Colleges in Elgin, Illinois
4 colleges and universities — federal Scorecard data.
There are 4 colleges and universities in Elgin, Illinois (2 Private nonprofit, 1 Public, 1 Private for-profit). The figures below are pulled from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — the same federal dataset colleges are required to report to.
Across all 4 institutions, the median net price after grants and scholarships works out to about $18,558 per year, the median 6-year graduation rate is 59.9%, schools that report admissions data accept a median 48% of applicants.
The median net price in Elgin runs about $3,110 higher than the Illinois statewide median of $15,448.
Whether you're comparing in-state public tuition, looking for a private nonprofit with strong outcomes, or trying to find the right program in Elgin, the table below lets you sort every institution side-by-side on cost, admissions, graduation rate, and size.
Median net price
$18,558
After aid
Median grad rate
59.9%
6-year
Median admission rate
48%
Median enrollment
708
Undergrad
All colleges in Elgin
Sorted by enrollment.
| School | State | Type | Net price | Grad rate | Admission | Size | Data | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin Community College Elgin, IL | IL | Public, 2-year | $6,026 | 41.1% | Not available | 6,648 | Partial | |
| Judson University Elgin, IL | IL | Private nonprofit, 4-year | $18,558 | 59.9% | 48% | 708 | Complete | |
| Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin Elgin, IL | IL | Private for-profit, <2-year | $20,671 | 88.9% | Not available | 138 | Partial | |
| Columbia College - Elgin Elgin, IL | IL | Private nonprofit, 4-year | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Missing |
By institution type
Private nonprofit (2)
Private nonprofit colleges in Elgin are mission-driven institutions — often religiously affiliated or research-focused — that reinvest tuition into academics and aid rather than distributing profit.
- Judson UniversityNet price: $18,558Grad: 59.9%
- Columbia College - ElginNet price: Not availableGrad: Not available
Public (1)
Public colleges in Elgin are state- or locally-funded institutions that typically offer lower in-state tuition and serve a broad mix of residents and commuters.
- Elgin Community CollegeNet price: $6,026Grad: 41.1%
Private for-profit (1)
Private for-profit colleges in Elgin operate as businesses, generally focused on career-oriented and online programs with rolling admissions.
- Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-ElginNet price: $20,671Grad: 88.9%
Top programs in Elgin
Most-completed programs across Elgin colleges, weighted by enrollment.
- Liberal arts35.3% of degrees
- Health professions18.3% of degrees
- Mechanic & repair8.6% of degrees
- Interdisciplinary6.1% of degrees
- Personal services4.9% of degrees
- Business3.7% of degrees
- Homeland security & law enforcement3.2% of degrees
- Computer science3.0% of degrees
Frequently asked questions about colleges in Elgin
Q.How many colleges are in Elgin, Illinois?
There are 4 colleges and universities in Elgin, Illinois that report to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — 2 Private nonprofit, 1 Public, 1 Private for-profit.
Q.What is the largest college in Elgin?
By undergraduate enrollment, Elgin Community College is the largest institution in Elgin with roughly 6,648 undergraduates.
Q.What is the cheapest college in Elgin?
Based on average net price after aid, Elgin Community College is the most affordable institution in Elgin at $6,026 per year.
Q.Which Elgin college has the highest graduation rate?
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin reports the highest 6-year graduation rate among Elgin institutions at 88.9%.
Q.What is the average tuition in Elgin?
The median net price across all 4 colleges in Elgin is $18,558 per year after grants and scholarships.
Q.What are the most popular college majors in Elgin?
Across Elgin colleges, the most-completed programs by share of degrees awarded are Liberal arts, Health professions, Mechanic & repair.
Q.Are there community colleges in Elgin?
Yes — Elgin includes 1 public institutions, many of which offer 2-year associate degrees and transfer pathways to 4-year programs.
Other cities in Illinois
Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS. Medians are computed across institutions in Elgin that report each metric. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with each institution.