The Parkland College Associate degree program is fully accredited and includes degrees in liberal arts, social sciences, art, business, education, design and computer science. Parkland's programs are designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year universities or to move directly into a career. The college has an extensive offering of certificate-based programs covering everything from 3D computer animation and automotive repair to carpentry and welding. Many of Parkland College's programs are available via online courses.
Parkland College is a commuter school with no dedicated housing for students. Parking is available for students and three lines of the Champaign-Urbana bus system serve the campus. Students are encouraged to actively participate in student government and have access to professional development resources through the Office of Student Life. Students also participate in dozens of cultural, professional and educational associations and clubs including the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Parkland also has a child development center to serve the needs of students with families.
Parkland accepts applications from local and international students; candidates can apply directly through the college's online application system. Tuition is $102 per credit hour for district 505 residents, $261 for Illinois residents and $403 for out of state and international students (as of January, 2011). Parkland College has open enrollment for anyone with a high school diploma or GED with three exceptions: the Health Careers, Ford ASSET Program and Sprinkler System Technology program have selective admission. Students must be admitted to the college prior to enrolling in these programs.