Register for Classes

Get Ready to Register for Your Next Semester at ECC

Registration at Elgin Community College (ECC) opens in April for summer and fall semesters and in November for the spring semester.

Secure your schedule by registering early—popular classes fill up fast! Early registration ensures you get the courses, times, and instructors that best fit your academic and personal goals.

Before You Register

Here's how to make your registration process go smoothly.

1. Determine which classes you need to take. You can meet with an academic advisor to review the options or view the course catalog.
2. Make sure you've met your prerequisites. If you haven't, you may be placed into the course by taking a placement test.
3. Clear all outstanding financial obligations. You can't register if you have a past-due balance.
4. Check important registration dates to ensure you don't miss the period. 

How to Register for Class

Registration opens the second week after Spring Break for Summer and Fall registration, and the first week in November for Spring registration. You have two options for registration:

• Online at the accessECC Portal. (see login instructions for help).
• In-person at the Registration Office, Building B, Room B105.

Waitlist Procedures

If the class you want is full, you can join a waitlist in case a spot becomes available. Here’s how it works:

• Join the waitlist: Add yourself to the waitlist for the full class.
• Watch for updates: If a seat becomes available, you’ll be notified through your ECC student email. You can also check your status in the accessECC portal. Need help? View the login instructions.
• While waiting: You’re not officially enrolled, so you don’t pay tuition or fees and can’t attend the class yet.
• After the payment deadline: The waitlist will close if no spots open by the day after the semester’s payment due date. You’ll need to register for a different class or check again later to see if space becomes available.

After Registration

• You must make payment arrangements by the published due dates to keep your classes.
• You can pay your tuition in full or enroll in our online payment plan.
• If you want to change your class schedule after registering, visit the accessECC portal or the Registration Office.
• Be sure to check the refund dates and the last date to withdraw.

For more details, see Schedule Changes and Course Withdrawals. Please use our chat system or email registration@elgin.edu for assistance with registration questions, and we will be happy to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions by browsing our FAQ. Search admissions FAQ.