Who We Are

At Illinois Central College, we believe everyone should have access to a college education. We are a community college making a big impact. Regardless of where you’ve been or where you’d like to go, ICC has the programs, the faculty, and the staff to help you achieve your dreams.

Mission

Through learning, minds change. We believe by changing minds, we can change the world. 

Vision

We provide an exceptional educational experience that delights our students and stakeholders. 

Core Values

The College is committed to its Core Values:

• Learning
• Community
• Integrity
• Responsibility
• Excellence

• Philosophy

  Founded as a comprehensive community college in 1966 in response to the Illinois Master Plan for Higher Education, Illinois Central College was established to meet the post-secondary needs of the citizens of the District and to supplement the area schools and four-year colleges.

  The College was formed on the belief that individuals have worth and dignity in their own right and should be educated to the fullest extent of their abilities and motivation. Education of each citizen creates a better community for all. The College strives to provide quality education appropriate to each individual’s needs within the bounds of fiscal responsibility. Illinois Central College is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or physical capability. We believe that by representing the diversity of our district, we enrich the learning experience and create a broader and better understanding of our global community. In support of building this learning environment, we are dedicated to being a leader in recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff.

  The student is the center of all that is done at Illinois Central College. The College strives to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding for successful and satisfying careers and for intelligent participation in, and preservation of, a free and democratic society. This includes the development of a higher sense of values and the desire for continuous education throughout life. To achieve these purposes, the College encourages excellence in teaching and close communication between instructor and student.

  To fulfill its philosophy and mission, the College: 

  • Promotes student access through both admission policies and reasonable student costs that encourage enrollment of those who can benefit from the instruction and services offered. 
  • Enhances the academic and personal development of all students through a range of support services. 
  • Provides a broad general education curriculum for students in all programs as a basis for further study and specialization. 
  • Offers the requirements and prerequisites in preparation for successful transfer to a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree. 
  • Provides a variety of career and technical programs in preparation for successful employment. 
  • Provides developmental and foundational level studies for students with academic deficiencies. 
  • Provides opportunities for students to appreciate and benefit from the diversity of people in a global community. 
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for students interested in meeting personal goals or updating employment skills and pursuing cultural and leisure interests. 
  • Cooperates with other educational, business, and governmental entities to address educational needs related to the economic health of the District. 
  • Provides special cultural, recreational, and general interest events which enrich the life of the community.  
• History

  Illinois Central College first started classes on September 18, 1967, in temporary buildings at its East Peoria location. Situated on over 400 acres of wooded terrain, the East Peoria Campus is now home to the Edwards Library Administration Building, Academic Building, Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Building, CougarPlex, Performing Arts Center, the Caterpillar Building, and the Horticulture Land Laboratory.

  In 1973, Illinois Central College purchased a downtown site on Southwest Adams Street, which included the Perley and Thomas Buildings. ICC’s presence at this location has been phased out, and it is now utilized as the Peoria Innovation Hub. ICC Peoria, located at 5407 N. University Street in Peoria, opened in December 2002. In August 2004, student residences opened, offering students an on-campus, apartment-style living option. In 2008, the College developed ICC Pekin at the Riverway Business Park, located at 225 Hanna Drive. ICC Peoria was newly renovated in 2016. The Student Resource Center was completed in 2017 and includes a Student Success Center, Student Activities Office, cafeteria, bookstore, student lounge, and meeting rooms.

  Three out of ten graduating high school seniors living in the ICC district choose Illinois Central College. ICC annually awards more than 1,800 degrees and certificates.

Community

ICC is located in the Greater Peoria area within driving distance of three major cities; Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The area hosts an international airport, charter coaches, and Amtrak services to make travel easy and accessible, and has a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.