Hear COD student Natalie Saba talk about her experience as a first-generation student.
While you might be the first person in your family to attend college, you don’t have to take on this new life experience alone. There is a world of opportunity and assistance available for first-generation students at COD.
First-Generation Student Experience
There can be increased pressure as a first-generation student. You want to do well, make your family proud and pave the way for future members of your family. Being a first-generation student is a big accomplishment.
We're here to show you how college works – from the admissions process to applying for scholarships, financial aid and much more. We want you to be successful.
COD Stories
“I was worried that I would be treated as inferior because I didn’t graduate from high school. But at COD they are not going to tear you down, they want to build you up.” - Molly Langlotz
Molly's COD StoryCOD Stories
“College of DuPage helped me in ways I can’t even begin to describe. I am grateful and humble for the opportunities and resources that were provided to me during my time at COD.”
Anthony's COD StoryCOD Stories
"I needed to show my daughter that she can do anything. At first I was nervous and scared. One of my first classes was biology and I did extremely well. Then the professor told me to take Anatomy and Physiology, and I did extremely well in that one, too. In fact, I loved it." - Leticia Lozano
Leticia's COD StoryCOD Stories
"I am a low-income, first-gen student. While many colleges offered scholarships, the tuition prices were still too high for my family...However, after applying for scholarships I received the news that I was a Presidential Scholar, which meant my tuition would be covered in full. I remember feeling a surge of relief when my counselor gave me the news and after that, I knew COD would be the college I wanted to attend." - Belem Oseguera
Belem's COD StoryCOD Stories
"Thanks to the career that I chose at COD, I have accomplished dreams that I thought I would never reach." - Victor Barrón
Victor's COD StoryChoosing College of DuPage
COD has opportunities inside and outside of the classroom for students of all ages, including:
- Small class sizes
- Faculty with real world experience
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Activities, sports and extracurricular activities for every interest level
Contact Information
Admissions and Outreach
Enrollment Center
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 2280
For more information, fill out the contact form.
The Admissions Office is operating during regular business hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: (630) 942-2626
Email: admissions@cod.edu
Chat: Chat Online
Walk-in appointments are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis for a 15-minute meeting. Students who need more time can schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with their admission representative.Follow us:
Instagram: @codadmissions
Facebook: @CODAdmissions