Applying to Oakton is fast and easy. Before you begin your studies, you'll need to fill out an admission application and complete your enrollment process.
As the community's college, we serve a wide variety of students from different backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.
To be sure that we are serving you best and giving you the best access to the resources available if you identify as one of the following applicant types, there are a few extra steps and considerations. Follow the links below if you fall into one of these categories:
If you do not identify with one of the categories below, follow our Steps to Enroll to begin your path toward a degree or certificate.
Applicant Types
International: For international students seeking an F-1 visa to study at Oakton.
General Degree Seeking: For students seeking to earn an Associate Degree at Oakton (not in a healthcare program or as an F-1 student).
General Certificate Seeking: For students seeking to earn a certificate at Oakton (not in a limited enrollment healthcare program).
Visiting Student: For students who are wanting to complete one or more courses to transfer back to their 4-year college, take a class as a prerequisite for another institution, take a summer class only, or take classes as a visiting F-1 student enrolled at another US institution, to maintain their J1 visa (AuPair status), or to meet a personal or professional goal.
Veterans: If you're a veteran of any branch of the United States military, we provide some key information and application instructions.
High School / Concurrent: If you are a high school student planning on taking Oakton classes while still in high school.
Undocumented / DACA: If you're undocumented or in the U.S. as part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, we welcome you at Oakton.
Continuing Education: Adult students and lifelong learners seeking non-credit classes should follow our continuing education application process.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact our Office of Admission for assistance.
After submitting your application, access your New Student Portal to view your Admission Checklist and next steps.
Submit admission documents: your transcripts (high school, college, AP, military) and Proof of Residency.
Note: To satisfy placement we will accept your unofficial transcript. To transfer previous courses to Oakton as credit, you will need to submit your official college transcript in addition to an Evaluation of Credits (PDF) (428 KB) form to have your previous credits evaluated.
Step 2: Submit a Prerequisite Override
Some courses require prerequisite credits. If you've already taken those classes at another school, you may submit a prerequisite override form for any class that requires a prerequisite.
Select "your next steps" in your New Student Portal to learn more about the prerequisite process.
Step 3: Complete the Online Orientation
Online Orientation is required before you can register for classes. Orientation information is available in your New Student Portal on the "your next steps" tab.
Step 4: Register for Classes
Register for classes through your myOakton account.
If you need support selecting classes or creating an academic plan, you can schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. Instructions are listed on the "your next steps" tab of your New Student Portal.
Step 5: Pay Tuition and Fees
Login to your myOakton.edu account to sign up for a payment plan or pay your tuition in full. Payments can also be made in person at the Cashier at the Des Plaines campus.
If you'd like financial assistance, you can apply online by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application, available at FAFSA.gov. Oakton's school code is 009896.
You can also apply for scholarships on the Oakton Scholarships webpage.
Access your New Student Portal to view your Admission Checklist and next steps.
Submit admission documents: your transcripts (high school, college, AP, military) and Proof of Residency.
Step 2: Meet Placement Requirements
Determining your skill level in reading, writing and math will help you and your advisors make the best choices in your course selection. To determine your placement, you may submit transcripts showing your high school grade point average in the above subjects, SAT / ACT scores, or credits from other colleges. You may need to take a placement test if you don't have those. Visit your New Student Portal for more information.
Step 3: Complete Online Orientation and Academic Advising
Online Orientation is required. Orientation information is available in your New Student Portal on the "Next Steps" tab. You will need your Oakton Student ID number and the access code listed in your portal to login and complete the orientation.
An in-person Advising and Registration Workshop is required after completing online orientation and placement requirements. Details will be available in your New Student Portal when you are eligible to complete this step.
Step 4: Register for Classes
Course Registration will take place during your in-person Advising and Registration Workshop. During the Workshop, you will meet with an Academic Advisor, begin your academic plan for Oakton, and register for classes.
Visit myOakton to sign up for a payment plan or pay your tuition in full. Payments can also be made in person at the Cashier at the Des Plaines campus.
If you'd like financial assistance, you can apply online by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application, available online. Oakton's school code is 009896.
After submitting your application, access your New Student Portal to view your Admission Checklist and next steps.
Submit admission documents: your transcripts (high school, college, AP, military) and Proof of Residency.
Note: To satisfy placement we will accept your unofficial transcript. To transfer previous courses to Oakton as credit, you will need to submit your official college transcript in addition to an Evaluation of Credits (PDF) (428 KB) form to have your previous credits evaluated.
Step 2: Submit a Prerequisite Override
Some courses require prerequisite credits. If you've already taken those classes at another school, you may submit a prerequisite override form for any class that requires a prerequisite.
Select "your next steps" in your New Student Portal to learn more about the prerequisite process.
Step 3: Complete the Online Orientation
Visiting students are strongly encouraged to complete online orientation prior to registration. Orientation information is available in your New Student Portal on the "your next steps" tab.
Step 4: Register for Classes
Register for classes through your myOakton account.
If you need support selecting classes or creating an academic plan, you can schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. Instructions are listed on the "your next steps" tab of your New Student Portal.
Step 5: Pay Tuition and Fees
Login to your myOakton.edu account to sign up for a payment plan or pay your tuition in full. Payments can also be made in person at the Cashier at the Des Plaines campus.
If you'd like financial assistance, you can apply online by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application, available at FAFSA.gov. Oakton's school code is 009896.
