College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, IL

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Quick Facts

15,185

Total Students

$4K

Tuition (In-State)

$13K

Tuition (Out-State)

$6K

Avg Net Price

Associate's Colleges

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About College of DuPage

College of DuPage: Building Futures from Historic Foundations to Modern Innovation.

College of DuPage stands as a testament to community-driven education, blossoming from its founding in 1967 after the Illinois General Assembly adopted the Public Community College Act. What began in office trailers and leased sites across District 502 quickly transformed into a robust institution, symbolizing its journey with the chaparral mascot, representing resilience and adaptability. Its Glen Ellyn campus, acquired in 1968, serves as the heart of an expanding network of regional centers, reflecting a deep commitment to accessibility and student success across DuPage County.

The college is renowned for its impressive growth, fueled by voter-approved bond referendums that have enabled the creation of cutting-edge facilities. Prospective students and families will find a diverse academic landscape spanning health sciences, robust technical education programs (including Automotive Technology, HVAC, Architecture, Horticulture, and Interior Design), criminal justice, fire science, and a distinguished Culinary & Hospitality Center complete with student-run restaurants and a boutique hotel. This practical, hands-on learning approach, housed in modern, often LEED-certified buildings, prepares students for real-world careers.

The student experience at College of DuPage is designed for comprehensive support and enrichment. With a "one-stop-shop" Student Services Center, expanded student commons, and vibrant cultural hubs like the McAninch Arts Center and the WDCB public radio station, students have ample opportunities for academic assistance and personal growth. The college's evolution, including its conversion to a semester system, underscores its dedication to providing a contemporary and effective learning environment, fostering both academic excellence and a strong sense of community.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1967, rapidly growing from temporary leased sites to a comprehensive multi-campus institution.
✦Major campus renovations and expansions funded by a $183-million bond referendum approved by voters in 2002.
✦Features state-of-the-art facilities, including the 178,000 square foot Technical Education Center, awarded LEED Silver certification.
✦The Culinary & Hospitality Center includes professional kitchens, bakeries, two public gourmet restaurants (one seating 150), and a six-room boutique hotel run by students.
✦Houses critical community resources like the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy and the college's police department within its Homeland Security Education Center.
✦Converted from a quarter system to a semester system in Fall 2005 to enhance academic structure.
✦Offers a modern "one-stop-shop" Student Services Center, consolidating administrative functions for student convenience.

Timeline

1965

Illinois General Assembly adopted the Public Community College Act.

1967

College of DuPage opened on September 25, with classes held in leased suburban sites.

1968

The Glen Ellyn campus location was acquired.

1973

The Berg Instructional Center, the college's first permanent building, opened.

1977

WDCB, a public radio station owned by the college, was founded.

1986

The McAninch Arts Center was built.

2002

Voters approved a $183-million bond referendum for campus renovations and rebuilding.

2005

College of DuPage converted from a quarter system to a semester system.

2011

Key projects completed: Student Services Center, Culinary and Hospitality Center, and Phase one of the Homeland Security Education Center.

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