Contact Information
General Contact
- School Code: 164000
- Phone: (217) 351-2200
- School Homepage
Admissions Office
Financial Aid Office
FINANCIAL AID RATE
75%STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
13:1DEGREE OFFERED ONLINE
2FINANCIAL AID AWARD AVG.
$6,076Average 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 Certificate | 20 |
Less Than Two-Year Award | 3 |
Associate's Degree | 1 |
Students by Gender (2019)
Graduates | |
---|---|
Male | 16 |
Female | 8 |
Students by Race (2019)
Graduates | |
---|---|
Black | 10 |
Hispanic | 2 |
White | 6 |
Unknown | 6 |
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
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