202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411-8226, USA
Prairie State College provides students with several opportunities to participate in collegiate sports through its athletic programs. The college supports a selection of men's and women's teams that compete at the community college level, fostering both skill development and teamwork. Among these sports, students can join the men's and women's basketball teams, which are a significant part of the college's athletic offerings. Additionally, the college fields a women's volleyball team and a men's baseball team, providing a range of options for student-athletes.
These athletic programs not only offer a chance to engage in competition but also promote physical fitness and school spirit within the campus community. Students interested in athletics will find that Prairie State College encourages involvement from a variety of skill levels and backgrounds, catering to those aiming to play competitively as well as those who seek to enjoy sports as part of their college experience.
Prairie State College offers a variety of student groups and associations designed to enhance the college experience, although specific details about these organizations are not available. The institution has a total enrollment comprising 375 men and 518 women, reflecting its student demographics rather than precise participation rates in social organizations. Due to limited data, the exact nature and scope of student groups active on campus remain unspecified.
Prairie State College hosts a diverse student body with the majority of its students being in-state residents, accounting for 93% of the population, a figure that ranks in the top 20% nationally for in-state enrollment. Out-of-state students represent a much smaller proportion, at just 4%, placing this percentage in the bottom 20% when compared to other institutions.
The college enrolls an average-sized cohort each year, with about 480 freshmen and 163 transfer students, totaling 643 new students annually. This overall freshman and transfer enrollment intensity falls into the bottom 40% nationally, indicating a more modest flow of incoming students compared to many other colleges.
The age distribution among undergraduates is broad, showing that traditional college-age students (18 to 21 years old) form a significant portion, but there is also a noteworthy number of older students, including those aged 25 and above-with hundreds of learners balancing education alongside other life commitments. Graduate student age data is not available, suggesting that these programs may be limited or not the focus at Prairie State College.
Regarding ethnic composition, African American students comprise the largest group, numbering 1,314, a high concentration that ranks Prairie State College in the top 25% nationally for this demographic. Hispanic students make up a sizeable minority with 554 individuals, though this is comparatively lower than many peer institutions. White students number 321, contributing to a varied campus environment. Other racial and ethnic groups such as Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races are present in smaller but notable numbers, each reflecting an average national representation.
The college's student population is predominantly domestic, with 97% of students being from the United States, a figure that positions the institution slightly above average nationally. International representation remains modest at around 3%, placing it near the middle compared to other colleges, which may influence campus cultural dynamics.
Student life at Prairie State College includes a variety of cultural and artistic activities that cater to diverse interests. The college supports a campus newspaper, a drama program, and a chorus, providing students opportunities to engage in creative expression both on stage and in print. However, there are no campus-sponsored radio, band, or television outlets, which limits options for students interested in those media.
Regarding student support services, psychological counseling is available, reflecting the institution's attentiveness to student mental health needs. On the other hand, there is no health clinic or legal services on campus, which may require students to seek these resources off-campus.
With a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, Prairie State College offers a learning environment where students have a reasonable level of access to faculty, which can be beneficial for personalized academic support and mentorship.
The college's total enrollment is around 3,045 students, considered average in size, but the number of full-time degree-seeking students is notably low, just over 200, indicating many students may attend part-time or for non-degree programs. This composition can influence the campus atmosphere and student interactions.
Prairie State College offers students access to a single main library facility known as the Learning Resource Center. This center provides essential physical and digital resources, along with trained staff to support academic needs. Students benefit from established operating hours and access to shared collections, enhancing the availability of materials beyond the college itself.
Total enrollment
3045Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
212Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
238 full time, 363 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Learning Resource CenterNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes