physical Education | Attended in the late 1980s |
| Aaron Bailey | Former NFL wide receiver (Indianapolis Colts) | Athletics / General Studies | Attended the early 1990s |
| Steven Best | Author, professor of philosophy | Liberal Arts | Graduated late 1970s |
COD’s alumni network spans media, sports, politics, and education—proof that community college can take you far.
College of DuPage vs Other Universities in Illinois
Here’s how COD compares to traditional four-year universities:
| Criteria | College of DuPage | Four-Year Universities (Illinois) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Much lower | 2x–5x higher |
| Admission | Open access | Competitive, test scores required |
| Class Size | Smaller, more personalized | Larger lectures, less 1:1 interaction |
| Transfer Options | Strong pathways to top schools | N/A |
| Campus Housing | Off-campus only | On-campus housing options are available |
| Degree Type | Associate & Certificate | Bachelor’s & higher |
If you're budget-conscious or want to explore before committing to a major, COD is a smart move.
Off-Campus Housing near the College of DuPage
While there are on-campus student housing options available, students usually opt for off-campus student apartments as they offer flexibility, comfort, and modern amenities, all while being located close to their university, promoting hassle-free travel. With amber, you can book apartments at the best price with utmost ease. A few of the best apartments in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, near the College of DuPage, are mentioned below:
1. Algonquin Apartments, Chicago
2. Vue 53, Chicago
3. 5528 S. Cornell Avenue, Chicago
4. 4721 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago
5. Scio At The Medical District, Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs and degrees does College of DuPage offer?
College of DuPage offers 170+ programs, including associate degrees, transfer degrees, and career-focused certificates across fields like business, health sciences, IT, and more.
What are the College of DuPage fees for international students?
College of DuPage fees vary by program, but international students typically pay around $11,000–$12,000 per year in tuition, excluding living costs.
What is the College of DuPage acceptance rate and GPA requirement?
College of DuPage has an open admissions policy, meaning nearly 100% acceptance. There’s no strict GPA requirement, but a minimum 2.0 GPA is recommended for selective programs.
How is College of DuPage ranked among Illinois colleges?
College of DuPage consistently ranks among the best universities in Illinois and is one of the top community colleges in Glen Ellyn for academic quality and student support.
Who are some notable alumni of College of DuPage?
Famous College of DuPage notable alumni include actor John Belushi, comedian Bob Odenkirk, and Olympic athlete Tom Pukstys, all of whom started their journeys at COD.