City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College vs Spoon River College

City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College and Spoon River 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. Spoon River, rooted in the heartland of Illinois, maintains a selective admissions process, ensuring a focused learning environment. While Olive-Harvey's student body reflects the rich diversity of Chicago, Spoon River's student population predominantly comprises local residents. Explore the 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	Spoon River College
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Canton, Illinois
Campus setting	City: Large	Rural: Fringe
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	54.0%	69.0%
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: $20,130 Out of state: $21,210
Average net price	$5,670	$6,064
Tuition	In state: $11,520 Out of state: $14,430	In state: $10,080 Out of state: $11,160
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	88.0% Average amount $5,552
Students receiving federal student loan	1.0% Average amount $3,545	18.0% Average amount $4,295
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	3.0% Average amount $6,629

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,831 Men 35.1% Women 64.9%	1,273 Men 41.3% Women 58.7%
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: Fringe
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 Computer and Information Science Multidisciplinary Studies Business
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	16.3%	42.2%
Dropout rate	57.8%	42.2%
Transferred out	18.7%	13.3%
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	N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Olive-Harvey College and Spoon River College?

Olive-Harvey College, part of the City Colleges of Chicago, is a large, urban community college focused on transportation, distribution, and logistics. Spoon River College, on the other hand, is a smaller, rural community college with a broader range of programs, including agriculture and nursing, and serves a more geographically dispersed area in central Illinois. Olive-Harvey is primarily a commuter school in a major metropolitan area, while Spoon River College has a more traditional small-town college feel.
Which college is larger: Olive-Harvey College or Spoon River College?

Olive-Harvey College generally has a larger student population than Spoon River College. As part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, it benefits from the resources and infrastructure of a large urban network. Spoon River College is smaller and serves a more localized rural community.
What types of programs are Olive-Harvey College and Spoon River College known for?

Olive-Harvey College is known for its transportation, distribution, and logistics programs, preparing students for careers in these high-demand fields. Spoon River College offers a broader range of programs, including strong offerings in agriculture, nursing, and general education transfer programs.
Which college is better for students interested in transportation and logistics?

Olive-Harvey College is the clear choice for students interested in transportation and logistics. It has a dedicated focus on these industries, offering specialized programs and partnerships with local businesses in the Chicago area.
Which college is better for students interested in agriculture or nursing?

Spoon River College is generally a better choice for students interested in agriculture or nursing. They have established programs in these areas, catering to the needs of the rural communities they serve.
What is the campus environment like at Olive-Harvey College compared to Spoon River College?

Olive-Harvey College has a more urban, commuter-focused campus environment. It's located in Chicago, offering access to city amenities and opportunities. Spoon River College has a more rural, small-town campus environment, fostering a close-knit community feel.
How do the tuition costs compare between Olive-Harvey College and Spoon River College?

Tuition costs at both Olive-Harvey College and Spoon River College are generally affordable, as they are both community colleges. However, it's best to check the most current tuition rates on each college's website, as they can vary. Also, consider the cost of living in Chicago versus the rural areas served by Spoon River College, as this can significantly impact overall expenses.
Do Olive-Harvey College and Spoon River College offer online courses?

Yes, both Olive-Harvey College and Spoon River College offer online courses. The availability and range of online courses may vary, so it's recommended to check each college's website for their current online course catalog.
What kind of student support services are available at each college?

Both Olive-Harvey College and Spoon River College offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, and disability services. The specific services and resources available may differ, so it's best to explore each college's website or contact their student services department for more information.
Are there any articulation agreements between Olive-Harvey College and four-year universities for transferring credits?

Both Olive-Harvey College and Spoon River College have articulation agreements with various four-year universities to facilitate the transfer of credits. These agreements ensure that students can seamlessly transfer their associate degrees to bachelor's degree programs. Check with each college's transfer center for a list of their partner universities and specific articulation agreements.
Which college is located in a more urban setting?

Olive-Harvey College is located in a more urban setting, being part of the City Colleges of Chicago. This provides students with access to a wide range of cultural, social, and professional opportunities within the city.
Which college is located in a more rural setting?

Spoon River College is located in a more rural setting in central Illinois. This offers a quieter, more community-focused college experience.

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