Your Complete Student Guide To Truman College: 2025

About Truman College 

Located in Chicago’s lively neighborhood, Truman College stands out as one of the largest city colleges in Chicago. If you are seeking a solid academic foundation, look no further! Since 1956, it's been offering affordable and quality education to over 23,000 students annually. The college was renamed from Mayfair College to Harry S Truman College in honor of the 33rd American President, Harry S. Truman. 

Truman carries a mission of ‘Education that Works!’ It has a welcoming vibe and strong ESL and GED programs. The college ranks #5 in the Midwest regional colleges. It supports students with career services, tutoring, mental health services, and different sports like soccer and basketball. Overall, Trumar offers academic and social growth.  

Top Programs at Truman

Truman offers a versatile mix of degrees, certificates, and other continuing education options. Some of the popular degrees include.

1. Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, General Studies

2. Biological and Physical Sciences.

3. Automotive Mechanics

4. Cosmetology

5. Computer Systems

6. Networking and Telecommunications

7. Accounting

8. Childcare Provider

As a part of CCC’s College to Careers initiative, Truman focuses on three main fields, which include Education, Human Sciences, and Natural Sciences. It offers students career-focused and transfer-ready programs. If students wish to transfer from two-year to four-year programs, or wish to jump into the workplace immediately after academics, Truman is the perfect launchpad!

Truman’s Ranking As Of 2025 

Below is the snapshot of Truman’s ranking as of 2025. Discover how the college stands out with its latest achievements.

Truman College Admissions

The acceptance rate at City Colleges of Chicago- Harry S Truman College is 100%. The college admits all applicants who apply, making it a non-selective college. While applying for admission to Truman, the complete process of admissions is simple and organized, even if you are a first-time, transfer, or international applicant!

1. Choose your field of study- Be completely sure of the course you are interested in. It can be associate degrees, short-term or long-term certification courses, adult education, or vocational training courses.
2. Visit the official website of City Colleges of Chicago, click on Apply Now, create a CCC student account, and select Harry Truman College as your preferred campus. Complete the online application form. Fill in your details, education history about high school, or previous college, program interests (degrees or certificates). There is no application fee, and the process is rolling, which means you can apply at any time!
3. Submit official documents via mail or email to the CCC Admissions Office or upload them through the student portal. If you are a first-time applicant, submit official high school academic transcripts. These should come in sealed envelopes and be provided by the institution that is offering you.
4. Transfer students should submit official college transcripts. International students need to get their transcripts evaluated by a recognized evaluation agency to make sure they meet the U.S. academic standards.

Other documents that need to be submitted are as follows.

1. Clear copies of the passport and the I-94.
2. If a citizen or permanent resident of the USA  sponsors your stay, then Form I-134.
3. Financial documents showing funds for tuition/living expenses, with the help of bank letters, and  Employee verification if needed
4. TOEFL and IELTS scores are important to prove English language level. 
5. CCC placement tests are required if you don't have the required SAT/ACT scores in English, Math, and Reading

Note: CCC placement tests are free and can be taken online or in person. Some students can get placement through transcripts or by showing previous coursework.

Tuition Costs at Truman Chicago

Understanding the tuition costs is important to enroll at Trumar College. The college offers affordable rates for all the students with additional expenses like housing, books and personal expenses. Below is the breakdown of total yearly expenses for a full-time student living off-campus:

Harry S Truman College Scholarships and Financial Aid

The college offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support students in their education costs. Many students benefit from grants and loans to reduce their financial difficulty. Below is an overview on the average financial aid provided by Trumar.

1. There are financial aids available, even if you are not sure of your eligibility. These aids include veteran, undocumented, and adult learner aids. 
2. 82% of full-time students at Truman receive financial aid, grants, and scholarships.
3. The average financial aid award costs around $ 6,400 per student
4. To apply for financial aid, you need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), using Truman's school code 001654 at the student aid website.

Truman scholarships include Pell Grants, MAP Grants, and SEOG. City College Scholarships, like Star Scholarships, and Workforce programs are also available.

1. Pell Grants

1. Pell Grants play an important role in supporting students financially.
2. Federal grants don't need to be repaid.
3. The average Pell Grant amount is about $5,219 per student.
4. 71% of full-time students in the college receive Pell Grants, making it an impactful aid.

In addition, the institution also provides state, federal, and other additional support.

2. MAP GRANT (Monetary Award Program)

MAP GRANT helps to cover partial or full tuition costs based on financial need and state funds available. The award amounts differ every year; however, it does not cover fees, books, or living expenses.

1. The Map Grant is provided by the State of Illinois, Chicago, to support low-income students who are pursuing undergraduate courses. 
2. The student must be a resident of Illinois.
3. Enrolled in a degree or certificate program at an eligible college.
4. Must request and apply for financial aid by completing FAFSA.

Note: MAP funds are limited, so apply as early as possible through FAFSA

3. Chicago Star Scholarship

1. The City Colleges of Chicago offer this scholarship for high-scoring students.
2. To be eligible, you need a GPA of 3.0 or higher, high scores in SAT, ACT, or CCC in Math and English.
3. Must be enrolled in a college or any other city college after graduation.
4. The scholarships cover up to 3 years of free tuition and textbooks.
5. Includes free academic support and provides mentorship.
6. Provides a strong roadmap to complete a degree with financial stability.
7. Offers transfer scholarships by partnering with DePaul University, Loyola College, and Roosevelt.

The college is accepted by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This college is also approved by the community college board, the Board of Higher Education, and the State Board of Education. Due to the shortage of math and science teachers in Illinois, the college partnered with Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) to offer an Associate of Arts in a teacher preparation program on the college campus itself.

Student Life at Harry S Truman College

Life at Harry S. Truman College in Chicago, Illinois, goes way beyond the classroom. This lively campus in uptown offers a wonderful and active life filled with excitement, interaction, and opportunities. There are plenty of fun activities, whether you're a full-time student or a part-time student juggling between work and classes.

Students can join clubs, like Greek life clubs, attend events, make new friends, and lead and impact the social community. Truman also has cultural and academic clubs where you can participate in music, dance, and theatre.

Around the college campus, students can explore nearby parks to relax, visit local galleries or museums, enjoy eateries, and visit cafes. There are also workshops and guest lectures hosted by the college for students. 

How Can You Create An Impact In College?

Start volunteering for amazing environmental initiatives, join awareness campaigns, and lead projects that work on social change! The best part is that Truman offers all this on campus itself! The urban location of this college makes it easy for students, as it is close to world-class museums, restaurants, music venues, and Lake Michigan’s shoreline—all giving a true Chicago experience. The complete student life experience is welcoming, diverse, and empowering. Students not only study but also thrive, connect, and create change. Along with arts and academics, you can also find safe and convenient apartments to live in and enjoy your campus life. 

Fact- This College is famous in popular culture. It has appeared on TV and in the theatre. It was named in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’, the Academy Award-nominated film.

1. Leon Cruz from NBC’s Chicago Fire took admission at Truman. 
2. A character in Tracy Letts play ‘Superior Donuts’ also attended the college.

So now that you have finally decided to enroll at Truman, you must be wondering about accommodation. Then do not worry, as Amber provides solutions to all your housing concerns. Explore safe, convenient, and affordable student housing apartments in Chicago and secure your dream home away from home.