Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Mattoon, Illinois
Lake Land College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$10,023Annual Cost
$38,877Grad Salary
26.6%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$3,271
Need-Based Aid
26.6% receive Pell
Lake Land College is a public community college in Illinois that serves its region with a comprehensive range of associate degrees, transfer pathways, and technical programs. Known for its commitment to affordability and student-centered support, the college provides a high-quality educational experience in a supportive, small-town atmosphere. Whether students are aiming for immediate workforce entry or a foundation for a bachelor's degree, the college offers a stable and effective academic path.
Lake Land College Acceptance Rate
Lake Land 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 Lake Land College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Lake Land 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.
Lake Land 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 Lake Land College Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Lake Land 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 Lake Land College
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Lake Land College provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Confirm Which Entrance Exam Your Program Actually Uses
Lake Land's Practical Nursing program requires the HESI A2 Admissions Assessment exam with a minimum score of 70 - not the TEAS exam that many other community college nursing programs use. Confirm the exact exam name before studying; prepping for the wrong standardized test wastes irreplaceable weeks before the firm March 1st deadline.
Know Your In-District Status Before You Apply
Illinois state regulation requires Lake Land to admit qualified in-district residents to the Practical Nursing program before considering out-of-district applicants. A student living outside the Lake Land Community College District boundary should confirm their residency status early and treat every part of the application - GPA, HESI A2 score, prerequisite completion - as needing to be maximally competitive, since out-of-district applicants are ranked behind in-district ones regardless of qualifications.
Ask About PCCS Before Assuming You Have to Wait Until Graduation
The Partnership for Career and College Success (PCCS) track lets selected high school students enter the Nursing program in their second year at Lake Land, using a separate PCCS-specific application checklist. A high school junior or senior interested in nursing should ask their counselor specifically about PCCS eligibility rather than assuming the standard post-graduation application timeline is the only path in.
Sequence Intent to Enroll, Transcript Evaluation, and HESI A2 Registration in the Right Order
HESI A2 registration only opens after the Intent to Enroll and nursing application are on file, and the exam itself should be completed the fall semester before the March 1st deadline. This is a sequential, not parallel, process - start the Intent to Enroll and transcript evaluation at least two full semesters ahead so there's time to register for and complete the HESI A2 before the deadline crunch.
Expert Insight:
The real failure pattern is treating general admission to Lake Land College as equivalent to admission into the Nursing program. Getting accepted to the college doesn't reserve a program seat - Practical Nursing is a competitive, special-admission program that ranks applicants using an objective formula, prioritizes in-district residents by state regulation, and runs its own exam, its own March 1st deadline, and its own multi-step application entirely separate from general enrollment.
Lake Land College Profile
Full Name
Lake Land College
City
Mattoon
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
61938
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Lake Land College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Lake Land 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. Lake Land 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 Lake Land College is $50,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.06%.
How much does a degree from Lake Land College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Lake Land College is $10,023. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Lake Land College is $3,271.
26.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 6.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Lake Land College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Lake Land College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Lake Land College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Lake Land College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $38,877. An average Lake Land 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 Lake Land College
Associate Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Lake Land College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Land College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $38,877 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $10,023 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
26.6% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
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.