College of Lake County

Grayslake, IL

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Quick Facts

9,282

Total Students

$4K

Tuition (In-State)

$14K

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 Lake County

College of Lake County: Rooted in community, expanding minds since 1969.

Nestled in the heart of Lake County, the College of Lake County (CLC) has been a cornerstone of local education since its inception. What began with a generous land donation in 1968 blossomed into a thriving institution dedicated to empowering students. From its very first classes in 1969, welcoming 2,360 students into 224 courses, CLC quickly established itself as an accessible and vital learning hub for the region.

CLC's history is one of continuous growth and commitment to its community. What started in a cluster of six prefabricated buildings rapidly evolved, with referendums paving the way for permanent structures like the A and B wings in 1974, the Learning Resource Center in 1980, and specialized facilities such as the CLC T Wing, home to advanced technology and an automotive lab. This expansion reflects a dedication to providing state-of-the-art resources across a diverse range of academic interests.

The college experience at CLC extends beyond its Grayslake main campus, with the strategic opening of the Lakeshore campus in Waukegan and the Southlake campus in Vernon Hills. These multi-campus locations ensure that quality education remains within reach for residents across Lake County. With specialized centers like the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts and the opening of a technology campus for high school students and a university center in 2005, CLC is dedicated to fostering both artistic talent and practical skills, preparing students for diverse futures and providing pathways to further education.

Key Highlights

✦Established with first classes in September 1969, initially serving 2,360 students in 224 courses.
✦Benefited from a generous 181-acre land donation for its Grayslake campus in 1968.
✦Initial tuition fees were remarkably affordable at just $7 per semester hour in 1969.
✦Achieved its first five-year accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools by 1974.
✦Home to the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, a significant facility dedicated in 1997.
✦Operates multiple key campus locations, including Grayslake, Lakeshore in Waukegan, and Southlake in Vernon Hills.
✦Launched a technology campus for high school students and a university center in 2005, expanding educational opportunities.

Timeline

1968

A. Harold Anderson and Paul W. Brandel donated 181 acres for the Grayslake campus.

1969

First classes held on September 25 with 2,360 students; a referendum passed authorizing construction of a permanent campus.

1974

A and B wings completed on Grayslake Campus; received first five-year accreditation.

1978

Outreach center opened in Waukegan.

1980

The Learning Resource Center opened.

1981

Lakeshore campus officially opened in Waukegan.

1996

The D wing was completed and opened.

1997

The Performing Arts Building was officially dedicated (renamed James Lumber Center in 2003).

2005

A technology campus for high school students and a university center opened.

2007

A new classroom building opened at the Southlake Educational Center, designated as the Southlake campus.

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