College of DuPage was founded in 1966 by voter referendum in DuPage County, Illinois, and has grown into one of the largest community colleges in the state and the nation's largest single-campus community college by some measures. It is known for its strong transfer pipeline to four-year universities such as the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, and Illinois State, as well as a broad catalog of associate degrees and career certificates. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, COD is respected for its nursing, dental hygiene, and technical programs.
The Glen Ellyn campus is a commuter-oriented, suburban setting with extensive facilities, including the McAninch Arts Center, a large library, athletic fields, and modern science and technology labs. Students come from diverse backgrounds, including recent high school graduates, working adults, and career changers, and many attend part-time. The college offers extensive support services, honors programs, student clubs, and NJCAA athletics, giving students a full college experience at a fraction of university costs.
| Type | Community College |
| Location | Glen Ellyn, Illinois |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Total students | 22,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 100% |
| Graduation rate | 35% |
| Average starting salary | $45,000 |
| In-state tuition | $4,600 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $9,400 |
| Room & board | $0 |
| Average financial aid | $5,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 40% |
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling admission |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.