Oakton College

Oakton College, a vibrant public community college, has been a cornerstone of accessible higher education in Illinois since its founding in 1969. Originally known as Oakton Community College, it recently embraced a new identity in 2023, reflecting its evolving mission and comprehensive offerings. The college's journey began modestly in former industrial buildings before expanding to its impressive Des Plaines and Skokie campuses in 1980, with the Skokie campus famously housed in an iconic art deco building that served as a backdrop for classic films and educated two Nobel laureates.

Today, Oakton's main Des Plaines campus stands as a testament to modern education, sprawling across 147 acres of picturesque woodlands and prairie. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including a 435,000 square-foot main building, are home to a diverse array of academic programs. Prospective students will find robust offerings in health and sciences, highlighted by the advanced Margaret Burke Lee Science and Health Careers Center, a significant $39 million expansion opened in 2015. The campus also features specialized labs for Automotive Technology, a dedicated Business Institute, and numerous computer classrooms, fostering both practical skills and academic excellence.

Beyond academics, Oakton College cultivates a rich student experience for its approximately 10,000 students at the Des Plaines campus. The college boasts a Performing Arts Center, a Child Care Center, and excellent recreational facilities including a gym and fitness center. Its commitment to the arts is further exemplified by the William A. Koehnline Museum of Art, which hosts unique collections. With a focus on modern learning environments, community engagement, and a forward-thinking approach, Oakton College prepares students for successful futures in a supportive and innovative setting.