College of DuPage: Courses, Fees and Rankings 2025

Looking for an affordable, high-quality college experience near Chicago? College of DuPage offers a wide range of programs, flexible pathways for careers or transfer to four-year universities, and strong student support. In this guide, we’ll break down programs, costs, admissions, and rankings for 2025 to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

About the College of DuPage

College of DuPage (COD) is a public community college based in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, just outside Chicago. With over 20,000 students, it’s one of the largest undergrad institutions in the state. COD offers a wide mix of transfer degrees, career-focused programs, certificates, and continuing education courses. Whether you're planning to move on to a four-year university or step directly into the workforce, COD offers an affordable, high-quality place to start.

Why Choose College of DuPage?

• Affordable tuition—especially for in-district students
• Open admission—no SAT or ACT required
• Strong transfer options to schools like UIUC, UIC, NIU, and more
• Specialized career programs in nursing, architecture, hospitality, EMT, HVAC, and more
• Hands-on learning through labs, internships, and student-run operations (like restaurants and radio)

COD strikes a rare balance: it’s practical, affordable, and academically solid, without the pressure or price tag of a four-year university.

College of DuPage Rankings

So, COD doesn’t exactly show up on those fancy national university lists, but in Illinois? Yeah, it’s always near the top for community colleges. People rave about the place—good academics, chill campus (like, you actually feel safe walking around), and tons of support if you need it. If you’re into architecture, culinary, business, or health sciences, it’s basically a goldmine.

College of DuPage Degrees and Programs

COD offers over 170 programs across arts, sciences, health, engineering, tech, and trades. Students can choose from associate degrees, pre-transfer pathways, and short-term certificates.

COD also offers online courses, hybrid formats, and flexible scheduling for working students.

College of DuPage Admissions 2025

The admissions process is straightforward. COD is an open-admission college and accepts most applicants.

Application type: Online

Application fee: $20

SAT/ACT: Not required

Deadline: Rolling admission—apply any time (but earlier = more course options)

Documents: high school diploma or GED. International students need to show English proficiency scores (like TOEFL or IELTS).

Acceptance Rate & GPA Requirements

• Acceptance Rate: Almost 100% for most programs.

• Minimum GPA: 2.0 is recommended

Competitive programs (like nursing or dental hygiene) have their own application steps and higher GPA cut points.

This is an opportunity for students to realize COD is a sustainable option for students who have had an academic reset, or if students have no path.

College of DuPage Fees & Cost of Living

Here’s a breakdown of costs for the 2024–2025 academic year:

College of DePaul Scholarships and Financial Assistance

COD offers a solid mix of grants and scholarships to help students pay for college without sinking into debt.

Presidential Scholars also get Honors Program placement and automatic Phi Theta Kappa membership. These awards require maintaining a GPA of ~3.5 and enrolling full-time.

Student Life in Glen Ellyn

Your time at COD consists of more than just textbooks and classes—the college and surrounding community have many ways in which to stay connected and stay involved. It is located in one of best places to live in Illinois and proves to have a student-friendly and safe campus.

• Clubs and organizations: 60+ student organizations ranging from culturally based organizations to debate, theater, student government, and gaming. 

• Campus media: Student newspaper, student literary journal, and working FM radio station. 

• Athletics: COD has athletics in the NJCAA Division III ranks. Popular sports are football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. The college has national championships in football. 

• Arts and events: There are gallery exhibitions, concerts, open mics, and food festivals throughout the academic year. 

• Support services: Academic advising, mental health counselling, career services, and transfer advising. 

Glen Ellyn is a quiet, suburban location that is safe— a great atmosphere for the student who wants to focus on their studies while having a little fun- and Chicago is still less than an hour away.

College of DuPage Notable Alumni

COD’s alumni network spans media, sports, politics, and education—proof that community college can take you far.

College of DuPage vs Other Universities in Illinois

Here’s how COD compares to traditional four-year universities:

If you're budget-conscious or want to explore before committing to a major, COD is a smart move.

Off-Campus Housing near the College of DuPage

While there are on-campus student housing options available, students usually opt for off-campus student apartments as they offer flexibility, comfort, and modern amenities, all while being located close to their university, promoting hassle-free travel. With amber, you can book apartments at the best price with utmost ease. A few of the best apartments in  Glen Ellyn, Illinois, near the College of DuPage, are mentioned below:

1. Algonquin Apartments, Chicago
2. Vue 53, Chicago
3. 5528 S. Cornell Avenue, Chicago
4. 4721 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago
5. Scio At The Medical District, Chicago

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