Meet Sandburg
You likely have questions about community college, paying for college and college in general. At Sandburg, we’ll give your student the support and tools they need to work towards a bright future — on their own terms, no matter what success looks like to them. Plus, while you won’t break the bank coming to Sandburg, our academic and workforce programs can significantly boost students’ earnings potential. That’s helping your student take charge of their success.
Take a peek at some frequently asked questions that can help you better understand why Sandburg may be the perfect choice for your family. If you have further questions, email Admissions.
What student services/resources does Sandburg provide?
Sandburg offers several student services, resources, clubs and organizations your student can take advantage of. See what student services Sandburg offers.General info about college
Understand more about gen-ed courses, credit hours and IAI. Get more basic info about college.
What is a community college?
Two-year associate degrees are offered.
A community college is a public higher-education institution serving its local region that offers two-year associate degree programs. This means students can tackle their general-education (gen-ed) requirements before transferring to a four-year school to finish their bachelor’s degree. This makes Sandburg a strong option for students who have not picked a major or who want a more affordable option for their first two years of college.
Career and technical programs also are offered.
In addition to two-year associate degrees, a community college also offers career and technical programs where students can learn new skills or trades and earn a certificate or associate in applied science (AAS) degree.
It’s your local option.
A community college allows your full- or part-time student to stay local and commute or take public transportation to their classes with affordable outside living options for students who need local accommodations.
How is a community college different than a four-year university?
While four-year schools have selective admission, a community college typically offers open admission — meaning virtually anyone who wants to enroll can. This is a great option for students who may have struggled with grades in high school; they can build up their GPA Sandburg before applying to a four-year school.
It costs less.
Sandburg’s tuition and fees are nearly one-third of other Illinois four-year public universities and one-sixth the cost of an in-state private college or university.
Source: 2023 ISAC Data Book, page 25
How do we pay for college?
Start by completing the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA).
Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans, should complete the FAFSA. You wouldn’t want any financial assistance left on the table.
Apply for other, non-Sandburg scholarships.
Search and apply for outside scholarships. Your child’s high school counselor and religious or civic groups may have scholarship opportunities. And remember, you should never pay for scholarship information.
Contact the college business office for your payment options.
Reach out to the college’s business office for available payment options, including payment plans to help pay your student’s tuition. Also check out key dates, including tuition/fee deadlines and the refund schedule, if dropping a class.
What is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and what does it mean for me, as the parent?
Any student, regardless of age is protected under FERPA laws. This means Sandburg can’t directly share student information (e.g., grades) directly with you, as the parent. A release form is available from Student Development when information should be shared with parents or outside organizations. Financial aid information requires a separate release from Financial Aid. Each release can be rescinded at any time.
What student services/resources does Sandburg provide?
Accessibility services
Assists students with any type of disability to help make the physical and learning environments of Sandburg as accessible as possible. Learn more.
Academic advising
Our academic advisors meet with students each semester to help them plan their courses, select majors, and stay on track for graduation. Learn more.
Spirit shop & bookstore
In addition to textbooks and college apparel, Sandburg’s Spirit shop & bookstore also carries school supplies and technology equipment. Learn more.
Counseling services
Confidential services are available to assist with a student’s mental health and well-being. Free virtual counseling is available 24/7 through TimelyCare and on-campus appointments are available on a limited basis by calling 309.341.5237 (Galesburg) or 217.357.3129 (Carthage). Learn more.
Career services
Helps students prepare to enter the workforce with resume writing/editing, mock interviews and job searches. Learn more.
Health services — TimelyCare
Free access to healthcare is available through TimelyCare available 24/7.
Resource room/food pantry
Sandburg partners with River Bend Food Bank in Davenport, IA, to provide a free food pantry to students, which offers fresh meat, fruit, vegetables and other items to help students fight food insecurity. It’s restocked monthly and is available to students just needing a quick snack to get through the day or stocking up on groceries for meals to cook at home. Free to all students at both the Galesburg and Carthage campuses. Learn more.
Safety
Public Safety keeps Sandburg safe and responds to emergencies. Learn more.
Student life at Sandburg
Sandburg has several annual student events (Welcome Week, October Bash and Spring Fest, just to name a few) and campus activities throughout the year to help students have fun and develop new relationships. We also have dozens of student clubs and organizations where students can get involved and be active on campus. Learn more.
Technology support
Our Technology Services team provides support for all student technology needs, including assistance with software and troubleshooting technical issues.
Tutoring services
Provides in-person and online tutoring and academic assistance to any student in all subject areas. Learn more.
General info about college
What are general education courses?
General education (often called gen ed) refers to the undergraduate courses students must complete in addition to those within their major to earn their degree. They’re typically core courses such as English, math, humanities and social sciences. Many of the classes in Sandburg’s associate degree programs transfer and count toward a student’s gen ed courses at a four-year university.
What are credit hours?
College courses are measured in credit hours. These units are typically measured in the approximate amount of time a class meets each week. Most college classes are worth three credit hours. A typical course load for full-time students is 12-15 credit hours (or four to five classes) each semester.
What is IAI?
The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) is a statewide transfer agreement that includes more than 100 colleges and universities in the state, including Sandburg. IAI makes it easier for students to transfer credits between colleges in Illinois — even if they don’t know where they plan to complete their bachelor’s degree.