Five Reasons to Enroll in ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ’s Associate Degree Program
Choosing your next step after high school can be overwhelming. Maybe you’re not sure you’re ready for college. Or maybe you want to pursue a degree but are facing barriers—either academic or financial—to achieving it. No matter your path, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ’s associate degree program can offer the support you need to succeed. Here’s how:
1. Live and learn in the heart of Pilsen
This immersive academic experience minimizes the typical obstacles to student success by allowing you to live, study and ultimately make an impact in the communities that matter most to you. In year one of the program, you’ll live and learn in Chicago’s vibrant Pilsen neighborhood alongside a diverse group of fellow trailblazers, developing a built-in network of support and connections that will last through graduation and beyond. With the amenities of apartment-style living, you’ll have everything you need in one location, including a shared kitchen and study spaces.
Just steps away from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Pink Line, our La Casa Residence Hall offers easy access to public transportation and extensive community amenities, including restaurants, entertainment and cultural activities.
2. Industry-relevant curriculum
ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ’s associate degree goes beyond typical two-year programs with its unique job-ready focus. Our curriculum, shaped with direct input from employers and community partners throughout the city, ensures you'll develop the skills you need to succeed.
You’ll choose a concentration in one of four in-demand areas: cybersecurity, nursing assistant, translation and interpretation, or legal studies. And, after completing the specialized coursework and hands-on experiences, you’ll be ready to launch your career in your field of interest. Plus, after graduation, you’ll be seamlessly accepted into our top-ranked bachelor’s degree programs, should you choose to continue your studies.
3. Lessons brought to life
In ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ’s associate degree program, learning goes way beyond classroom walls. Here, the city is your campus. On a set day each week, your class will venture out together to bring your lessons to life at sites across Chicago.
Picture this: you’re learning a lesson about biology, but instead of sitting in a chair, you’re encountering an array of animals at the zoo. Your legal studies concentration may take you to various neighborhoods to examine the history of red-lining in action. And art history takes on new meaning as you explore murals through Pilsen and beyond.
You’ll experience the power of a well-rounded liberal arts education that will increase your capacity for personal growth by deepening your learning experiences. You’ll be equipped with the tools you need to succeed in college—and in your career and life You’ll be ready for anything.
4. Support every step of the way
When you join ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ, you join a community committed to your success. This is so much more than an associate degree. It’s a pathway to your future. An invitation to a community—a family—who will help you chart your course while guiding you to create lasting change. It’s where you belong.
Here, you’ll never walk alone. From academic counseling to career coaching, experienced, full-time faculty will craft a personalized success plan and support your progress—every step of the way. ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ also provides extensive career development and coaching, connecting you directly to Chicago employers to help you find a job in your area of study.
5. Top-ranked in value
We’re recognized as the #1 Best Value School in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report and we’re committed to making higher education accessible for all. Our associate degree is designed to be a low-cost, high-impact program with all the resources you need to succeed.
Your net cost of attendance may be as low as $5,200 after full Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants and Pell Grant eligibility. Your out-of-pocket costs will include the cost of your tuition, your room and board, a daily meal plan, a laptop and UPass for convenient transportation around the city.
Make your dream career a reality
Power your potential and gain the skills, credentials and connections you need to launch your career. At ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼×ÊÁÏ, you’ll find the place to begin your next great adventure and the support you need to succeed. Learn more by visiting our associate degree program page.
Ready to take the next step? .