Contact Information

General Contact

Admissions Office

Financial Aid Office

FINANCIAL AID RATE

75%

STUDENT TEACHER RATIO

13:1

DEGREE OFFERED ONLINE

2

FINANCIAL AID AWARD AVG.

$6,076

Average Grants + Scholarship Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students

Percent of Full-Time Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid

Percent of Students Paying In-State Tuition vs Out-of-State Tuition

School Map

Auto Mechanic Program

The auto mechanic program at Prairie State College prepares students for careers as department store service mechanics, auto part specialists, emissions inspectors, rental car fleet mechanic, specialty shop technicians, and car test driver/mechanic. The program focuses on applying technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Program courses include: brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air conditioning systems. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer auto mechanic program.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Prairie State College

2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL

The Prairie State College motto is fitting for a local community college: “Start near. Go far.” The college, which opened its doors in 1958, is located in Chicago Heights, Illinois. A two-year community college, it is the only institution run by the Illinois Community College District 515. Prairie State opens the world to its students, offering over 100 choices of certification and academic courses of study. Students leave the halls of Prairie State primed for success in the working world or prepared to matriculate to institutions of higher learning. A majority of the faculty holds master’s and doctoral degrees and works full time at the school. And thanks to the school’s transfer agreements with many highly regarded baccalaureate institutions; its students have a plethora of educational options available to them upon graduation.

Since the college experience is about developing a well-rounded individual, Prairie State offers many extracurricular clubs and activities, encouraging students to branch out academically, culturally, and socially. Students wishing to take a break from studies can also take advantage of the school’s proximity to the Windy City. Chicago offers cultural enrichment in the form of museums, concerts, the theater, and much more.

Cost effectiveness is a hallmark of the community college, and Prairie State is no exception, with tuition rates that will save you thousands of dollars. If you’re looking for features that make a difference between an acceptable education and an exceptional education, Prairie State is the logical choice. Its dedicated faculty and abundance of degree/certification plans will help you start near but go very far, indeed.

Students Enrolled in the Auto Mechanic Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Prairie State College has offered the following academic levels for students:

  • Less Than One Year Certificate
  • Less Than Two-Year Award
  • Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

 Graduates
Less Than One Year Certificate20
Less Than Two-Year Award3
Associate's Degree1

Students by Gender (2019)

 Graduates
Male16
Female8

Students by Race (2019)

 Graduates
Black10
Hispanic2
White6
Unknown6

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Students who have completed the Auto Mechanic program at Prairie State College, have entered into some of these more popular career paths listed below:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Description

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Description

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -50.0% from 2014 to 2024

Automotive Master Mechanics

Description

Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, automotive master mechanics employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

  • Champaign-Urbana, IL
    • Total Employment: 470
    • Average Hourly Rate: $18.00
    • Average Annual Salary: $37440

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Admission Requirements & Details

The information regarding admissions below may give an overview of the applicants Prairie State College accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP college credits that may be transferred.

College Credits Accepted

  • Dual Credits
  • Life Experience Credits
  • AP Course Credits
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Academics & Student Services

Student Services

To support students and graduates, Prairie State College may provide services like:

  • Distance learning
  • Classes offered on nights and weekends
  • Remedial courses
  • Counseling assistance
  • Student employment
  • Helping students find work after graduation

Intercollegiate Athletics

Prairie State College is a Member of National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NJCAA Division II classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis