Wilbur Wright College: Courses, Fees And Rankings 2025

Looking for a community college with deep roots in Chicago? Wilbur Wright College has been around since 1934. The place gets its name from Wilbur Wright (one of the airplane guys). Students go there for a couple of reasons: it is affordable, so it won’t empty your bank account, and it prepares you for real jobs or helps you jump over to a four-year university as well. Every year, many students walk through those doors, chasing after associate degrees or some certificates to level up their careers.

Wilbur Wright College Rankings 2025

Wilbur Wright College has gained recognition for academic affordability, student outcomes, and workforce readiness. While community colleges aren't always ranked alongside major universities, the institution is often praised for:

High transfer rates to top Illinois universities
Strong career training programs
Consistent student satisfaction scores
A track record of producing skilled professionals across industries
#14 in Illinois among community colleges
#450 nationwide among U.S. community colleges
Listed among the top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute

Wilbur Wright College Degrees and Programs

Wilbur Wright offers associate degrees (AA, AS, AAS) and short-term certificate programs in over 30 disciplines. These include liberal arts, STEM fields, health sciences, business, and trades.

Popular Courses at Wilbur Wright College

1. Associate in Arts (AA)
2. Associate in Science (AS)
3. Cybersecurity
4. Nursing and Allied Health
5. Computer Information Systems
6. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
7. Business Administration
8. Automotive Technology
9. Data Analytics

Wilbur Wright College Admissions Process (2025 Entry)

Wilbur Wright College has an open admissions policy, meaning any student with a high school diploma or GED can apply. Wilbur Wright College's acceptance rate is high, as the college practices open enrollment with no GPA or test requirements for most applicants.

Steps to apply:

1. Complete the online application via the City Colleges of Chicago portal
2. Submit your academic transcripts (high school or previous college)
3. Take placement tests (if required)
4. Attend orientation and meet with an advisor
5. Register for classes

International students must provide English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS), visa documentation, and financial certification. No essays, letter of recommendation, or standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) are needed for most domestic applicants, making it straightforward to enrol and get started.

Wilbur Wright College Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

The college is known for its affordable tuition, especially for Chicago residents.

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Category	Estimated Annual Cost (USD)
In-District Tuition	$4,000 – $4,500
Out-of-District Tuition	$5,000 – $5,500
Out-of-State Tuition	$5,500 – $6,000
International Student Fee	$6,500+
Books & Supplies	$900 – $1,200
Living Costs (Chicago)	$12,000 – $18,000

Note: Fees may vary depending on credit hours and course load. The overall cost of living in Chicago, excluding tuition fees, typically ranges between $12,000 and $18,000 per year, depending on housing choices, lifestyle, and personal expenses.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at Wilbur Wright College

Wilbur Wright College scholarships support students with need- and merit-based financial aid. Students have access to multiple financial aid options:

FAFSA: Pell Grants and Federal Loans
Chicago Star Scholarship: For CPS students with a 3.0+ GPA
Work-Study Programs: Part-time campus jobs
Merit-Based Scholarships
Foundation & Donor-Supported Awards
Amberscholar

It’s advised to apply for FAFSA early to maximise aid eligibility.

Campus Life at Wilbur Wright College

Campus life is community-driven and diverse. Students at the college have many opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom. The Student Government Association (SGA) gives students a voice in campus decisions and helps build leadership skills. A variety of clubs and organisations, including the STEM Club, LatinX Club, and Black Student Union, provide spaces for community, collaboration, and cultural engagement. Career fairs and academic workshops connect students with employers and resources to support their professional growth, while the fitness centre and recreation events encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. In addition, volunteer opportunities and leadership programs allow students to develop valuable skills while giving back to their communities.

Career Support and Placements at Wilbur Wright College

Wilbur Wright College offers robust career services that prepare students for employment and further study:

Resume and interview workshops
Career counselling and industry networking
Internships and co-ops via partner employers
Transfer support to 4-year colleges
Job postings through the college’s online portal

Student Experiences and Reviews

Students often talk about how approachable the professors are and how the small class sizes make it easier to feel supported. Many share positive experiences transferring smoothly to schools like UIC, UIUC, and DePaul, saying the process feels seamless. The option to take day, evening, or online classes is a big help for those juggling work or family. Students also highlight the diverse community and say the college feels welcoming and inclusive. Overall, they see it as a smart, affordable choice that prepares them well for the next step—even if it doesn’t have the feel of a big, traditional campus.

Wilbur Wright College vs Harold Washington College vs Kennedy-King College: Which Is Better?

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Feature	Wilbur Wright College	Harold Washington College	Kennedy-King College
Location	Northwest Chicago	Downtown Chicago	South Side Chicago
Focus	STEM, Aviation, IT	Business, Liberal Arts	Culinary, Health
Transfer Support	Strong	Strong	Moderate
Campus Facilities	Modern, Tech-Heavy	Urban & Compact	Culinary Labs, Studio
Best For	Technical Careers, Transfers	City-based careers, Internships	Culinary Arts, Allied Health
Fees	About $4,000–$5,000 per year in-district; higher for out-of-district and specialised programs	About $4,000–$5,000 per year in-district; higher for out-of-district and specialised programs	About $4,000–$5,000 per year in-district; higher for out-of-district and specialised programs

Each college caters to different goals. Wilbur Wright is ideal for students interested in science, IT, or transferring to a 4-year program.

Wilbur Wright College Notable Alumni

Some distinguished alumni include:
1. Michael Noland – Illinois State Senator
2. Héctor Elizondo – Award-winning Actor (attended early in his career)
3. Luis Gutierrez – Former U.S. Congressman
4. Angela Clay – Community leader and Chicago City Council member

Off-Campus Housing near Wilbur Wright College

While there are on-campus student housing options available, students usually opt for off-campus student apartments in Chicago 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 your student housing in Chicago at the best price with utmost ease. A few of the best apartments in Chicago, Illinois, near Wilbur Wright College, are mentioned below:

1. 6156 S Kenwood Ave

2. East Park Tower

3. Algonquin Apartments

4. Vue 53

5. Maple Court