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Applying is easy–no deadline or application fee

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Your future matters and Elgin Community College is here to help you make it bright! Whether returning to college, starting just after high school, or adding new degrees and certifications to your resume, you’ll enjoy small class sizes with supportive faculty and staff and affordable tuition. Our campus community is welcoming and inclusive and offers online and in-person activities, high-quality programs of study, advising, tutoring, and career development areas to support your success.

Applying to ECC is easy, with no deadline or application fee. After you apply, we will process your application and email you your student ID and your next steps to complete the enrollment process. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Select Your Student Profile


See your personalized application steps by selecting the category that best applies to you below.

New College Student

I have never attended college before.

Returning/Transfer Student

I have attended ECC or another university or am a summer-only student.

College While in High School Student

I want to earn college credit while in high school.

Health Professions Student

I am interested in studying health professions.

Summer Only Student

I attend a University and want to attend ECC in the summer.

International Student

I am a non-U.S. citizen interested in attending ECC full-time on an F-1 visa.

Continuing Education Student

I want to take a class for personal enrichment, professional development, or corporate training.

Illinois High School Diploma (GED) Student

I want to enroll in preparatory classes for the GED® and HiSET® exams.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Student

I want to gain English language fluency.

Why ECC?

Affordable Education: You save substantially from a four-year school at $132 per credit hour and still get an outstanding education that expands your opportunities and earning power.

Financial Aid Options: We provide numerous options to make an ECC education more affordable. Scholarships are available whether you are just beginning your studies or are near graduation. Whether you are from high school or an adult learner, we have financial aid options!

Academic Excellence: Each of our more than 130 degree and certificate programs is rigorous, challenging, and focused on the real world. Classes are small here. Your instructors care about your academic success but also about who you are.

Career Development: Internship and apprenticeship programs combine classroom knowledge with on-the-job learning adding valuable work experience to your resume. Still searching for the right career path? Our Career Development Services can help.

Transfer Easily: Our transfer plans enable you to start at ECC and transfer smoothly to a bachelor’s degree. ECC's credit courses have transferred to 1,100+ colleges and universities nationwide.

Online Degrees and Certificates

We offer online options to give you the flexibility to work towards your educational goals while maintaining your busy lifestyle.

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