About the College

Harold Washington College is a student-centered institution that empowers all members of its community through accessible and affordable academic advancement, career development and personal enrichment.

Harold Washington College, located at 30 East Lake Street in Chicago’s Loop, serves thousands of students annually by supporting each one in pursuit of a certificate or degree and ensuring they are ready to succeed in further college or a career after graduation.

Harold Washington College is City Colleges of Chicago’s Center of Excellence in Business and Professional Services. Harold Washington faculty and staff partner with industry leaders to ensure the curriculum reflects employer demand, to provide internships and give students the opportunity to interview for jobs in the field. Harold Washington College business programs are accredited by ACBSP, so its business courses can be used as class hours to qualify to sit for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam.

Partners include: Aon, Gap, Randstad, Fifth Third Bank, U.S. Cellular, Accenture, Country Financial, Accountemps, Allstate, ALPFA, CDW, Deloitte, Federal Savings Bank, Northern Trust

Harold Washington College is the Chicago site for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

Program Offerings

Harold Washington College offers associate degrees and shorter-term certificate programs.

  • Associate Degree Transfer Programs 
    Take the first two years of a degree program at Harold Washington College, then transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree and save thousands of dollars on your bachelor’s degree. For a list of programs, click here.
  • Career Certificate Programs
    Specialized courses are available for students who intend to enter immediate employment or upgrade their professional and technical skills. For a list of programs, click here.

Student Resources

Harold Washington College students have access to a host of resources to support them on their path to success, including:

There is an active student life through the Student Government Association and student clubs.

Location

Harold Washington College is located in the bustling Loop area of downtown Chicago at 30 E. Lake St., on the corner of Lake and Wabash.

  • Trains: CTA Blue Line, Red Line, Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, and Purple Line
  • CTA Bus Lines: 2, 10, 29, 124, 146, 148

Stay Connected

Harold Washington College was named one of the best community colleges in Illinois for 2024.