For many prospective students, especially those who are first in their families to pursue higher education, the college admissions process can seem intimidating. Sandburg’s admissions approach eliminates that anxiety, creating a one-stop shop where prospective students can find guidance every step of the way.

“So often when I’m meeting out there in the community with families, I hear, ‘I have no idea where to start’ or, ‘I wasn’t sure where to ask questions,’” said Gabriella Hurtado, Sandburg’s director of recruitment. “That’s what I love about working in a community college admissions area. We can be that source of information for families, no matter what they’re doing.”

The Welcome Center: Your First Point of Contact

Sandburg’s Welcome Center serves as the hub for all prospective student inquiries and is staffed by a team ready to assist with every stage of the enrollment process. Located in the newly renovated Student Center in building B, the Welcome Center’s recruitment team handles everything from initial information requests to guiding students through registration.

“When you walk in those front doors, all of those office areas are right there,” Hurtado said. “There’s a main desk, and we’ll get you checked in. No matter what it is you’re wanting to do, we’ll make sure students are directed the right way.”

Prospective students can reach the Welcome Center by calling 309.345.3500. The center is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday during regular academic terms. It closes at 4 p.m. during the college’s summer hours (May 19–Aug. 4).

Take Charge Days: Enrollment Made Simple

One of Sandburg’s newest initiatives is Take Charge Days, held monthly on the second or third Thursday. These open-house events allow prospective students to drop in at their convenience to explore campus, meet with various departments and even register for classes.

“For students ready to take that next step and get registered for classes, we do drop-in appointments, so advisors are ready, and they can build their schedules that day,” Hurtado said.

This streamlined approach means students can complete multiple enrollment steps in a single visit—from campus tours to placement testing, financial aid guidance, and academic advising.

Flexible Start Options

Community colleges are known for their accessibility, and Sandburg takes this seriously by offering multiple entry points throughout the year.

“You don’t necessarily just have to start classes in August,” Hurtado said. “We have a semester that starts in March, a winter semester in December, and then our spring classes kick off in January.”

The application process takes less than 15 minutes to complete online, and staff are available to assist in person or by phone if needed.

Financial Support and Tuition Options

With tuition currently at $181 per credit hour, a full-time student taking four to five classes per semester can expect to pay approximately $6,000 annually. However, Sandburg offers numerous financial support options to make education affordable:

- Scholarships through the Sandburg Foundation (priority deadline: March 15)
- Federal and state financial aid via FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Payment plans for those who prefer to spread costs over time
- Crisis grants for students facing unexpected financial challenges

“A great majority of our students walk away with zero to little loan debt,” Hurtado proudly notes. “Last year, our Foundation awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships.”

New Programs and Flexible Formats

Sandburg continues to develop innovative programs that meet community needs. This fall, they’re introducing:

- A community health care worker program, which will be free to students through grant funds and include a $500 stipend upon completion of the 16-week course and internship.
- Charge Forward, an eight-week evening program where students take two classes at a time, completing their work through a mixture of online, hybrid, and in-person courses that require campus presence just one night per week (Tuesdays), allowing working adults to maintain full-time status while balancing other responsibilities.

Getting Started Today

For those considering Sandburg, the path forward is clear: Start with a call or visit to the Welcome Center. Staff can provide information packets, schedule campus visits or connect prospective students with specific departments based on their interests.

“We want to make it as easy and accessible as possible,” Hurtado emphasizes, “because so many students walk in the door and get that little bit of shock of ‘Where do I start?’ That’s what I really like about that one-stop shop idea — we’re all right there, so students can move through the steps with ease.”

To begin your Sandburg journey, contact the Welcome Center at 309.345.3500 or welcomecenter@sandburg.edu.