Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL, USA

Reviews

Joliet Junior College

Mary from Joliet, IL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This is a GREAT place to get started if you are planning to go on to a four year college or university. It's a wonderful learning environment!
Also, JJC has well respected Associate of Applied Science programs that allow you to streamline into a career (Nursing, Vet Tech, Phlebotomy, etc...)!! That's what I'm doing.
Am enjoying being here
This is my second time attending JJC, and it's a fantastic place to be. There are plenty of organizations that you can become part of: student government and student activities, psychology club, peer mentoring, and performing arts just to name a few...
Bang for the buck
JJC is a **TOTAL** value! The level of education you receive for the money you pay is unbelievable... If you tried to start out your first two years at university, you would pay most likely three to four times than you pay at JJC.
Tips for prospective students
Find out what you would like to do education-wise and make a comparison checklist between your four year choices and JJC. Find out what classes you would need to take and how much they would cost. Most students don't realize that college costs a lot more than just tuition...you have to factor in housing, food, entertainment, transportation, etc. If you were able to stay at home for your first two years and attend JJC -- the saving in everything would speak for itself.
Great for these types of students
Unsure what you want to do.
Looking to keep expenses down.
Know what you want to do, but not where you want to go.
Close enough to home, work, and friends for those in Will and Grundy counties.
And lots more...

Kristin from Plainfield, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great starter school for students that are undecided on a major or university. You can save thousands of dollars beginning your first two years at JJC because tuition is very affordable. Along with the several transferable credits, there is an amazingly caring staff here that truly care about your educational success.
Tips for prospective students
Meet with an advisor and have a general idea on where you'd like to gear your focus on. With a general idea of what study you'd like to pursue, an advisor can lead you on the right path for the correct classes you would need and good universities to eventually consider. Also, make good relationships with your professors and fellow classmates. The teachers are there to ensure your success, so showing interest in the topics in class and actively participating will open doors for you, such as, letters of recommendations, free life and career advice, and many other opportunities you would otherwise miss.
Academic Rigor
This all depends on how many classes you take and what professors you choose. For the most part, there is no rigorous work to set you up for failure. Showing up to class is very important because you could fall behind and put yourself at risk of rigorous makeup work and no one wants that.
Dorm Life
I cannot speak to this because I live close enough to drive to and from everyday. From what I hear though, the dorms are small but updated and safe.
Food and Dining
The food at JJC is mostly fast food like burgers, fries, and pizza, but hey, who doesn't love pizza? There is a salad and sandwich bar area for the health conscious students out there as well.
What to do for fun
There is an array of after school activities and clubs. So many in fact, I know I don't know them all. There's also a gym to workout and many places to do your homework and study (if that's your twisted idea of fun).
Great for these types of students
Great for all types of students because there is such a diverse pool of people.
Clubs and Activities
Too many to even count, you name it we've got it.
Campus Safety
Extremely safe campus. There are many of those police buttons throughout every parking lot outside and most classroom doors remain locked in case of a surprise lockdown. JJC greatly cares for the safety of its students when it comes to bullying and harassment, too. There is zero tolerance for any sort of harm caused on other students, however this is not a growing issue.

Michael from Joliet, IL

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Joliet Junior College is the most affordable community/junior college in the state of Illinois. J.J.C. has an open-door policy for students who are looking to continue their education after interruptions in life or who are looking for a fresh start in their academic career. J.J.C. also has a very diverse student population, not only from the Chicagoland area but from across the country and even around the world.
Tips for prospective students
Determine your academic goals. If you plan to transfer to a four-year institution with a major all planned out, consult with a counselor AND an academic advisor to map your class schedules for the next 2 to 3 years; same rules apply if you plan to obtain only your Associates degree or technical/vocational certificate.

If you are undecided about your major, J.J.C. has a wonderful Career Services dept. with a terrific staff that can assist you in selecting a career and give you all the details about a job (skill set, salary, etc.) Once you determine your skill strengths and weaknesses, your next step would be to consult with a counselor and an academic advisor to plan out your class schedules.
Academic Rigor
Overall curriculum can be challenging to students but depends on various factors (learning style, commitment to class, interaction with instructors, etc.)

If a student is struggling, consult with the instructor as soon as possible--DO NOT wait until midterms, finals or other important assignment deadlines to ask for help. J.J.C. offers tutoring services for various subjects (Writing, Math, Science, etc.) and general academic skills in both online and in-person formats.
Dorm Life
Fully furnished units, private bedrooms and other great amenities, in an environment that promotes personal growth and community responsibility with respect for individual differences.

The Students First residence life program provides students with activities, events, resources and information he or she needs to make time at J.J.C. both memorable and successful.

Located within walking distance to main campus. Financial aid accepted (for those who qualify).
Food and Dining
There is a newly remodeled cafeteria, coffee bistro, and smoothie bar multiplex conveniently located at the crossroads of three campus building wings. Snack kiosks are available at three different locations on campus during midday hours. The Chef's Table, located on northwest side of campus, is a full-service restaurant, providing table service with a friendly atmosphere and features contemporary American cuisine, all prepared from scratch by talented culinary students.

Major credit and debit cards are accepted. Student dining cards are available for financial aid students.
What to do for fun
Terrific athletic dept. (baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, cheerleading). Spectacular fine arts dept. including theater productions, band/chorale recitals, and art gallery. Recreational activities including fitness center, nature trails, and cyber cafe. Campus publications including student newspaper and student literary magazine. Year-round campus-wide activities.
Bang for the buck
Most affordable in-state and out of state community college tuition, per credit hour. Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify.

Multitude of student services available including special departments/programs for student veterans, minority students, students with disabilities, and honor students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a bridge located on the west side of the main campus where a lot of the campus-wide activities are held. The bridge has a fantastic view of a man-made lake running through the campus as well as an erected memorial on the center part of the bridge honoring military veterans who had attended J.J.C. in the past.
Great for these types of students
Commuter students, Distance education/online students, Non-traditional students (25 and over), Military students (active duty/veteran), Minority students (regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation)
Clubs and Activities
There are approximately 30-40 active clubs and organizations on campus including honorary societies, multicultural organizations, political groups, professional groups, recreational groups, spiritual groups, and special interest groups.

During the fall and spring semesters, a campus-wide club and organizational recruiting event called J.J.C. Mainstreet is held along with a Welcome Week event during the first week of each semester, including summer sessions.
Greek Life
Unfortunately, there are no fraternities or sororities at Joliet Junior College. The only Greek Life on campus are either academic or major-specific honor societies including Phi Theta Kappa International (General Academic), Alpha Beta Gamma (Business), Delta Psi Omega (Theater), and Sigma Delta Mu/Alpha Mu Gamma (Foreign Languages)
Campus Safety
Currently, the J.J.C. Police Departmentâ??s staff of twelve sworn highly-trained Police Officers is supplemented by fifteen full and part-time civilian, non-sworn, Campus Safety Officers, six Dispatchers, three Records Clerks, one Department Secretary as well as several Student Workers.

Each year, notification of crime statistics is made to students, faculty and staff through the J.J.C. Student Handbook and the J.J.C.P.D. informational booklet. Copies of the report may also be obtained on the J.J.C.P.D. Web site and at the JJCPD headquarters located on Main Campus

Angela from Burbank, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
JJC has been a great experience. The teachers have all been knowledgeable and willing to help when needed. For the most part, I have been able to take classes that work with my schedule.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely check out the website ratemyprofessors.com.
Food and Dining
JJC has a great culinary program so i assume the food is good, however, I've never eaten there as my classes are at night.
Clubs and Activities
There are a lot of clubs and activities, however since I work full time, I am not able to partake in most of them.

Carla from Plainfield, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Joliet Junior College is not just like high school. It's a fresh start for all of us and a pathway to a successful future. They are all about providing students with quality educations that is important to our future careers.
Tips for prospective students
Just cause it is a community college, it doesn't mean it's going to be just like high school. The classes are more challenging and more time consuming, but definitely worth it in the end. So give it a chance before crossing it off your list.
Academic Rigor
The classes can be challenging, but the school makes sure that you have plenty of resources to pass a class. And they never give you more than you can handle.
Food and Dining
The Food made by the Culinary Arts Students in their own restaurant, Chef's Table, is delicious.
What to do for fun
There are plenty of organizations to join, for example we have student government and student activities, psychology club, peer mentoring, and performing arts, to name a few. My personal favorite is the Hot Foods Competition Team.
Bang for the buck
JJC is very affordable and helpful with scholarships, loans, and monthly payments, to ensure you are getting the best possible educations without any overwhelming financial objections.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The bridge. There is literally a small lake running right in the middle of the school. So they built a bridge to connect the whole school. It's beautiful and is surround by windows for a spectacular view. This bridge is where all of the announcements are placed or where we have any special activities.
Great for these types of students
All types of students. they even have a college course 101 to help students fit into college life and learn better ways to manage time and study habits.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many, I don't know which to choose. But I'm definitively starting with the Culinary Arts Competition Group.