Admission at College of DuPage is open to anyone who is a high school graduate, has earned a GED or is at least 18 years old and can benefit from college-level instruction. To qualify for federal student aid, students must have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or have completed a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law.
Admission can be granted to others by the Director of Admissions and Outreach (Board Policy 20-50). The College prohibits discrimination in its admission, employment, and educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, arrest record, military status or unfavorable military discharge, citizenship status, and physical or mental handicap or disability (Board Policy 20-5).
Prospective students need to apply to the Office of Admissions and Outreach. Students should submit official transcripts from high schools and colleges or universities they have attended.
Entrance Exams and Placement Testing
No entrance exams are required for admission; however, entrance exam information is helpful to college advisors who assist students with their educational planning. Students are encouraged to submit national college entrance tests such as the ACT. Placement tests in reading, writing and mathematics may be needed.
Admissions Application Fee
New applicants are required to submit the $20 nonrefundable General Undergraduate Admission Application Fee or submit documentation to qualify for the undergraduate application fee waiver to apply to College of DuPage.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The College will not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, arrest record, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, citizenship status, use of lawful products while not at work, physical or mental handicap or disability.
Definitions and Explanations of Special Populations Categories
We’re excited that you are applying to College of DuPage! At COD we believe each of our students has the right to accessible and affordable opportunities to learn. The Special Populations section in our undergraduate application allows us to work on specific supports for our students through Perkins V.
Predatory Recruiting Policy
The College refrains from providing commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.
The College also refrains from high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts, including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, or engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing enrollments.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant, a transfer student, or a parent looking for guidance, we’re here to provide the information and support needed to navigate the admissions process at COD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at our frequently asked questions or reach out to Admissions if you need more information.
You don’t need an appointment to get started. You can follow the Steps to Enrollment to complete the admission process. However, we recommend meeting with an admissions representative or visiting campus to learn more about the process and the resources available to support you.
Work with your COD academic advisor and the advisor at your transfer school to make sure your credits will apply toward your intended major. Also, be sure to review transfer resources.
It is not required to see an advisor, but we strongly recommended that you do meet with an advisor.
College of DuPage is a member of the Comprehensive Agreement Regarding the Expansion of Educational Resources (CAREER), an agreement that provides expanded educational services with 38 other community colleges in Illinois.
Members of the CAREER consortium offer in-district tuition rates for select career and technical programs. Under the agreement, out-of-district students can enroll in an applied science program at College of DuPage that may not be available through their area community college.
Please visit the CAREER consortium page for details and to see a list of all the member colleges of the CAREER consortium.
Students who reside outside the College of DuPage district but are employed full time (35+ Hours) within the district may be eligible for Special Residency Classification after submitting proof of employment.
Please visit the Residency page for more information.
Not unless you are moving from outside of District 502 to in-district or the College of DuPage has mail that was sent to you but was returned to us by the post office.
Please note that all limited-enrollment health science programs require every student to prove their residency status for admissions purposes.
Contact Information
Admissions and Outreach
Enrollment Center
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 2280
For more information, fill out the contact form.
The Admissions Office is operating during regular business hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: (630) 942-2626
Email: admissions@cod.edu
Chat: Chat Online
Walk-in appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis for a 15-minute meeting. Students who need more time can schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with their admission representative.Follow us:
Instagram: @codadmissions
Facebook: @CODAdmissions