College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL, USA

Reviews

College of DuPage

Benjamin from Carol Stream, IL

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This college has surprisingly good academics. I wasn’t expecting much from a junior college, but COD really delivers. They offer a wide variety of courses and a high quality curriculum. The professors are competent and helpful. I have heard of some people having bad experiences, but for the most part I have had good luck with teachers in the year that I have been attending here.
Am enjoying being here
COD has just about everything you need for success in junior college. They have great facilities: plenty of computer labs (both PC and Mac), online databases, an extensive library, tutoring and academic assistance. There are lots of clubs and organizations you can get involved with too. Sadly they don’t have a film studies club (that’s my major), but there are plenty of extracurricular activities that will be both fun and look great on your resume. The commute is kind of a drag, and they don’t offer campus housing, but there are lots of apartment buildings and condominiums close by that house lots of students.
Bang for the buck
If you are looking to save some money by attending a community college to transfer credit to a four-year university, this is the one. College of DuPage prepares you for success better than you’d ever expect a junior college to do. They offer a huge variety of courses to ensure you transfer to your university with courses that matter. The school has everything from writing to robotics, cooking to calculus, animation to architecture, and so much more. As far as community colleges go, College of DuPage DEFINES “bang for your buck.”
Tips for prospective students
Be warned, admission, records, and financial aid offices are a MAD HOUSE here. Communication in the financial aid office is especially poor. You should maintain regular communication with these offices to ensure that your forms are being processed. If you don’t, you could end up like me. They lost my financial aid records, didn’t send my transfer transcripts, and never even set me up with a counselor. This is a great school to attend, but be proactive in keeping these offices on top of things with getting you all set up.
Great for these types of students
College of DuPage is a great idea if you are looking to save some money while getting your gen-eds. COD is an accredited college and their credits transfer just about anywhere. They also offer lots of courses that apply to your specific major, so you can get started working towards your degree right away! Check out their website for more information.

Zach from Naperville, IL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are some really good teachers, but then there are those who really aren't the best. I've had classes in which I felt challenged, engaged, and really enjoyed it, but I've also been in one or two where the teacher teaches straight from the book, could really care less, and makes it very unenjoyable. But for the money, it's not bad.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy the fact that I am saving money. Due to the large student body, it's often hard to make new friends or feel a sense of student body cohesion. It's a commuter campus, so you don't have the opportunity of meeting people through living accommodations. They are currently renovating the campus, as well, so there is a lot of construction and noise during the day.
Bang for the buck
This is where COD really shines. Even with modest tuition hikes, the school is still affordable. I have gotten through the first two years of my BA with virtually no debt. This is one of the top accredited community colleges in the country, and the price makes it a great choice to figure out what you want to study and what you enjoy.
Tips for prospective students
Don't slack off. It's very easy to get caught up in not caring about education if it's not that expensive, but the costs will eventually add up. Don't expect a nice and friendly student body, because there are too many people to form a copious amount of friendships. Also, don't be afraid to try something new, as this would be the place to discover some things about what you enjoy in your education than in an expensive four-year school.
Great for these types of students
Motivated people wishing to save money, confused people trying to figure out what to study, students who perhaps don't have a high school diploma who have their GED and want to get a college education, non-traditional students, adult students looking to go back to school...just about anyone looking for an education for a good price!

Anthony from Glen Ellyn, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
College of DuPage is a unique school in the sense that it offers students of all backgrounds the opportunity to save money, while receiving a top notch education that they can take with them for the rest of their lives. Just when you thought that the option of going to the College of DuPage couldn't get any better, you realize the endless choices of programs and educational paths that this institution has to offer. I would rate the College of DuPage exceptionally because it is a school of opportunity.
Tips for prospective students
When attending the College of DuPage it is important to inherit the personality trait of self-motivation. It is easy to be distracted, being that many would describe community college as your typical second half of high school, but when looking upon your situation from a long term perspective it is quite actually an amazing educational path to success. In other words, don't get caught up looking back at the people that you are racing, instead look forward and work hard in order to achieve your future goals.
Academic Rigor
It is very clear to me over the last few semesters that the College of DuPage really takes its time when hiring candidates for employment based on the challenging professors that i have had the pleasure of interacting with.
Food and Dining
The College of DuPage offers not only good food but also quite the variety. You can have anything from a nice healthy meal, to a quick muffin and a cup of Starbucks coffee.
What to do for fun
College of DuPage isn't exactly your Dave and Busters, but there is plenty to do during off time. With the state of the art facilities that the college offers there are always clubs, teams, and other extra curricular activities to join. On top of this you can always make use of its beautiful fitness facilities and resourceful library.
Bang for the buck
Overall the College of DuPage is nothing short of a financial dream. You get an award winning education while not having to put too big of a hole in your wallet. When all is said and done you really get so much more than what you are paying for.
Great for these types of students
One of the greatest parts about the College of DuPage is that it really is for students of all types. I can almost guarantee that there is not a single student that feels out of place, being that we have students of all ages coming from all different parts of the world. The only thing that most students have in common is their practicality in choosing a school that is saving them money, while giving them the educational perks that they will need in order to do well.
Clubs and Activities
With the various ethnic, intellectual, and talent filled backgrounds of the students at COD, the clubs and activities offered are nearly endless.
Campus Safety
The College of DuPage offers great campus safety that makes everyone feel much more comfortable and secure in their college environment. On top of having well lit streets, side walks, and buildings the college still manages to have plenty of street posts with emergency buttons and furthermore to provide the campus streets with more than enough College of DuPage Police.

Kasie-Marie from Naperville, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
college of dupage has been the most amazing experience and has opened so many more doors for me than i ever thought possible from a community college. the tuition is affordable and 100% of the classes are taught by knowledgeable professors with small class sizes. don't underestimate the power of this institute; not only does it ensure that about 95% of your classes are transferable, it is a great place to be!
Tips for prospective students
prospective students should arrive on campus at least a half an hour earlier than their first class during the first few weeks of a new semester. parking is notoriously crowded (because this school is awesome) but you can avoid the hassle by purchasing a $75/semester parking pass that allows you to park in the best spots.
Academic Rigor
if you think you don't have to take your classes seriously just because it is a community college, think again! the reason the cod has such a great reputation is because of the high standard it puts on actually earning your grade. the good thing is, about 95% of your classes are transferable so you don't have to repeat them elsewhere.
Dorm Life
there are no dorms on campus but just recently cod's president, dr. brueder, has announced a plan for on campus living in the future.
Food and Dining
cod has more (and better) on campus food and dining options than even the largest universities in illinois. nearly every building has a food stop and has everything from subway, to panda express, to einstein's, as well as two cafeterias! also, cod literally just opened a brand new culinary arts building with a restaurant and bar.
What to do for fun
there is always something fun to do around campus, both academically or socially. the student lounge has flat screen tv's, computers stations, a cafe, and pool tables. other spots around campus are always hosting student fairs, transfer college booths, or live student performances.
Bang for the buck
after two years of attending college of dupage full time, i have earned my associates degree for under $6500 (including summer courses). cod is great about financial aid as well as scholarships that are not necessarily need based. attending cod was the best decision i've ever made!!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
cod has really transformed over the years with its enormous growth and updating. interesting spots on campus include the brand new homeland security building as well as the brand new hospitality and culinary arts building where we have a state of the art chocolatier program, a working hotel, a bar, and a restaurant all run by students!! only a couple buildings over is a mock hospital in the new health and science building.
Great for these types of students
all types of students succeed at cod because of the great resources and professors that care about their students. we have students who are still in high school take classes here, traditional students, as well as adults who are choosing to continue their education. it is a very diverse and welcoming environment.
Clubs and Activities
there seems to be an infinite number of clubs and activities that you can become involved with on campus. if you go to the student life center/ lounge, you can easily receive information on any club or create your own. there is everything from academic study groups, to computers and gaming, to anime, to medical, to religious, as well as special interests groups.
Greek Life
there is no dorm greek life on campus, but there is a very prestigious academic group called phi theta kappa that ensures transfer scholarships.
Campus Safety
campus safety is awesome because they are always on duty. if you are staying late at night and would like an escort to your car they are more than happy to help you out. also, my favorite aspect about our campus safety is that they will text, call, and email you if there is ever a situation on campus including instances where weather interferes with classes.

Lauren from Hillside, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Whatever your field of study is at College of Dupage you truly get your moneys worth. The teachers are always available and willing to help you if you don't understand. As a Fashion major I'm already learning the ups and down sides of the fashion industry just by what my teachers are teaching and them sharing their past fashion experiences.
Am enjoying being here
Being at College of DuPage everybody's friendly and you tend to meet people like you and who are passionate about their field of study just like you are.
Bang for the buck
From my freshmen year coming into College of DuPage I've been steady learning about myself what I'm compatible of and what the school really provides which is a great experience of learning the field you've chosen to make a living out of. The money you pay for tuition is well worth it, because you walk away with such knowledge and it sticks with you throughout your journey.
Tips for prospective students
Tips I can give prospective is come into College of DuPage or any college with an open mind and willing to give your best every time you enter class for giving your best will show how passionate you are about the career you've chosen and also never be afraid to ask the teachers questions about what your being taught. They're their to help you learn and be prepared for the working world.
Great for these types of students
College of DuPage is great for anyone young or old still seeking out what they are good at and putting that into a career.