Kishwaukee Community College

What Kishwaukee Community College does

Kishwaukee College is a public community college district headquartered at 21193 Malta Road in Malta, Illinois, serving DeKalb County and surrounding areas under the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) system. The institution offers Associate in Arts degrees (in both traditional and fully online formats), Career & Technical Education programs, short-term workforce training, and adult education across eight guided pathways including Health Sciences, Applied Technologies, Business & Computer Technologies, Arts & Humanities, Public/Social Sciences, Agriculture, Education, and STEM. The college is differentiated by an All-In tuition model at $160 per credit hour (fees and textbooks included for in-district students), 26+ university transfer articulation agreements (NIU, UIC, UIUC, ISU, SIU, ASU, and others), and an active Kish Kougars athletics program in the Arrowhead Conference.

The underlying technology stack is built on commodity third-party platforms rather than proprietary systems: Brightspace/D2L serves as the learning management system for online course delivery, Concourse handles syllabus management, Navigate-360 powers academic advising appointment scheduling, Nelnet processes interest-free payment plans, and RAVE Mobile Safety provides mass-notification emergency alerts. Student-facing services include tutoring, testing (TEAS, CLEP, Nurse Aide), disability accommodations, and a laptop/Chromebook loan program. The Innovation Center for Teaching & Learning houses instructional design and instructional technology staff supporting faculty course development.

The business model is a four-stream public funding architecture rather than a commercial revenue model: (1) tuition and fees from in-district ($160/credit all-in), out-of-district, and out-of-state students; (2) state appropriations via the ICCB; (3) local property tax revenue from the Kishwaukee College district; and (4) federal grants plus private donations through the Kishwaukee College Foundation (which awarded over $845k in scholarships in 2025). The customer base spans recent high school graduates pursuing transfer pathways, adult learners seeking retraining or career advancement, and transfer-bound students leveraging articulation agreements. With 66% of students receiving financial aid in 2025, accessibility and affordability are central to the value proposition. Governance is provided by an elected Board of Trustees with operational leadership from a CFO, VP of Instruction, VP of Student Services, and Associate VPs across Community Engagement, Campus Operations & Technology, and Human Resources.

Name

Kishwaukee Community College

Legal name

Kishwaukee College

Website

https://kish.edu

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Kishwaukee College is a public community college in Malta, Illinois, offering Associate in Arts degrees, career and technical education, and transfer pathways to 26+ universities for residents of DeKalb County and beyond. It serves recent high school graduates, adult learners, and transfer-bound students under an affordable all-in tuition model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community College Education

NAICS

Junior Colleges (61121), Junior Colleges (6112), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Community Colleges (EDAHADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE), Online Community Colleges (2-Year, Degree/Transfer) (EDAHALAC)

Keywords

• Community college education
• Associate degree programs
• Workforce development training
• Transfer pathway programs
• Adult education services

Headquarters

HQ city

Malta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Public community college funded primarily through tuition from in-district, out-of-district, and out-of-state students, along with student fees. In-district rate is $160 per credit hour with fees and textbooks included.
2. State Appropriations: Public community college receives state funding from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) as part of its operational budget.
3. Local Property Tax Revenue: District community college funded by local property taxes from residents of the Kishwaukee College district.
4. Grants and Federal Funding: Receives grant funding from federal sources including the U.S. Department of Education for student support initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Kishwaukee Community College is a public two-year institution that delivers higher education services through associate degree programs, career and technical education, online learning, adult education, and workforce development training. The college supports transfer pathways to four-year universities via 26+ articulation agreements and provides student services such as academic advising, tutoring, and financial aid to a primarily in-district student population in DeKalb County, Illinois.

Product overview

Kishwaukee College (Kish) is a community college offering a portfolio of educational programs and student services. Its core academic products include the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree — available in both traditional and fully online formats — designed to parallel the first two years of bachelor's degree coursework with a focus on arts, humanities, social sciences, and behavioral sciences. Supporting the degree programs are student-facing services including academic advising (using Navigate-360 for appointment scheduling), tutoring, testing services (TEAS, CLEP, Nurse Aide exams), disability accommodations, and technology assistance (laptop loans, campus Wi-Fi, printing). Online learning delivery is supported by Brightspace/D2L, and transfer pathways are facilitated through articulation agreements with over 30 partner institutions. The college also provides financial aid, scholarships, and Nelnet-powered payment plans to support affordability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kish Kougars: Athletics program mascot and branding for Kishwaukee College sports teams

Products and services

• Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree An associate degree designed to parallel the first two years of bachelor's degree coursework, focusing on arts, humanities, social sciences, and behavioral sciences. Intended for students preparing to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce.
• Associate in Arts Online Degree A fully online version of the Associate in Arts degree allowing students to complete the degree as full-time or part-time students, intended for remote learners and working adults.
• Online Learning Flexible online course delivery allowing students to complete coursework remotely, with 8-week course options for working adults and remote learners.
• Transfer Agreements & Pathways Articulation agreements with 26+ colleges and universities (including NIU, UIC, UIUC, ISU, SIU) enabling seamless credit transfer, guaranteed admission programs, and 2+2/3+1 pathways for transfer students.
• Career & Technical Education (CTE) Career-focused technical programs in health sciences, applied technologies, business, and skilled trades designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the regional workforce.
• Workforce Development Short-term career training, customized employee training programs, and professional development offerings for local businesses and community members in the DeKalb County region.
• Adult Education Adult education services including GED preparation, job retraining, and personal enrichment courses for adult learners returning to education for career advancement or skill development.

Quantifiable outcome

• 66% of students received financial aid (2025)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Northern Illinois University (NIU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop transfer school partner with Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Reverse Transfer Agreement, BSN Completion Program, and Technology/Applied Manufacturing Technology articulation. Kishwaukee College Transfer Scholarships available for NIU-bound students. Nursing Transfer Agreement and Teacher Preparation Pathway for Baccalaureate Elementary Education with ESL/Bilingual Emphasis.
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop transfer school partner offering Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. Includes transfer pathways for Anthropology, Architecture, Art, Biology, Business, Communication, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Nursing, Psychology, and more.
• Illinois State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop transfer school partner offering Redbird Promise Guaranteed Admission Program for Kishwaukee College transfer students.
• University of Illinois SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Illinois Transfer Guarantee program allowing Kish students to transfer to UI Urbana-Champaign for ACES majors including Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Animal Sciences, Computer Science, Crop Sciences, Food Science, Human Development, Natural Resources, and Technical Systems Management.
• Southern Illinois University CarbondalemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaluki Step Ahead Program offering guaranteed admission. Includes online transfer pathways for Accounting, Business Administration, Criminology, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Healthcare Management, History, Industrial Management, Information Technology, Nursing (RN to BSN), Psychology, Radiologic Sciences, and more.
• Southern Illinois University EdwardsvillemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner2+2 Articulation Agreement for Criminal Justice (AAS and AA degrees) and Business Administration (AS). RN to BSN online program. Kishwaukee Pathway Program partnership.
• Safe PassagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConfidential advisor services partnership providing support for students affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Safe Passage provides free and confidential legal or medical advocacy, counseling, and referrals.
• RAVE Mobile SafetycoreTechnology or IntegrationMass notification system used to send emergency alerts and important notifications to students and employees via text messages and phone calls. Alerts cover emergency situations, weather-related closures, and safety notifications.
• Eastern Illinois UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPanther Pledge Guaranteed Transfer Admission Program for Kishwaukee College students.
• Western Illinois UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerB.A. in General Studies articulation accepting AA, AS, AFA, AES, and AAS degrees from Kishwaukee College.
• Columbia College ChicagomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGuaranteed admissions for students in advertising, animation, art, arts management, audio arts, business (digital media, entertainment industry, sports management), creative writing, fashion studies, game design, graphic design, journalism, music business, photography, programming, radio, and theatre programs.
• Judson UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransfer agreements for AA, AS, or AFA degrees into Management and Leadership, Criminal Justice concentration, Management Information Systems concentration, and Human Services and Human Resource Management programs.
• Lewis UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner2+2 Criminal Justice — Forensic program articulation with Kishwaukee College.
• National Louis UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDirect to Success Program (D2S) partnership for transfer students.
• Olivet Nazarene UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRN to BSN Transfer Agreement for nursing program completion.
• Rockford UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReverse Transfer Credit Articulation. Rockford Ready collaboration for Accounting or Management Studies degrees for students earning AAS in Automotive, Marketing & Management, or Technology & Manufacturing at Kish. 2+2 Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry pathways.
• Roosevelt UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDual Agreement for transfer admissions.
• Saint Anthony College of NursingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRN to BSN transfer agreement and SACN Transfer Guides for nursing program completion.
• Arizona State UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOut-of-state partner offering Guaranteed Program for Admissions (GPA), MyPath2ASU transfer program, ASU Transfer Guide, Degree Search, Illinois GPA Page, and ASU Tuition Calculator.
• Chamberlain UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOut-of-state partnership for AAS in Nursing to BSN completion program.
• Franklin UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOut-of-state transfer partnership for community college students pursuing bachelor's degree completion.
• University of IowamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOut-of-state partner where AA degree meets freshman and sophomore general education requirements for Tippie College of Business, College of Public Health, University College, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and College of Education.
• University of Wisconsin-WhitewatermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOut-of-state partner offering UWW Guaranteed Admission Programs and transfer pathways for Business, Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Elementary Education, English Education, Geography Education, History Education, Mathematics Education, Physical Education, and Special Education.
• Palmer College of ChiropracticminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOut-of-state partnership for Associate Degree to BS in Chiropractic (Davenport Campus Only) transfer pathway.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• McHenry County College: Public community college in McHenry County, Illinois, offering associate degrees, university transfer programs, and continuing education. Similar district-based funding model and comparable enrollment scale.
• Waubonsee Community College: Public Illinois community college serving the Fox Valley region with associate degrees, transfer agreements to Illinois universities, and CTE programs. Comparable rural-to-suburban district profile and student demographics.
• Elgin Community College: Public community college in northern Illinois operating under the same ICCB system, offering associate degrees, transfer pathways, and workforce development. Most directly comparable peer given overlapping service area in the northern Illinois region and similar program portfolio.
• Heartland Community College: Public community college in Normal, Illinois, offering associate degrees and transfer pathways under the ICCB system. Comparable institutional structure and program mix to Kishwaukee.
• Illinois Valley Community College: Public community college in Oglesby, Illinois, offering associate degrees, transfer programs, and CTE. Similar small-to-mid-size district community college profile within the ICCB system.
• Joliet Junior College: The oldest public community college in the U.S., based in Joliet, Illinois, with similar associate degree, transfer, and CTE program mix under the ICCB system.
• Rock Valley College: Public community college in Rockford, Illinois, serving the Rock River Valley region with associate degrees, transfer pathways, and vocational programs. Comparable northern Illinois district college operating under ICCB.
• College of DuPage: Large Illinois community college serving DuPage County with associate degrees, transfer pathways, and continuing education. Comparable state funding model and student demographic profile, though at a larger enrollment scale.
• Highland Community College (Illinois): Public community college in Freeport, Illinois, with associate degree and transfer pathways. Comparable rural northern Illinois community college operating under ICCB.
• Sauk Valley Community College: Public community college in Dixon, Illinois, offering associate degrees, transfer programs, and workforce training. Closely comparable rural Illinois district community college under the ICCB system.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/KishCollege
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/groups/13995305

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kishwaukee Community College