Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College

Study at one of the top community colleges in the USA!

Founded in 1949, Elgin Community College is a nationally recognized institution that offers over 130 degree and certificate options featuring dozens of transfer agreements with top four-year institutions, as well as career and technical programs to prepare students for immediate employment in rewarding careers. Our 10,000 students and more than 40,000 alumni represent a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, career interests, and goals—while sharing a strong sense of community and a commitment to success.

Why Choose Elgin Community College?

• Affordable value. Elgin Community College offers tuition at a fraction of the cost of universities.
• Full-time Intensive English Program for students that need to improve their English language proficiency.
• Great location. Located just 60 kilometers from Chicago, Illinois, the third largest city in the USA, the Chicago metropolitan region is a social, economic, financial, and educational hub and offers world-renowned opportunities and attractions for international students.
• Fast admission! No TOEFL or IELTS is required for admission. You can apply without test scores through a simple and quick admissions process. We will mail your I-20 to you within 1-2 business days of receiving your full application materials.

Academics

Elgin Community College offers an academic experience that is engaging, challenging, and focused on the real world. Classes are small here. Your instructors care not only about your academic success but also about who you are. ECC offers the following degrees in over 100 academic programs:

• University Transfer (2+2) Program
• Associate in Arts
• Associate in Engineering Science
• Associate in Fine Arts
• Associate in Liberal Studies
• Associate in Science
• Associate of Applied Science
• Vocational Specialist Certificate
• Basic Vocational Specialist Certificate
• Intensive English Program

Our most popular majors include the following:

• Accounting
• Art
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts and Hospitality
• Education
• Engineering
• English
• Graphic Design
• Health Sciences/ Health Professions
• Humanities
• Liberal Arts
• Management
• Music
• Pre-Law
• Pre-Med/Pre-Nursing
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Theatre
• Welding

Top Transfer Universities

2 YEARS AT ECC + 2 YEARS AT A UNIVERSITY = 4-YEAR BACHELOR'S DEGREE

Elgin Community College offers university transfer pathways to top universities, including Guaranteed Transfer Admission (GTA) program to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering for students who meet specific criteria. With Elgin Community College's 2+2 University Transfer program, degrees transfer seamlessly to top four-year universities, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois-Chicago, Arizona State University, DePaul University, and many more!

Housing

ECC's International Student Homestay Program provides a unique opportunity for full-time international students on an F-1 visa to reside in an American home as a member of the family. Students have the opportunity to participate in American life and customs, improve their English, and engage in activities in the community.

Apartments are also available for rent near campus.

Applying to ECC

No TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT/ACT is required for admission to ECC. Students who need to improve their English language proficiency can enroll in the Intensive English Program. Students who are English proficient are eligible for placement testing for college-level, academic courses.

Applications can be submitted online. Students wishing to enter ECC as an international student on an F-1 visa must submit the following documents:

• International Student Application
• International Student Financial Agreement
• Non-refundable $50 Processing Fee (payable to Elgin Community College)
• Evidence of Financial Support/Bank statement showing available funds of $19,650 for first-year expenses at ECC, exclusive of travel expenses.
• Affidavit of Sponsorship
• Submission of high school/secondary transcript showing completion of at least 11 years of secondary education (equivalent to junior-level standing in high school).
• Age 17 years or older by the intended start date at ECC.
• Photocopy of Passport
• Transfer Release Form (if applicable)
• Age 17 years or older by the intended start date at ECC.

The following items are optional and highly recommended:

• English Language Proficiency. Students who believe they satisfy the English language proficiency can submit proof of such proficiency. See our website for more information.
• Certified Transcripts from All Postsecondary Institutions. Students who completed post-secondary courses (university, college, etc.) are strongly encouraged to submit official, English-translated copies of transcripts.

Estimated Cost per Academic Year

The above expenses are a minimum estimate for one academic year (fall and spring semesters only). Scholarships are available, but they are limited and competitive.

Contact Us

Elgin Community College
Center for International Education and Programs
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL 60123 USA
+1-847-214-7809