Carl Sandburg College is a public 2-year college in Galesburg, Illinois with 1,051 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $9,186 a year after grants and graduates 45% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Carl Sandburg College acceptance rate and admissions
Carl Sandburg College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Carl Sandburg College application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Carl Sandburg College’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Carl Sandburg College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $5,500 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $9,160 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $18,194 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $9,186 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $9,186 a year after grants and scholarships, $9,008 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Carl Sandburg College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Carl Sandburg College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 45% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $38,801 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $3,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 9% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Trade and career programs at Carl Sandburg College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Associate degree | 29 | $53,430 | $59,295 | $6,843 |
| Welding | Certificate | 21 | $38,620 | n/a | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 15 | $47,401 | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 11 | n/a | $52,648 | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Certificate | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Associate degree | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,051 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 68% women, 32% men
- 15 students for every faculty member
- Setting: distant town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Carl Sandburg College?
No. Carl Sandburg College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Carl Sandburg College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $5,500 for in-state students and $9,160 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $9,186 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at Carl Sandburg College?
45% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do Carl Sandburg College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $38,801 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Illinois · Carl Sandburg College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.