Waubonsee Community College: Courses, Fees And Rankings 2026
Where ambition meets opportunity.
Table of Content
- About Waubonsee Community College
- Why Choose Waubonsee Community College?
- Waubonsee Community College Ranking & Key Stats
- Waubonsee Community College Programs & Courses
- Popular Programs
- Waubonsee Community College Admissions 2026
- Fees & Tuition (2026)
- Cost of Living in Sugar Grove / Aurora
- Waubonsee Community College Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Campus Life & Student Support
- Community Impact & Outcomes
- Waubonsee Community College Notable Alumni
- Waubonsee vs Nearby Community Colleges
- Off-Campus Housing Near Campuses
About Waubonsee Community College
Need a college in Illinois that does not cost much, offers you an education to get your career started, allows for easy transfer credits and is diverse? Introducing: Waubonsee Community College, founded in 1966, serves approximately 8,300 credit students on campuses in Sugar Grove, Aurora and Plano. Most programs take all students, and the culture has several working people going to school today.
Why Choose Waubonsee Community College?
- Most programs admit students without GPA or test-score stress
- Around 80% of technical and certificate students find jobs in their field within a year
- A recognised Hispanic-Serving Institution: 42% Hispanic student population
- Flexible learning: online, hybrid, evening, weekend classes
- Cost-effective: in‑district tuition is around $8,460/year
Waubonsee Community College Ranking & Key Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 8,324 (2023–24) |
| Retention Rate | 72% (full-time freshmen) |
| Graduation Rate | ~41% |
| Acceptance Rate | Essentially open admission |
Graduate and retention rates are solid for a community college, and enrollment trends show steady growth year over year.
Waubonsee Community College Programs & Courses
Waubonsee has a variety of more than 80 associate degrees and certificates for a wide array of fields, including:
1. Liberal Arts & Sciences (ideal for transfer students)
2. Business Administration
3. Registered Nursing
4. Automotive Technology and Trades
5. Computer Applications & Information Technology
6. Health Sciences and Paramedical
7. Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management
And whether you'd like to take classes as a full-time student, part-time, online, or hybrid, Waubonsee accommodates all types of students, including non-traditional learners and working adults.
Popular Programs
Students can choose from a variety of academic and career-focused programs designed to prepare them for success in today’s workforce or for transfer to four-year institutions. Some of the most popular options include:
- General Education Transfer Pathways
- A.A.S. in Nursing
- A.A.S. in Applied Science: Computer Applications
- Automotive Service Technology
- Certificate in Interpreter Training
- A.A.S. in Business Administration
Waubonsee Community College Admissions 2026
Waubonsee Community College welcomes a diverse community of learners by offering accessible and flexible admissions options. Whether students are pursuing general education, career-focused programs, or selective fields of study, the admissions process is designed to make getting started straightforward and supportive.
Policy: Open admissions for most programs, allowing anyone with a high school diploma or GED to apply.
Cost: No application fee for credit programs.
Deadlines: Rolling admissions — apply anytime during the year.
Requirements (Domestic Students):
- High school diploma or GED
- Academic transcripts
- Placement tests may be required for English or math, unless ACT/SAT scores are submitted. ACT and SAT test preparation is required for achieving a good score.
- No SAT, ACT, GRE Preparation, GMAT, personal statement, or letter of recommendation needed for general admission
- Selective programs (e.g., Nursing) may have extra prerequisites or entrance exams
Requirements (International Students):
- Proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL exam
- Official academic transcripts(translated if not in English)
- Completed international student application and financial documents as per visa requirements
Fees & Tuition (2026)
| Residency Status | Cost per Credit | Approx. Annual Cost (60 credits/year) |
|---|---|---|
| In‑District Illinois | $141 | ~$8,460 |
| Out-of-District Illinois | $327 | ~$19,620 |
| Out-of-State / International | $372 | ~$22,320 |
Cost of Living in Sugar Grove / Aurora
| Expense Category | Monthly Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Shared Housing | $700–$1,100 |
| Utilities & Internet | $100–$150 |
| Food & Groceries | $200–$350 |
| Transportation | $80–$120 |
| Miscellaneous | $100–$200 |
| Total Estimate | $1,200–$1,800/month |
Campuses are commuter-friendly. Public transport options (Pace bus, Metra commuter rail) are strong in Aurora.
Waubonsee Community College Scholarships & Financial Aid
Waubonsee has useful financial support systems:
- Federal Pell Grants & Illinois MAP grants
- Merit and need-based scholarships through the college foundation
- Work-study positions on campus
- Emergency aid for housing, food, and emergency costs of attendance
- FAFSA is required for all students; deadlines are generally in July if considering enrollment in the fall
- Approximately 2/3 of students obtain some form of aid.
Campus Life & Student Support
The Waubonsee Community College has a beautiful campus located in one of the best places to live in Illinois. Modern, friendly, and suburban campuses highlight:
- Academic, Cultural, Technology, and Health Student Clubs
- Resume help, internships, and job fairs. Career services
- Adult education: GED prep and ESL
- Website for enrolling in courses, viewing grades, and providing student online services
- Justin Carter The Wichita Eagle Division II — Kansas: the Chiefs (NJCAA sports)
- Blended learning and remote support (Library, Study lounges, Quiet Zones)
Community Impact & Outcomes
- Awarded over 25,000 certificates and nearly 30,000 degrees since its founding
- Alumni success rate in workforce fields like nursing, IT, and trades is ~80% within a year
- Retention and graduation metrics are steady and above national CCS averages
Waubonsee Community College Notable Alumni
| Name | Recognition / Role | Studied at Waubonsee | Year (Graduated or Attended) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Indigo Debra Triplett | Entrepreneur, U.S. Marine veteran, recipient of Distinguished Alumnus Award | Associate of Arts (AA) | Graduated 1988 |
| Dr. John Avendano | President of Florida State College at Jacksonville; former campus dean at Waubonsee | Associate in Science; captained baseball team | Early 1970s |
| Richard C. Irvin | Mayor of Aurora, Illinois; held leadership roles in public service | General or Business Studies | Class of 1988 |
| Sharkisha Jones | Advocate for early childhood education; contributor to statewide programs | Early Childhood Education | Attended in early 2000s |
| Maxzine Rossler | Record-setting athlete in women’s soccer and basketball | Athletics / Physical Education | Attended mid-2000s |
Waubonsee vs Nearby Community Colleges
| College | In-District Tuition | Enrollment | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waubonsee CC | ~$8,460/year | ~8,300 | Flexible learning, row multilingual support |
| College of DuPage | ~$9,100/year | ~20,000 | Strong transfer programs, larger facilities |
| Elgin Community College | ~$8,200/year | ~11,800 | Polytechnic and trades focus |
Off-Campus Housing Near Campuses
Many students attending Waubonsee Community College like off-campus housing because it offers more independence, privacy, and amenities compared to college dorms. Many cities and towns across the state, for example, offer great all-day neighbourhoods for students that are easily accessible from campus.
Amber makes it simple for students to find and book verified student apartments in Illinois. Whether you're looking for a shared apartment or a private studio, amber lists options close to major campuses and helps with everything from virtual tours to instant bookings, making the moving-in process smoother and more secure. Finding a student housing in Illinois becomes much easier with amber.
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs does Waubonsee Community College offer?
Waubonsee Community College, which is one of the best universities in Illinois, offers a wide variety of associate degrees and certificate programs in fields like healthcare, business, education, and technology.
What is the Waubonsee Community College acceptance rate?
Waubonsee has an open admissions policy, making it easy for most students to get started with their higher education journey.
How much are the Waubonsee Community College fees?
Fees at Waubonsee Community College are budget-friendly, especially for in-district residents. Exact costs depend on your program and credit hours.
Are scholarships available at Waubonsee Community College?
Yes, Waubonsee offers several scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the burden of tuition for eligible students. Students can also check out amberscholar, where scholarships are provided to students so that they can fulfil their dreams.
What are students saying in Waubonsee Community College reviews?
Students often praise Waubonsee for its supportive faculty, flexible class options, and strong academic resources.