At a Glance
Prairie State College is a small public community college in Chicago Heights, IL. Approximately 2,443 undergraduates are enrolled. Lake Michigan is about 14 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 29 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 100/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Location
Chicago Heights, IL
Campus Identity
Prairie State College is a small public community college in Chicago Heights, IL. Approximately 2,443 undergraduates are enrolled. Lake Michigan is about 14 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 29 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 100/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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@prairiestatecol
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Campus Lifestyle
Prairie State College is a 1,000–4,999, suburban school. The campus is 29 miles from Four Lakes.
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Suburban setting
Weather
Cold Climate
43°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Prairie State College students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Four Lakes, 29 miles away with 7 lifts and 9 skiable acres. All are within 74 miles of campus.
Illinois
Illinois
Wisconsin
Nearby Lake
Lake Michigan is 14 miles from campus, giving Prairie State College students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Michigan
Lake access within 13.5 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Chicago Heights, IL
Chicago Heights has a cool climate, with winters averaging 23°F in Jan and summers peaking around 74°F in Jul.
Station: PARK FOREST WATER · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Prairie State College in IL earns a composite safety score of 100/100, rated Very Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,176 | $11,064 |
| Fees | $732 | $732 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,908 | $11,796 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
78 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Prairie State College located?
Prairie State College is located in Chicago Heights, IL. The main campus address is 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL. It is a public institution offering 2-year associate degree programs.
How many students attend Prairie State College?
Prairie State College enrolls 2,443 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend Prairie State College?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Prairie State College charges $4,176/year for in-state students and $11,064/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board, the total estimated cost is approximately $11,064/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $4,738/year — what students actually pay. Use Prairie State College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Is Prairie State College the right fit for me?
Whether Prairie State College is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions requirements, avg net price ($4,738/year after aid), campus culture in Chicago Heights, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Prairie State College against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Prairie State College directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Chicago Heights, IL
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Certificates
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 43°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 100/100
- Nearest Airport
- Gary, IN (GYY) · 13 mialso MDW (19 mi), VPZ (33 mi)