Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Joliet, Illinois
Joliet Junior College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$9,757Annual Cost
$42,889Grad Salary
22.9%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$5,741
Need-Based Aid
22.9% receive Pell
Joliet Junior College IL Joliet Junior College holds the distinction of being the oldest public community college in the United States. It serves students through transfer education, workforce development, and career-focused training programs.\n\nThe college combines affordability with strong academic resources and employer partnerships. Students benefit from transfer pathways, technical education opportunities, and programs designed to meet both university and workforce goals.
Joliet Junior College Acceptance Rate
Joliet Junior College maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Joliet Junior College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Joliet Junior College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Joliet Junior College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Joliet Junior College Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Joliet Junior College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Joliet Junior College
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Joliet Junior College provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Skip placement testing with multiple measures
Don't walk in cold for the ACCUPLACER. JJC lets you bypass it entirely: submit an SAT EBRW 480+ (or ACT English 19+) for ENG 101 placement, qualifying math scores, AP scores of 3+, or-uniquely-a completed high-school STEM Pathway course (portability code TM001) to place straight into college-level math. Send these before your advising session so you land in credit-bearing courses, not remediation.
Clear the hidden geometry prerequisite early
This trips up more JJC students than anything else: MATH 119, 124, 131, 138, and 142 require a SEPARATE geometry prerequisite on top of your math placement. Submit a high-school transcript showing two semesters of geometry with a C or better-geometry scores never expire at JJC, so doing this once permanently unlocks those courses. Otherwise you'll be forced into MATH 095 before you can start.
Treat Nursing/Rad Tech as a separate, dated application
Limited-enrollment health programs aren't part of general admission. Nursing opens only May 15-31 and Oct 15-31, requires the TEAS exam, and demands all general-education courses finished with a C or better with transcripts in by March 1. Map your gen-eds into your first terms specifically so you're application-eligible the moment the window opens-these fill on completed files only.
Lock the New Student Presentation and advising sequence
Application is free and open Sept 1-March 31 for spring entry. But registration opens on fixed calendar dates (e.g., Oct 13 for spring) and popular sections fill fast, so complete the online New Student Presentation and book your advising appointment in the Oct-Nov window rather than drifting. Apply, get placement on file, presentation done, advising booked-in that order-to register on day one.
Expert Insight:
Open admission does NOT mean you can register on arrival. JJC requires Reading, Writing, AND Math placement to all be on your record before you can even sign up for advising, and high-school transcripts are routinely flagged for placement review, which stalls everything. Students who apply late assuming a community college is instant find themselves locked out of the classes they wanted while sorting out placement.
Joliet Junior College Profile
Full Name
Joliet Junior College
City
Joliet
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
60431-8938
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Joliet Junior College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Joliet Junior College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Joliet Junior College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Joliet Junior College is $76,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.61%.
How much does a degree from Joliet Junior College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Joliet Junior College is $9,757. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Joliet Junior College is $5,741.
22.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 2.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Joliet Junior College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Joliet Junior College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Joliet Junior College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Joliet Junior College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $42,889. An average Joliet Junior College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Joliet Junior College
Associate Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Joliet Junior College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Joliet Junior College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $42,889 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $9,757 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
22.9% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.