Black Hawk College
Moline, IL, USA

Reviews

Black Hawk College

A Student from IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Too many people feel that a community college will offer a sub par education compared to a four year university. The teaching staff here is excellent and I know that I am getting the same education as my friends at large universities. If anything, Black Hawk offers even more than a large university because of the opportunities for one on one time with professors. The only downside is the smaller number and decreased variety of classes offered here. But, this isn't a problem for people who just want to take take core or introductory classes.
Am enjoying being here
The education may be comparable to four year universities, but the atmosphere isn't, in my opinion. It is simply too small and located in too small of a community to really give you that college experience. There are few clubs and activities, which not only leads to low student involvement on campus, but also may decrease your opportunities to receive scholarships when and if you transfer to another college. Also, since there are obviously no dorms (and therefore no roommates) it is more difficult to meet people and make friends than at a university. Still, what you need to ask yourself is if the college experience is worth going into debt for.
Bang for the buck
Compared to universities or even other nearby community colleges, Black Hawk is a great value. Paying for it yourself is very manageable and is you receive any financial aid, it may easily cover the cost of an entire year. They also offer many scholarship opportunities. If you want to get in a year or two of college without going into debt, this is the place to do it.
Tips for prospective students
Because Black Hawk is a smaller college, they also have a smaller number of staff members. So, do not wait until the last minute to register, pay for your classes, or see an advisor because the lines will be very long near the beginning of each semester! Also, be sure to check out what classes from Black Hawk are part of the Illinois Articulation Agreement. These classes will transfer to almost any college in Illinois and a few in eastern Iowa. They are also more likely to transfer to other colleges. Finally, if it has been awhile since you have taken a math or English class, I would suggest refreshing a bit before taking the Compass exam that they require, or you may end up in a remedial class which won't count as college credit. Such a class will help to build up your core skills in those subjects, though, if you feel that you need the help.
Great for these types of students
Money conscious students will obviously love the price. Also, anyone interested in building their skills in core subjects will appreciate the amount of basic classes offered below the 100 level and all of the free tutoring that is made available.

Victoria from Moline, IL

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Black Hawk College is education-oriented, as it provides students with the most excellent and diverse education possible. It does not forget, however, the importance of creating a fun atmosphere considering the numerous club, organizations and events offered to students of all types. Black Hawk College is also caring, as it takes specific actions to promote understanding, unity and compassion among students and accommodating to all.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students shouldn't discount Black Hawk College as just another community college because it offers courses that are equivalent to those offered at many four-year institutions at an affordable price and successfully achieves a fun atmosphere that many students seek.
Academic Rigor
While some may wonder about the academic rigor of a community college, Black Hawk College offers interesting and challenging courses that are equivalent to courses offered at many four-year institutions at an affordable rate.
Dorm Life
Black Hawk College receives a lower dorm life rating simply because it doesn't offer dorms. It does, however, offer home-stays for international students seeking to reside with nearby families.
Food and Dining
Black Hawk College provides students with consistent and affordable food through numerous and widespread vending machines (including snacks, coffee and soda), frequent cafeteria events offering home-cooked meals, and a Subway restaurant on campus!
What to do for fun
Black Hawk College strives to provide students with ample opportunities to relax and meet new people through numerous clubs, organizations and events. A typical day for a Black Hawk College student, for example, might include relaxing in the cafeteria with friends and a freshly prepared meal in celebration of Cinco de Mayo before heading to the auditorium to listen to speeches prepared by the International Student Association.
Bang for the buck
Considering Black Hawk College many equivalencies to courses offered at four-year institutions at a lower price and provides ample opportunities for students to get involved, celebrate or relax with clubs, organizations and events, it is well worth its price!
Great for these types of students
Great for any student seeking a challenging, compassionate, diverse and fun environment to grow, learn and meet new people.
Clubs and Activities
A major aspect of the Black Hawk College experience is the number of clubs, organizations and events offered to students from all walks of life. Black Hawk College's events can range from concerts, art shows, and festivals to car shows, horticulture plant sales and sporting events. This college also offers an equally varied array of clubs and organizations, including the African American Student Association, Clean Sphere, College Republicans, Disability Student Association, International Student Association, Military Students and Veterans Club, National Student Nurses Association, Quad Cities Anime Society, Social Gaming Club, Unity Alliance and so much more!
Campus Safety
Black Hawk College constantly promotes student safety by including an on-campus police department who makes regular parking lot patrols, a well-prepared staff of professors, administrators and other professionals who are omnipresent and a regular encouragement for students to behave well toward others. This college receives a four-star safety rating only because the police do not regularly patrol campus halls and there are no metal detectors at the doors, which may not be necessary (considering the extremely low rate of college violence on this campus).

AC from Moline, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are many great instructors and professors on campus, but there are also several not so stellar ones. If you want a history class, sign up for Pearce! You won't regret it.
Am enjoying being here
Black Hawk is a community college, sure, but it's a nice one. I've attended both campuses and they're easy to navigate and for the most part staff is helpful.
Bang for the buck
Why pay two or three times the price for the same education? Get your associates at a community college. Go online for textbooks, wherever you attend college. The bookstore is out to rob you.
Tips for prospective students
Have an idea in mind, or an interest and talk to an advisor! Make sure they know what they're doing, too, otherwise you'll spend a lot more time and money than you need to.
Great for these types of students
Students who are close by and are unsure what they want to major in should try out Black Hawk. It'll be an inexpensive trial and error and they can make some good friends and get a great education.

Emily from Poplar Grove, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Through being here at Black Hawk East I have been able to take a major step into my future career as a large animal veterinarian. This college allows numerous of hands on activities, whether you are in their basic soils class or their animal science class. No matter what the teachers are always there to help. All the labs are hands on. Through this school you can castrate bull calves, soil sample, or even dock a piglets tail. It really is an extraordinary college to start your college life.
Am enjoying being here
No matter what the obstacle there is always a door being opened to help you along. Not just the professors are appealing but the student body is as well. If you are interested in agriculture or just your general education there are always people to help you, hang out with, or just show you around at school and in town. The environment is very student friendly.
Bang for the buck
When looking at all the courses that I took, I feel that I definitely received my money's worth. Going to Black Hawk college I did not expect to receive such a hands on experience. I was able to castrate pigs and bull calves, dock pig tails, give vaccinations, judge field plots, and so much more.
Tips for prospective students
Whenever you have a problem with any kind of material in college do not be afraid to ask for help.
Great for these types of students
If you are looking for a great start to your veterinarian major, agriculture education, or even your general education this is the school for you. There are also nursing classes available. This school is a school for just about anything when getting started on your career.

SC from IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I really didn't think that I'd like college, but I love it at BHC. Even if you don't think college is for you, take some classes and find out how much you love learning! I've had some really great classes, they're much harder than high school, and take commitment. This is the best transition school!
Am enjoying being here
I like college, the schedule is the best part! You can set up your schedule so you can just take Tuesday/ Thursday class, or all online, or all night classes. A great amount of flexibility.
Bang for the buck
Very reasonably priced! And many different scholarship opportunities, I've received one each year. Sometimes they're not much, but anything helps!
Tips for prospective students
Register for classes as soon as you can & as much as you may hate it, talk to an advisor. It is a pain, but it's worth it. If you're not sure take classes from the Associates sheet, they're just basic classes. Also, be sure and take one class you're really interested, even if it's not on the Associates sheet. You'll fnd out what you love!
Great for these types of students
All students, I have students of all shapes and sizes and ages in my classes, and they gel well together! There are so many different opinions and you really learn how other people think and how to respect their opinions and work together. Also, for those who are undecided on what they want to do. There are so many opportunities!