Best community colleges in Illinois

Long gone are the days when education levels weren't inherently tied to income levels. Twenty-first-century teens as young as high school freshmen consider what colleges are available to them sooner rather than later to make a decent living in the long run.

Be it grades or money, many young adults choose the more convenient option of community college to begin their undergraduate education: 41% of all undergrads are in a two-year school, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. When it comes down to education and numbers, a community college's annual tuition and fees are significantly less than four-year schools no matter which way the data is sliced. Stacker compiled a list of the best community colleges in Illinois using rankings from Niche. These community colleges offer a great reason to consider a two-year education before moving on to a four-year school. If considering a continued education, these community colleges are a perfect place to start.

#10. Lewis & Clark Community College (Godfrey)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $3,939

#9. Waubonsee Community College (Sugar Grove)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $4,615

#8. College of Lake County (Grayslake)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $4,003

#7. Moraine Valley Community College (Palos Hills)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $1,933

#6. John Wood Community College (Quincy)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $6,735

#5. Oakton Community College (Des Plaines)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $6,341

#4. Elgin Community College (Elgin)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $4,565

#3. Lincoln Land Community College (Springfield)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $5,258

#2. Lake Land College (Mattoon)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $4,846

#1. Harper College (Palatine)
- Niche grade: B+
- Net price: $7,080