General Information

Index of Questions (click for answer):

FAQ's on Programs

What programs are offered?

PSC offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate in Applied Science and Associate in General Studies degrees. We offer certificates in areas such as Automotive; Business; Computer Aided Design (CAD); Computer Electronics; Criminal Justice; Early Chldhood; Education-Paraprofessional; Fire Science; Fitness; Graphic Communications; Health Services; Industrial Technology; Information Technology; and Photography. Consult the College Catalog and talk with an enrollment advisor for more information regarding specific programs.

What does tuition cost at PSC? Are there any additional fees?

In-district residents pay $78 plus a $9 fee for a total of $87 per credit hour. Out-of-district residents pay $235 plus a $9 fee for a total of $244 per credit hour; out-of-state/international residents pay $323 plus a $9 fee for a total of $332 per credit hour. Residents of Lake County, Indiana, pay $83 plus a $9 fee for a total of $92 per credit hour. There is also a $10 registration fee each semester. Certain laboratory courses may require additional fees, which range from $4 to $150. You need to pay upon registration by cash or check (with the driver's license number of the personal writing the check), or by Visa, Mastercard or Discover. The Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. Visit the Business Office section of our Web site for more information.

What financial aid and scholarship opportunities do you offer?

There are numerous assistance programs for both full- and part-time students. Federal grants and loans, work-study, state assistance and veterans' benefits are some of the government money available to college students. There are also scholarship opportunities through the PSC Foundation, the Trustees Scholarship program and other local sources. Consult the Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Office at (708) 709-3523 for more information.

What is the HOPE Scholarship?

The HOPE scholarship is a tax credit program that provides up to $1,500 savings for the first two years of college. Essentially, this tax benefit covers all or most of the tuition of attending a community college. Students attending Prairie State College stand to benefit, though there are some basic rules that must be followed. The HOPE Scholarship tax credit gives students a tax credit of 100 percent on the first $1,000 of tuition and required fees and a 50 percent credit on the second $1,000. The credit is available for tuition and required fees less grants, scholarships and other tax-free educational assistance. For more information, call the PSC Cashier's Office at (708)709-3577.

What towns are in your district?

Prairie State College serves the communities of Beecher, Chicago Heights, Crete, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Matteson, Monee, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, Steger and University Park, plus portions of Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Lynwood, Tinley Park, and adjacent unincorporated areas of Cook and Will counties.

How long will it take to complete my degree?

If you're a full-time student, an associate's degree can be earned in two years. Otherwise, this depends on your personal schedule and the number of classes you take. There isn't any one "right" way to earn your degree. Many students find it's best to take classes at a pace they find comfortable.

What is College Studies?

College Studies classes provide you with the necessary skills to be successful in college, focusing on six essential areas. Classes meet either two hours per week for only eight weeks or one hour per week over the full semester.

Will my classes at PSC transfer to other schools?

Look at the Course Equivalency Tables (CET) on file in PSC's Counseling and Academic Advising Center. The CET lists what courses will transfer to Illinois state colleges or universities. If you complete an or S. degree at PSC, we guarantee that your classes will transfer to all senior-level institutions in Illinois. You can view the CAS Web site for more information. A PSC enrollment advisor can also help you with course transferability.

How do I know what room or building my class is in?

Check your schedule after you've registered. It will tell you what room number your class is in, or if you'll be meeting at an off-campus location.

What are the sizes of my classes ?

The student to faculty ratio at PSC is 20:1.

Do you have a bookstore on campus?

Everything you need—whether it's textbooks, pens or notepads—is available for sale at the PSC Bookstore. They also sell a wide variety of magazines, college novelties (t-shirts, coffeemugs, etc.) and snacks. Your instructor will let you know what books are required for class during the first class session, or you can ask at the Bookstore.

Does PSC offer student activities?

There are plenty of clubs and activities to expand your PSC experience. From personal interest groups to community service projects to student dances, the Student Leadership Center (SLC) is the hub for all these activities. The SLC is located in Room 1262 on the first floor of the College's main building. For more information, stop by the SLC or e-mail the Coordinator of Student Life.

Can I play sports at PSC?

PSC has 10 athletic teams lead by experienced coaches. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and soccer, while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball and volleyball. For more information, fill out a Prospective Athlete form. In addition, through the Department of Physical Education & Athletics, the College organizes recreational activities through its popular intramural sports program.

Where do I park?

There are several convenient on-campus parking lots. However, you must obtain a parking sticker from the PSC Campus and Public Safety Office in order to park in Lots A and C. For more information, call the Office of Campus & Public Safety at (708) 709-3756.

Do I need a student ID, and does it cost anything?

The Office of Campus & Public Safety issues identification cards to all faculty, staff and students. There is no charge for the first card; replacement cards are $5 each. Student cards are punched with the current academic year following proof of payment of registration fees. Identification cards are issued at the Campus & Public Safety Office, Room 1102, during registration and during posted hours throughout the semester.

Do you offer Internet access to students?

Internet access is available through the computers in the Library, located on the first floor of the main building, and the Student Success Center, located on the second floor of the main building.

Is there child care available?

The Children's Learning Center is located on the northwest corner of PSC's main campus. It is a licensed facility providing quality care services for children ages two to twelve. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 m. to 10:15 p.m., and Friday from 7 m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed Fridays during the summer. Contact the Director of the Children's Learning Center at (708) 709-3725 for information on rates and/or financial assistance.

Are there computer labs where I can complete my homework for class?

The Student Success Center, located on the second floor of the main building, has an open computer lab available for use.

What is the Student Success Center?

The Student Success Center is a well-equipped facility located on the second floor of the main campus that provides individualized and small group tutoring as well as computers and study skills assistance. For more information, call (708) 709-3633.

Do you offer a truck driver training program?

Yes! Affordable training with a near-guarantee of employment is available through PSC. In four or eight weeks, students can take the state-administered Class A road test. For more information, call (708) 709-7811 or visit CDL Tractor Trailer Driver Training.

Do you have a staff directory?

Yes. View our staff directory.

Can I take a class over if I get a bad grade?

Yes. In such cases all completed courses and earned grades will appear on your transcript. However, only the later grade will be used to calculate your grade point average. If you retake a class more than once, you'll be charged a Course Repeat Fee. This policy does not apply to classes designed for multiple enrollments, such as PE 101.

What if I don't like a class or have a time conflict? Can I withdraw from the course or will I be penalized?

Prior to the 12th week of the semester, you may fill out a withdrawal form at the Registration Center. Your final grade will be "W" and will not be calculated into your GP However, depending upon when you withdraw, you may be responsible for some or all of your tuition payment. NOTE: Late start classes have a different withdrawal deadline. Please consult the current class schedule for more information.

How do I get my transcripts?

The Admissions & Enrollment Services Office will issue transcripts to students and former students upon request, provided there is no record encumbrance (such as unpaid tuition, fees, fines or financial aid repayment). There is a $2 fee per copy. For more information, view the transcript request form.

FAQ's on Admissions

How do I get accepted at PSC?

Complete a PSC application form and return it to the Admissions & Enrollment Services office. Also, forward all high school and college transcripts to the Admissions Office and arrange to take the PSC COMPASS test. Some programs, such as Dental Hygiene and Nursing have other entrance requirements. It's best to consult with Enrollment Advising to learn exactly what tests or entrance exams you'll need to take.

Do I need to take the ACT or SAT tests?

No, though you will need to take the COMPASS placement test.

What does the COMPASS test cover? What does it do for me?

The test, which takes about three hours to complete, helps determine your strengths and weaknesses in English, mathematics and reading. Afterwards, you'll meet with a PSC advisor to explore the meaning of your assessment results and select the best courses to meet your needs.

I never finished high school. Can I still attend PSC?

Although you may take college-level classes before completing high school, you must pass the General Education Development (GED) exam before graduating from any PSC degree program. You also are not eligible for any financial aid until you have passed the GED or graduated from high school. PSC offers free review classes for GED testing. Many graduates of the program continue their education at the College. For more information, call (708) 709-3721 or 709-3722.