LLC Fares Well in WalletHub Study

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Published on October 12 2018 10:38 am
Last Updated on October 12 2018 10:38 am

Lake Land College has been ranked the fourth best community college in the state of Illinois according to a recent independent study by the financial website WalletHub. The study examined 17 key factors, ranging from cost and finances to educational and career outcomes.

The ranking, published August 20, compares 715 community colleges from across the country, and 40 community colleges in Illinois.

Lake Land College also ranks 20th nationally in the same study for educational outcomes. Metrics used when comparing educational outcomes include first-year retention rate, graduation rate, transfer-out rate, credentials (degrees and certificates) awarded per 100 full-time equivalency students, share of full-time faculty, and student-faculty ratio.

Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said Lake Land College’s standard of excellence is reflected in the college’s ranking.

“The findings demonstrate the commitment of our board, faculty and staff to offer a quality academic environment that provides a local pathway for students to reach their career goals and seek gainful employment,” Bullock said. “We offer this opportunity to students at a price point that allows them to begin a future on solid financial footing. We are pleased to receive this endorsement from WalletHub, an organization that promotes financial literacy.”

At about $4,000 per year, Lake Land College’s tuition and fees are among the lowest in the state. Students who begin a bachelor’s degree at Lake Land College will save about $40,000 in room and board, tuition and fees compared to a state university. Plus, students do not have to pay for books with the college’s textbook rental program. These savings significantly reduce the potential for crippling student loan debt upon graduation. Students who complete a Workforce Ready program gain valuable hands-on training and workforce connections that open doors for employment upon graduation.

This affordability and academic quality are the top reasons students choose to begin their educational journey at Lake Land College, according to the Spring 2018 Novel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory Survey. The same study indicated Lake Land College was the first choice of more than 80 percent of its students.

Throughout the district, high school graduates also put Lake Land College at the top. Of those students attending college, students choose Lake Land over other higher education options by a margin of 10:1.

According to WalletHub, the information and data included in the ranking was gathered from the National Center for Educational Statistics, US News, U.S. Department of Education, Council for Community & Economic Research, and College Measures. To view the WalletHub ranking, visit wallethub.com.