Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Decatur, Illinois
Richland Community College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
2.15Avg GPA
$11,407Annual Cost
$38,793Grad Salary
33.5%Pell Grant
Avg GPA
2.15
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$5,393
Need-Based Aid
33.5% receive Pell
Richland Community College, established in 1971 in Decatur, Illinois, specializes in agriculture, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. The campus features precision agriculture technology.
Richland is unranked but vital to central Illinois' workforce. Its programs address the region's farming and industrial needs with hands-on training.
Richland Community College Acceptance Rate
Richland Community 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.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.15 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
1.95 – 2.14
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 1.70
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Richland Community College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Richland Community College is 2.15. Admission is less selective based on GPA.
Most admitted students have a mix of B's and C's. A strong SAT or ACT score will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 2.35-2.55 for this same academic profile.Check Your Admission Chances at Richland Community College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Richland Community 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.
Richland Community 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 Richland Community College Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Richland Community 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 Richland Community College
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Richland Community College provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
If sustainability or energy interests you, lean into Richland's actual on-campus infrastructure
Richland's campus operates its own solar panel array and wind turbine, feeding directly into degree concentrations in Biofuels and Wind Energy - a genuine hands-on infrastructure most community colleges don't have on-site. If you're interested in renewable energy, mention this specific infrastructure in your program inquiry and ask about direct student involvement with the campus systems themselves, not just classroom coursework.
Use the David Erlanson Art Gallery as a real exhibition opportunity, not just a campus amenity
Richland's on-campus art gallery displays student, faculty, and professional work for the public - meaning art students have an actual public exhibition venue built into their college experience. If you're an art student, ask your instructors specifically about submitting work for gallery display, since this is a genuine portfolio-building opportunity most community college art programs can't offer in-house.
Confirm your nursing program's current admission criteria directly with the department, not third-party sites
Nursing (AAS) admission details for Richland - including any point system, HESI/TEAS requirements, and specific deadlines - change by cycle and aren't consistently documented on third-party comparison sites. Contact Richland's nursing department directly for the current cycle's exact criteria before building your prerequisite timeline, rather than relying on general nursing-admission assumptions from other Illinois community colleges.
Take advantage of Richland's small, personalized structure if you're returning to school
With a relatively small full-time enrollment and strong student-faculty ratios, Richland's student reviews consistently highlight individualized faculty attention, particularly valuable for students transitioning back into education after time away. If you're a returning adult student, use this personalized environment to build a closer relationship with your advisor early, since it can meaningfully ease re-entry into academic routines.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes assume that because Richland has a 100% acceptance rate for general admission, its competitive programs (like Nursing) follow the exact same pattern as neighboring Illinois community colleges - but admission criteria for health programs vary school to school even within the same state system, so applying with assumptions borrowed from a different college's published nursing requirements can lead to an incomplete or mismatched application.
Richland Community College Profile
Full Name
Richland Community College
City
Decatur
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
62521-8513
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Richland Community College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Richland Community 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. Richland Community 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 Richland Community College is $52,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.22%.
How much does a degree from Richland Community College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Richland Community College is $11,407. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Richland Community College is $5,393.
33.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 8.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Richland Community College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Richland Community College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Richland Community College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Richland Community College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $38,793. An average Richland Community 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 Richland Community College
Associate Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Richland Community College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Richland Community College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $38,793 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $11,407 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
33.5% 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.
The average GPA of admitted students is 2.15. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 1.85, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 1.85, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 1.75 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 2.15, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
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.