City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College vs Rend Lake College

City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College and Rend Lake College, two distinct institutions with unique offerings, stand ready to shape your educational journey. Olive-Harvey, nestled in the vibrant city of Chicago, boasts an open admissions policy, welcoming all aspiring students with open arms. Rend Lake, on the other hand, located in the serene surroundings of Ina, Illinois, maintains a selective admissions process, ensuring a focused learning environment. While both institutions offer a diverse range of programs, Olive-Harvey excels in culinary arts and hospitality management, while Rend Lake shines in agriculture and natural resources. Explore the detailed comparison table to uncover further distinctions in acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal goals.

	City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College	Rend Lake College
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Ina, Illinois
Campus setting	City: Large	Rural: Distant
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	54.0%	66.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,978 Out of state: $25,888	In state: $22,888 Out of state: $23,638
Average net price	$5,670	$9,518
Tuition	In state: $11,520 Out of state: $14,430	In state: $5,250 Out of state: $6,000
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	87.0% Average amount $5,686	87.0% Average amount $4,820
Students receiving federal student loan	1.0% Average amount $3,545	0.0% Average amount $0
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	2.0% Average amount $7,036

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,831 Men 35.1% Women 64.9%	2,002 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	0.0%	0.0%
International students	0.6%	N/A
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Rural: Distant
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois	Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Transportation and Logistics Business Multidisciplinary Studies Family and Consumer Sciences	Liberal Arts Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies Automotive Technology Agriculture
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	16.3%	59.3%
Dropout rate	57.8%	27.8%
Transferred out	18.7%	9.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Ground Transportation (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $21,132 Year 2: $20,140 Year 3: $27,189 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $23,199 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $24,892 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $53,704 Year 2: $53,108 Year 3: $52,735 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $41,937 Year 3: $42,238 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $13,702 Year 3: $21,461 Culinary Arts and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $20,140 Year 3: N/A Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $16,663 Year 3: N/A Health and Medical Administrative Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $20,140 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and accessibility between Olive-Harvey College and Rend Lake College?

Olive-Harvey College is located in Chicago, Illinois, making it easily accessible for residents of the city and surrounding areas via public transportation. Rend Lake College is situated in Ina, Illinois, in a more rural setting. Accessibility primarily relies on personal vehicles, though the college may offer some transportation options for students in the local area.
How do the tuition and fees compare at Olive-Harvey College and Rend Lake College?

Generally, both colleges offer relatively affordable tuition rates, especially compared to four-year universities. However, specific tuition and fee structures can vary. It's recommended to check the official websites of both Olive-Harvey College and Rend Lake College for the most up-to-date and detailed information on tuition, fees, and potential financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants.
What academic programs are offered at Olive-Harvey College versus Rend Lake College?

Both colleges offer a range of associate degrees and certificate programs. Olive-Harvey College, being part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, often has programs geared towards local workforce needs and transfer pathways to four-year universities within the Chicago area. Rend Lake College provides programs that cater to the needs of its more rural service area, with a focus on career and technical education, as well as transfer programs.
What is the student population like at Olive-Harvey College and Rend Lake College?

Olive-Harvey College serves a diverse student population reflecting the demographics of Chicago. Rend Lake College typically has a smaller student body, drawing primarily from the surrounding communities in Southern Illinois. This can influence the campus environment and the availability of student support services.
How do the campus environments and student life experiences differ between the two colleges?

Olive-Harvey College, located in a major city, offers a more urban campus experience with access to a wider range of cultural and social activities. Rend Lake College provides a more close-knit campus environment, often with a focus on outdoor activities and community engagement. The availability of on-campus housing is more common at Rend Lake College than at Olive-Harvey College.
What are the options for online learning at Olive-Harvey College and Rend Lake College?

Both colleges offer online courses and programs. The availability and specific offerings may vary, so it's best to consult the respective college websites for details on online degree programs, course availability, and the technologies used for online learning. Check for information on online student support services as well.
How do the transfer opportunities to four-year universities compare?

Both colleges facilitate transfer to four-year institutions. Olive-Harvey College, being part of the City Colleges of Chicago, has established transfer agreements with many universities in the Chicago area. Rend Lake College also has transfer agreements with various universities, particularly within Illinois. Students should research the specific transfer requirements of their desired four-year institutions.
What types of student support services are available at each college?

Both Olive-Harvey College and Rend Lake College offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and disability services. The specific resources and the scale of these services may differ based on the size and resources of each college. It's advisable to explore the college websites for detailed information on available support services.
Are there any specific career and technical education programs that are unique to either college?

While both colleges offer career and technical education, the specific programs offered can vary. Olive-Harvey College may have programs tailored to the needs of the Chicago job market, such as those related to healthcare, culinary arts, and transportation. Rend Lake College might have programs that align with the industries prevalent in Southern Illinois, such as agriculture, automotive technology, and skilled trades. Review the program listings on each college's website to identify programs of interest.
How can I get more information about each college?

The best way to get more information is to visit the official websites of Olive-Harvey College (www.ccc.edu/colleges/olive-harvey) and Rend Lake College (www.rlc.edu). You can also contact their admissions offices directly to ask specific questions, schedule a campus visit (if possible), and learn about upcoming events.

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