Fall 2026 Lake County Mailer

Cost-effective college Ah, the sounds of students laughing on a college campus in the fall...

You know who’s not laughing? People struggling under the weight of

Cost per year Annual tuition and fees for full-time, in-district students at Illinois colleges

college debt and limited job opportunities.You may not have to take on the full burden of paying for college. Financial aid is available for

CLC

fall classes, including grants, federal aid and scholarships.

Public 4-year

$4,494 $13,524

CLC recently received an historic $6 million gift to expand scholarships and provide additional support to help students stay on track and complete their goals.

66% less than 4-year Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2023-2024 Tuition & Fees Rate Average.

And because CLC is a community college, your tuition is significantly lower than most Illinois public universities, often saving you thousands on the same transferable credits.

Scan here to learn more about paying for college

New career paths offered this fall Along with two- and four-year degrees, short-term certificates are available to get you into a career faster. Many can also be stacked toward a degree, letting you advance your education and career at your pace.

CLC keeps course offerings up-to-date based on local workforce needs, including new programs and credentials.

New credentials include: Biotechnology Associate in Applied Science Enter the growing field of biotechnology as a lab technician Enrolled Agent Certificate Prepare tax returns, advise clients and respond to IRS notices requiring action Cloud Computing Certificate Manage and secure internet-based server, storage, database, networking and software systems Multimedia Storytelling Certificate Use text, images, graphics, audio, video and interactive platforms to tell stories Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Workforce Preparation Certificate Provide comprehensive support to people and communities struggling with substance use disorders

Take classes to transfer Thinking about going to a four-year school but wanting to save some money first?

You can take courses at CLC for transfer.

Not only is tuition lower, but CLC has guaranteed transfer agreements with more than 30 schools for students who meet the criteria, so you don’t have to worry about credits not transferring.

“CLC gives you the opportunity to capitalize on having more time, and you can put more on your resume before transferring. It gives you extra time to prove yourself.”

- Eric Polanski, CLC alum who transferred to Northwestern University, proud Class of 2026 computer science graduate

On average, students save $33,000 in tuition and fees by enrolling at CLC for two years before transferring to an Illinois public university to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Source: 2025 CLC Community Impact Report

Scan here for more information about transferring

Your schedule on your time Not everyone is able to take classes during the day, or even on campus. Flexible scheduling allows you to take classes when and where it’s convenient for you, so you don’t have to sacrifice the commitments you already have.

Free Adult Ed and ESL courses Sometimes the first hurdle to college is getting your high school diploma. CLC is here to help you succeed, no matter where you need to start. Free adult education classes help prepare you for your Illinois high school diploma. ESL courses are also available for no cost.

Placement tests started June 29 for classes beginning Aug. 17.

Photos and videos are periodically taken of individuals participating in College of Lake County programs and activities. All persons registering for College of Lake County programs/activities or using the College of Lake County property thereby agree that any photo or video taken by the College of Lake County may be used by the college for promotional videos, brochures, fliers and other publications without additional prior notice or permission and without compensation to the participant.

Urban Farm Center Grand Opening Oct. 17 Construction on the Urban Farm Center in downtown Waukegan is in the final stages. The college will be hosting a grand opening event this fall to celebrate the newest addition to the Lakeshore Campus. Watch for more information.

Did You Know?

FAFSA, in about 30 minutes.

It could unlock thousands of dollars to help pay for college.

Many CLC students get free tuition through grants and scholarships by filling You can complete your free financial aid application, aka

out this application. Even part-time and adult students may qualify for financial aid!

ECRWSS

19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030-1198 CLC Classes (USPS 014-085) is published by the College of Lake County monthly except February, April, June, September, October and December. Periodicals postage paid at Grayslake, IL with additional entries.

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to CLC Classes, College of Lake County 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030-1198

July 2026—Volume 32, No. 1

CLC makes an impact on local economy CLC graduates with an associate degree make $393,000 more over their working life than those with only high school diplomas.

The college’s alumni generated $682.2 million in added income for the county.

Benefits also go to the taxpayer, with every dollar invested in CLC adding $1.50 in tax revenue and public sector savings over the course of the students’ working lives.

According to The Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois report on the 2023-24 fiscal year, one out of every 57 jobs in Lake County is supported by the college and our graduates.

Learn more about CLC’s impact in Lake County

Take the first step toward your future When the crisp fall air starts rolling in, you know it’s that back-to-school season. There’s no better time to invest in yourself. Build the future you want at College of Lake County.

Whether you’re continuing college, just getting started or coming back after a break, CLC is here for you and whatever your goals may be. Fall semester starts Aug. 17.

Questions?

Call (847) 543-2085 Email ccn.onboarding@clcillinois.edu Or scan the QR code to complete the request for information form, and we’ll connect with you within 24 hours.

Future student information line: (847) 543-2085

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Visit www.clcillinois.edu/class-search for the most up-to-date classes available.

CLC is committed to maintaining an environment free from harassment and discrimination for everyone and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status. Responsibility for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries has been delegated to the Title IX and Compliance Coordinator, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 543-2464.

GRAYSLAKE CAMPUS 19351 W. Washington St.

WAUKEGAN CAMPUS (LAKESHORE) 34 N. Sheridan Rd.

VERNON HILLS CAMPUS (SOUTHLAKE) 1120 S. Milwaukee Ave.

GURNEE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER 7735 Grand Ave.

PRAIRIE RESTAURANT AT BRAE LOCH 33600 N. U.S. Highway 45, Grayslake

Allena Barbato, J.D., L.M.F.T., Chair William M. Griffin, Ed.D., Vice Chair Celeste Flores, B.A., Secretary Dawn Abernathy, M.A.T. Janet Gibson, M.D.S. H.P. Amanda D. Howland, M.A., M.S., J.D. Paul G.Virgilio, B.S., S.E., P.E. Allison Bolisay, Student Trustee Kristen Jones, Ed.D., Interim President