Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Prairie State College

Chicago Heights, IL

Total Enrollment

5,610

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

42

42 career programs

Full-Time Students

3,508

5,610 part-time

Total FTE

2,222

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
5,610
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 42
High diversity
~134 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Established
Well-established in vocational education
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Prairie State College operates as a large trade college with 5,610 students across 42 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 5,610 students, Prairie State College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 42 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 3,508 (38.5%)
38.5%
Part-Time Students 5,610 (61.5%)
61.5%
Total Students 9,118

Majority part-time students (61.5%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (62.5%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
60.8%
3,410 students
Men
39.2%
2,200 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Black/African American
49.4%
2,774 students
Black/African American
49.4% (2,774)
Hispanic/Latino
25.3% (1,419)
White
13.1% (737)
Two or More Races
3.7% (207)
International Students
1.5% (83)
Asian
0.9% (49)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.4% (20)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (10)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (61%) across 5,610 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Black/African American students make up 49% of the student body (2,774 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 61% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

9,118 students

40% Men, 60% Women
3,508 Full-time
Diversity Index: 68% • Minority Students: 76%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

893
All full-time students
375 men, 518 women
Diversity: 69%

FT Undergraduate

893
Full-time undergraduate
375 men, 518 women
Diversity: 69%

FT Degree-Seeking

861
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
356 men, 505 women
Diversity: 68%

FT First-Time

212
Full-time first-time students
101 men, 111 women
Diversity: 68%

FT Continuing

649
Full-time continuing students
255 men, 394 women
Diversity: 68%

Part-Time Students

All Students

3,045
All students total
1,212 men, 1,833 women
Diversity: 67%

Transfer

163
Transfer-in students
53 men, 110 women
Diversity: 62%

Continuing

1,805
Continuing students
681 men, 1,124 women
Diversity: 64%

Non-Degree

597
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
254 men, 343 women
Diversity: 72%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

1,231
White
4,430
Black/African American
2,337
Hispanic/Latino
101
Asian
247
International
Diversity Index: 68% Minority Students: 76%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Prairie State College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Prairie State College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 5,610 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (62.5%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
• Academic Intensity: 2,222 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

7087093500

Address

202 South Halsted Street

Chicago Heights, IL 60411-8226

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials