Common App welcomes its first cohort of community colleges to the platform
By Common App
February 6, 2025
To increase access for low- and middle-income students, Common App is expanding the types of institutions students can explore to include colleges that offer primarily associate-level degrees.
Arlington, VA – Today, Common App announced that the organization is welcoming its first cohort of community colleges in Illinois to its membership. Used by more than three million applicants, teachers, and counselors every year, the Common App platform streamlines the college application process, providing resources and guidance to make college more accessible for students around the world.
As part of Common App’s Next Chapter, the organization recommitted to increasing access by closing the gap in low- and middle-income students applying through Common App. Expanding the opportunities available to students on the Common App is one of the many ways the organization is working toward that goal. While the organization has welcomed Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges to its membership before, this is the first targeted effort to include colleges that offer primarily associate-level degrees.
“To close the gap in low- and middle-income students applying, we need to expand the types of institutions students can connect with,” said Jenny Rickard, President & CEO of Common App. “Community colleges are critical to helping students–especially those from low- and middle-income communities–pursue their postsecondary dreams. We are excited both to help our members expand their reach and to provide our applicants even more opportunities to explore.”
“Illinois community colleges have long served as accessible and affordable entry points into higher education,” said Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham. “By joining Common App, these colleges are strengthening their commitment to access, opening new doors for students, and making the pathway to higher education even more seamless and attainable.”
All four community colleges are located in Illinois. Students living in Illinois can also use the Illinois Community College Locator to explore nearby opportunities.
New community college members for the 2024-2025 application season
- Sauk Valley Community College
- Rend Lake College
- Carl Sandburg College
- Black Hawk College
For the 2025-2026 application season, three additional community college members in Illinois will join our membership: Lincoln Land Community College, Oakton College, and Triton College.
About Common App
Common App is a not-for-profit member organization committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year, more than one million students apply to college through the Common App’s online application. In January 2019, the Common App united with Reach Higher, the college access and success campaign started by former First Lady Michelle Obama during her time at the White House.
By joining forces, Common App and Reach Higher accelerated progress toward our joint goal of supporting all students, especially low-income and first-generation students, in achieving their higher education dreams.
Founded in 1975, Common App serves over 1,100 member colleges and universities worldwide. In 2023, the organization launched its Next Chapter with the goal of closing its equity gap in low- and middle-income students applying to college by 2030. To learn more, visit commonapp.org and follow @CommonApp and #CommonApp on social media.