Help launch their future

A great start for your student

Fancy college pledge signs in the front yard are cute — What’s not cute? College debt with no job to pay it off.

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You love talking about your kids. We love listening. Fill out the form to connect with a college navigator. Let's explore their future at CLC.

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Big college debt won't hold them back

Instead of paying off huge debt, your student can use their paycheck for important things like paying rent, buying groceries, and starting their adult life.

Plan to get a bachelor's degree? They'll save more than $33,000 in tuition and fees by spending their first two years at CLC. Then transfer to university to complete a 4-year degree (Source: CLC Community Impact Report 2025).

A successful launch with a safe landing

CLC is a smart choice for college. It prepares students for a future in the real world:

  • train for a trade or career in two years or less
  • transfer to a 4-year school to earn a bachelor's degree while saving serious money

Affordable tuition and 150+ degree and certificate options let them discover their purpose and passion.

Whichever path they choose, we’re here to talk them through it: What programs to study, courses to choose, financial aid options, internships, apprenticeships, guaranteed transfer schools, how to get the job they want, and more.

Helping students find their purpose

You don’t need to figure out your entire future before starting at CLC. Affordable classes let you explore. Caring advisors and faculty help you find your path.

In this short video, follow Nina as she discovers what to study and who she wants to become.

Start at CLC this fall

Fall classes start Monday, Aug. 17 and end Friday, Dec. 11.

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Students thrive here

  • Thais O'Malley

    Thais O'Malley

    Graduate

    “The quality of the program helped prepare me for the real world. I got my job right after graduation. I thanked my teachers because they prepared me so well.”


    Thais studied Digital Media and Design at CLC. She now works as a graphic designer and social media specialist for the City of Lake Forest.

    Read Thais' story

    Thais O'Malley
  • Katherine Torres

    Katherine Torres

    Biology student

    “CLC truly goes above and beyond to meet student needs. It’s not just about classes—it’s about helping students survive and thrive.”


    Kat is actively involved in the CLC Scholars program and Student Government Association. She studies biological sciences and plans to work as a physician assistant or in public health legislation.

    Read a Q&A with Kat

    Katherine Torres
  • Kennedee Clark playing basketball

    Kennedee Clark

    Student athlete

    “CLC has helped me not only with affordable tuition but also by improving both my court skills and academics.”


    Student athletes at CLC compete at a high level, get more playing time and build a strong academic foundation.

    Kennedee Clark playing basketball
  • Photo of Kamden Kuklinski

    Kamden Kuklinski

    Transfer student

    “CLC was a really good option for me. It was very affordable. The smaller class sizes and community feel definitely made it feel like home.”


    Kamden studied biological sciences at CLC, then transferred to Lake Forest College to earn a bachelor's degree in neuroscience. He is doing biomedical research as he prepares for graduate school.

    Read Kamden's story

    Photo of Kamden Kuklinski
  • photo of Nestor Munoz on the catwalk in the theater

    Nestor Munoz

    Student

    “It’s the most fun I've ever had in any job. You get to really understand what goes into a production at a play or a concert.”


    At CLC, Nestor studies Live Entertainment Production, which offers hands-on industry experience. He was one of eight chosen from 4,800 applicants for a prestigious training program with Cirque de Soleil in Las Vegas.

    Read Nestor's story

    photo of Nestor Munoz on the catwalk in the theater
  • Estefanni Caballero

    Estefanni Caballero

    Graduate

    "It was a great learning experience where I got to work hands-on while still attending class."


    Estefanni was a student worker in the PR and Marketing department at CLC. She transferred to Lake Forest College to pursue a bachelor's degree. She also works in marketing at Fischer Paper Products to gain professional experience.

    Estefanni Caballero
  • Photo of student in welding and fabrication class

    Kyle Thorne

    Graduate

    "While I love the space and equipment, it was the instructors that kept me at CLC. They helped make sure I learned the right way, and I had fun doing it."


    Kyle took welding and fabrication classes at the CLC Grayslake campus and Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee. He then started his own mobile welding business.

    Explore ways to build the future

    Photo of student in welding and fabrication class
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It's fast, easy and free!

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