Why CLC?

Future Students

You are welcome here.

When it comes to learning, you have choices. So why choose College of Lake County?

In a nutshell, you get a high-quality education that is affordable and equitable. Small class sizes, attentive faculty and staff, and extensive support services help you achieve success. Vibrant student life provides an activity for every interest. Our diverse student body creates a strong community. Plus with classes offered at five locations and online, we’re your close-to-home option. Three campuses, two specialty centers, one college — all here to help you reach your goals.

Learn what CLC has to offer

Explore answers to your top questions.

Why should I go to college?

The more you learn, the more you earn. Gain knowledge and skills to get into your career of choice — one that positively impacts your life and the people around you.

See your full potential

Am I ready for college?

CLC meets you where you are. And we believe you're more ready than you think.

We're ready for you

How does CLC help me afford college?

There are many ways to be debt-free at CLC — financial aid, scholarship, on-campus jobs, internships and apprenticeships.

Financial aid, scholarships and more

How will CLC help me be successful?

Explore the many free ways we support your education, personal journey and well-being.

Discover student resources

How will I balance school with life/work?

From flexible class options to childcare, we've got resources to help you find a healthy balance.

Convenient and flexible learning

Who will teach me and where will I learn?

Surround yourself with people who are welcoming, inspiring and accomplished. Thrive in a place equipped with innovation to support your learning.

Meet your people, explore the place

What's student life like at CLC?

Immerse yourself in diverse student clubs and organizations. Join fun activities on-campus or online. Explore the arts and athletics.

Student life at CLC

How will CLC help me transfer or get a job?

We'll help you take the next step after CLC — whether that's moving on to a 4-year school or finding a job.

We're with you all the way

Students share why they chose CLC

Za’Tozia Duffie
Transfer student
“CLC set the standard for every educational institution I attended afterwards. I don't think I would have been able to grow academically, or even personally, if it wasn't for CLC.”
Za’Tozia studied communication at CLC. She transferred to Lake Forest College for her bachelor's degree and then to Syracuse University for graduate school.
Read Za’Tozia's story
Kamden Kuklinski
Transfer student
“CLC was a really good option for me. I think it was the perfect way to go because 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, where he earned a bachelor's degree in neuroscience. He works at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis doing biomedical research as he prepares for graduate school.
Read Kamden's story
Natasha Phillips
Adult Learner
“Heating, ventilation and air conditioning is a trade skill that’s always going to be needed, so I can have a stable career.”
Natasha studied HVAC/R Engineering Technology at CLC. A Workforce Equity Initiative grant paid for her education so she can start a new career in a high-demand industry.
Read Natasha's story
Johnnie Lovelace
Graduate
“What I liked about the nursing program here was that it was a small community. You feel more at home in a smaller group.”
After graduating from CLC's nursing program, Johnnie worked in emergency rooms, ICUs, clinics and home health settings. She currently is CEO of three assisted living facilities in Atlanta.
Read nursing student stories
Kenneth Dantes
Transfer student
"It felt like a community because there were actually those teachers that have time for you. During class, I knew I could have that relationship with them."
Kenneth studied literature at CLC, then transferred to Elmhurst University. While at CLC, he worked on film projects in and around Chicago to gain experience and build his network. He now works in Los Angeles as a background production assistant for major streaming shows.
Read Kenneth's story
Chad Holt
Adult Learner
"I have a lot of technical skills, but I didn't have the formal education side. I've connected a lot of dots (in this program), and it's really helped me to polish and hone my skills."
Chad is a full-time employee striving to earn two (2) associate degrees in automation, robotics and mechatronics and mechanical engineering technology. His goal is to upskill and get ahead of tech advancements in his field.
Read Chad's story
Leanne Linsky
Graduate
“The CLC student body is diverse, my classmates had more work and life experience. When I transferred, I was better prepared for university life.”
Leanne studied business administration at CLC, then got her bachelor's degree at University of Nevada Las Vegas and a master's degree at University of California, Irvine. She is the creator of an online app for comedians.
Read Leanne's story
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. Kyle is one of many CLC graduates bringing their skills to the world of manufacturing.
Read Kyle's story
Riley Pemstein
Transfer student
“Transferring is a challenging process, but CLC did a great job making it smooth. The fantastic academic success advisors prioritized me having my schedule right so I had the classes to transfer where I wanted to go.”
Riley took general education courses at CLC. He then transferred to University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign to study accounting. He now works as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Read Riley's story

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Talk to a CCN

Businesses

Partner with us. CLC supports businesses and nonprofit organizations in Lake County with a wide range of services.

Learn more about partnering with us

Give back to your community. With your help, the CLC Foundation helps students access learning opportunities, advances student success and strengthens our diverse Lake County communities.

Learn more about giving opportunities

Community

As a member of the Lake County community, you have many services and resources available to you.

Learn more about how CLC is for you

Why CLC?

Future Students

You are welcome here.

Learn what CLC has to offer

Why should I go to college?

Am I ready for college?

How does CLC help me afford college?

How will CLC help me be successful?

How will I balance school with life/work?

Who will teach me and where will I learn?

What's student life like at CLC?

How will CLC help me transfer or get a job?

Students share why they chose CLC

Za’Tozia Duffie

Kamden Kuklinski

Natasha Phillips

Johnnie Lovelace

Kenneth Dantes

Chad Holt

Leanne Linsky

Kyle Thorne

Riley Pemstein

Need help?

Businesses

Community