Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Prairie State College

Chicago Heights, IL

Total Enrollment

3,045

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

73 programs

Full-Time Students

893

2,152 part-time

Total FTE

2,222

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

11:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

404

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

729

Total Recent Graduates

Prairie State College serves 3,045 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 73 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 893 (29.3%)

29.3%

Part-Time Students 2,152 (70.7%)

70.7%

Total Students 3,045

Majority part-time students (70.7%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (29.3%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

60.2%

1,833 students

Men

39.8%

1,212 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

Black/African American

49.6%

1,509 students

Black/African American

49.6% (1,509)

Hispanic/Latino

25.4% (773)

White

13.0% (396)

Two or More Races

3.8% (115)

International Students

1.6% (49)

Asian

0.9% (26)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.4% (11)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.2% (6)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (60%) across 3,045 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Black/African American students make up 50% of the student body (1,509 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 60% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

3,045 students

40% Men, 60% Women

893 Full-time 2,152 Part-time

Diversity Index: 67% • Minority Students: 76%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

893

All full-time students

375 men, 518 women

Diversity: 69%

FT Undergraduate

893

Full-time undergraduate

375 men, 518 women

Diversity: 69%

FT Degree-Seeking

861

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

356 men, 505 women

Diversity: 68%

FT First-Time

212

Full-time first-time students

101 men, 111 women

Diversity: 68%

FT Continuing

649

Full-time continuing students

255 men, 394 women

Diversity: 68%

FT Transfer

Full-time transfer students

35 men, 55 women

Diversity: 61%

FT Continuing

559

Full-time other continuing

220 men, 339 women

Diversity: 69%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

19 men, 13 women

Diversity: 73%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,152

All part-time students

837 men, 1,315 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Undergraduate

2,152

Part-time undergraduate

837 men, 1,315 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,587

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

602 men, 985 women

Diversity: 61%

PT First-Time

268

Part-time first-time students

123 men, 145 women

Diversity: 63%

PT Continuing

1,319

Part-time continuing students

479 men, 840 women

Diversity: 61%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

18 men, 55 women

Diversity: 62%

PT Continuing

1,246

Part-time other continuing

461 men, 785 women

Diversity: 61%

PT Non-Degree

565

Part-time non-degree seeking

235 men, 330 women

Diversity: 72%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

396

White

1,509

Black/African American

773

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 67% Minority Students: 76%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Prairie State College

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Prairie State College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 3,045 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 2,222 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.

• Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (11:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.

• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

7087093500

Address

202 South Halsted Street

Chicago Heights, IL 60411-8226

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials