Trade and career programs at Elgin Community 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 226 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 147 | n/a | $58,490 | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 111 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| HVAC | Certificate | 103 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Truck driving (CDL) | Certificate | 95 | n/a | $67,995 | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 89 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 63 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Certificate | 61 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Certificate | 37 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Certificate | 37 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 29 | n/a | n/a | $6,756 |
| Heavy equipment mechanic | Certificate | 27 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Associate degree | 19 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Certificate | 13 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 13 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 12 | $47,663 | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Massage therapy | Certificate | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Heavy equipment mechanic | Associate degree | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| HVAC | Associate degree | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Associate degree | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Elgin Community College cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $3,324 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $9,196 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $6,286 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $6,264 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $5,829 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $6,397 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $6,622 |
| Over $110,000 | $8,276 |
Program prices often differ from the school-wide figure, and tools, uniforms or licensing exams can add to them. Ask the school for the full price of the program you want.
Outcomes and students
- 46% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal program length (students who started in fall 2022 or the 2022-23 year).
- 77% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $51,097 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $7,000 in federal student loans.
- 24% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Elgin Community College cost?
Tuition and fees are $3,324 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $6,286 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at Elgin Community College?
46% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
How much do Elgin Community College graduates earn?
Medical assistant associate degree graduates had the highest median earnings of the programs we track: $47,663 one year after finishing.
Is Elgin Community College accredited?
Elgin Community College is accredited by Higher Learning Commission, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin, Elgin: $13,284 a year
- DeVry University-Illinois, Lisle: $15,992 a year
- College of Lake County, Grayslake: $4,901 a year
- William Rainey Harper College, Palatine: $4,038 a year
- Joliet Junior College, Joliet: $4,530 a year
- Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills: $3,942 a year
More: all trade schools in Illinois · Elgin Community College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.