How does CLC help me to afford college?





Attend a good school for less money

You can save $33,000 in tuition and fees on average when you enroll at CLC for two years before transferring to an Illinois public university to complete your bachelor’s degree.

You learn the same material studied at four-year schools without the overcrowded lecture halls. Here, class sizes are small—about 16 students. You're not a number at CLC. We know you by name and give personal attention and feedback.

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Graduate with low to no student debt

It’s true! At CLC, you can earn a degree or certificate without taking on big debt. In fact, 1 in 4 students were awarded more than $21 million in all forms of financial aid, including scholarships.

Learn more about paying for college

Ways to pay for college

Here’s some of the great ways you could pay for your college expenses.

Capitalize on cost-effective resources

As a CLC student, you automatically gain access to a variety of low-cost and free materials to support your educational journey:

  • Personal tech
  • Free or affordable textbooks
  • Payment plans

Find the support you need to get started efficiently. Progress through your program and graduate faster.

What students say about CLC


  • 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
  • Izzy Reyes

    Izzy Reyes

    Graduate

    "If I hadn't taken advantage of the Career & Job Placement Center resources, I don't think I would be where I am today. I wouldn't have found that internship. I wouldn't have gained that experience."

    Izzy studied graphic design at CLC. She used Career & Job Placement Center (CJPC) services to chart a new career path.

    Learn how CJPC helps you get a job

    Izzy Reyes
  • Leith Hoffman

    Leith Hoffman

    Warren Township High School student

    Dual credit "sounded like a great thing because it's free and I don't have to pay for the college courses, so it made sense to take."

    Leith completed three dual credit classes at his high school.

    Explore early college credit options

    Leith Hoffman
  • 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 Riley Pemstein

    Riley Pemstein

    Transfer student

    “If you take advantage of what CLC provides, it'll really benefit you in the future. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t pursue that internship.”

    Riley took general education courses at CLC. He then transferred to University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign. The internship he got through CLC led him to study accounting and earn his CPA license. He now works as a tax accountant.

    Read Riley's story

    Photo of Riley Pemstein
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Why should you choose CLC...

Why should I go to college?

The choice to attend college is a big one. What to study, where to go and—wait—is it even worth it?

Why go to college

Am I ready for college?

It’s common to have doubts about going to college. The good news is you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Just take it one step at a time at CLC.

Prepare me

How will CLC help me to be successful?

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

Help me succeed

How will I balance school with work/life?

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

Balance my life
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