2026 Community Impact
Impactful education in Lake County • The greatest economic impact of CLC stems from the added human capital – the knowledge, creativity, imagination, and entrepreneurship – found in its alumni, according to the 2026 Lightcast Economic Impact Study. • The accumulated impact of CLC alumni currently employed in the Lake County workforce amounts to $682.2 million in added income for the Lake County economy. • For every $1 a student invests in their education at CLC, they get back $4.70 in higher lifetime earnings. That’s equivalent to an annual financial return of 15.4% on their investment.
Strategically focused The 2030 strategic plan leverages student, faculty and employee success frameworks to enact strategies to: • Deliver high-quality, full-scale, seamless student experiences leading to success for all students. • Create strategic, integrated partnerships with community, industry and educational organizations to effect positive change for Lake County residents. • Foster a student-focused and communitycentered culture where every employee thrives.
Three campuses, three specialty centers, one college CLC’s newest specialty center: Urban Farm Center The Urban Farm Center was completed in Fall 2026, with over $15 million raised in private and public funds to support the $21.25 million project. The Urban Farm Center is a hands-on training facility that equips students and community members with skills in indoor agriculture, food safety and supply chain management. This integration expands CLC’s ability to deliver workforce training, support small business development and strengthen the regional food system. It is also a place where the community can purchase locally grown produce, learn about food production and gather in a vibrant space. Coming to Grayslake Campus in 2027: Outdoor Sports Complex
Serving the community Last year, more than 25,000 students enrolled in college programs, adult education, English as a Second Language, dual credit and workforce training.
Average student age: 25 Student ethnicity
3-year graduation rate
Latinx Black Asian Other White
25% full-time students 75% part-time students In 2025-2026, more than 3,300 graduates earned
4,800+ awarded credentials. Source: Student Attributes Dashboard, FY26
Since 1969, CLC has graduated 86,000+ students with 104,000+ degrees and certificates. • CLC ranks among the institutions with the highest Latinx student enrollment and graduation numbers, demonstrating its commitment to serving and advancing Latinx student success, according to research published by Excelencia. • 97 international students from 42 countries studied at CLC last year. • District Population: CLC serves more than 700,000 residents of Lake County.
Affordable, high-quality education 16 students per class on average 41 art, science and career-focused associate degrees
In-District Annual Tuition & Fees for Full-Time Students at Illinois Colleges
116 career certificates 7,657 course sections offered last year 1,500+ faculty and staff dedicated to student success 50+ wrap-around supports for students including tutoring, basic needs, mental and physical well-being and more holistic resources
2-year
Public 4-year
Private 4-year
33 Guaranteed Transfer Admission agreements 12 university partners at the University Center of Lake County 68 students studied abroad in 7 countries, including England, Ireland, Japan, Peru, Poland, UAE, Spain (53 students received scholarships) 9,694 Lake County high school students graduated last year, and notably, 56% applied to CLC for Fall 2026
35% of students received federal Pell grants, reducing or eliminating their educational costs with support for learning resources and living expenses. Financial, academic and emotional resources, including an estimated $26 million in financial aid, were awarded to students last year. $1.1 million in scholarships awarded by the CLC Foundation.
Sources: HLC Institutional Update Spring 2026, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2024-2025 Tuition & Fees Rate Averages, College of Lake County Budget Book, FY27
Earning college credits early • 5,693 high school students took dual credit courses in 41 academic departments at 25 high schools. • Enrollment in dual credit classes offered by CLC saved students and families over $4.8 million in college tuition last year. • Dual credit enrollment increased by 18% with a total increase of 156% students served in the last 5 years. • 29% of dual credit students became CLC students immediately after graduating high school. • 614 students were eligible to earn a college certificate before graduation from high school in Nurse Assisting, Medical Reception, Emergency Medical Technician and General Welding.
Students who get involved • 34 student clubs and organizations help students become leaders, fulfill goals, pursue passions and enjoy college life with peers. • Student athletes compete in 13 NJCAA, co-ed and club sports, including baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, volleyball, e-sports and bowling. • Students excel in fine and performing arts, showcasing skills in art, culinary, dance, graphic design, music and theater. • Students represent CLC in regional and national academic and club-related competitions as well as in advocacy efforts.
2027 Annual Budget Operating Funds Revenue: $139.7 Million $89,323,706 - Local Funding
Lake County homeowners with a home valued at $100K provide approximately $89 per year to CLC through property taxes.
$33,843,355 - Student Tuition and Fees $11,200,523 - State Funding $3,629,972 - All Other Revenue
Including interest income and building rentals
$1,700,000 - All Other Local Revenue
Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax
Mission College of Lake County is a comprehensive community college committed to equitable high-quality education, cultural enrichment and partnerships to advance the diverse communities it serves. Vision College of Lake County is a leader in providing innovative education and workforce solutions. Excellence | Purpose | Integrity | Compassion | Unity | Inclusion
Board of Trustees Allena Barbato, J.D., L.M.F.T. Chair
Trustees Emeriti
William M. Griffin, Ed.D. Vice Chair
Richard A. Anderson, J.D. William M. Griffin, Ed.D. (2021-2023) Patricia Jones, M.Ed. Torrie Mark Newsome, J.D. Barbara D. Oilschlager, M.Ed. Julie B. Shroka, M.A.
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
Grayslake Campus
Lakeshore Campus (Waukegan)
Southlake Campus (Vernon Hills)
33 N. Genesee St.
1120 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Prairie Restaurant at Brae Loch
Urban Farm Center
Advanced Technology Center
33600 N. US Highway 45, Grayslake
100 W. Madison Street, Waukegan
7735 Grand Ave., Gurnee
19351 W. Washington St.