District 509

Community College District 509 is one of 39 Illinois Community College System community college districts.

District 509 Map

Communities We Serve

District 509 covers approximately 360 square miles and includes rural and urban municipalities.

Anyone resident of public school districts U-46, 300, 301, or 303 is a resident of District 509.

District 509 Residency

Tuition rates are based on the student residency procedure 4.102.

In-District Resident

1. The following provisions apply to both state and district residency definitions:
   • A student must have lived in the district for at least 30 days before the district-established class start date. View District 509 map.
   • Students in the district who don't meet the 30-day residency requirement cannot become residents by attending classes for 30 days. Simply attending classes for 30 days or more does not establish residency.
   • Students who move outside the district for reasons other than attending the community college may be exempt from the 30-day requirement. They must provide documentation showing a verifiable interest in establishing permanent residency.
2. Individuals outside District 509 may be considered in-district students for ECC courses if employed 35+ hours weekly in the district.
   • Download the in-district employer verification form - PDF
3. Students who are military personnel stationed and present in the district in connection with their military service.
4. Students enrolled through a joint agreement program with ECC and another college.

Out-of-District Resident

Any person whose permanent residence lies outside District 509 but within the state of Illinois. View tuition rates.

Out-of-State & International Resident

Any person whose residence lies outside the state of Illinois, including all international students enrolling under an F-1 student visa. For more details, please refer to the College Catalog. 

Verification of In-District Residency

You must establish the residency at least 30 days before the start of the semester. Acceptable documentation of residency may be emailed to registration@elgin.edu and includes:

1. A driver's license or state-issued identification card or U.S. or international government-issued identification card, an in-district address dated at least 30 days before the start of the semester or;
2. Provide at least two of the following: signed lease, utility bill, tax bill in the student’s name, or voter’s registration card.
3. Students who qualify as in-district residents by working 35 hours or more per week must provide documentation. This can include a letter from the employer, a recent pay stub, or forms available in the Registration Department.
4. Students utilizing benefits under the federal Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or any subsequent variation of that Act (per Public Act 098-0306) must provide a DD214 form or an eligibility letter.
5. Students who qualify must provide the required documentation per that agreement.