The Elgin Community College was founded in a wing of the Elgin High School on 10th January, 1949. This college is located in the city of Elgin which is located midway between Rockford and Chicago in the Fox River Valley. The campus known as the Spartan Drive Campus is spread over an area of 217 acres with 13 modern buildings that are enhanced with the presence of wireless access, latest equipment as well as computer technologies. The area also includes the Elgin Community College Center for Emergency Services. The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) is a state-level agreement that allows over 100 participating universities and colleges in Illinois to transfer students for their baccalaureate degree. This college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Higher Learning Commission. It has been a public college for two years and is considered as one of the best community Colleges in America ranked at the 59th position in the Nische rankings. The highest degree awarded by the Elgin Community College is an associate degree. The college has a policy for open admissions and offers extra credits students with extensive work experience.