New school campus to open in Elgin

From a well-regarded evangelical university to a community college in the midst of a high-tech revamp, Elgin already has numerous educational options.

It is about to get another. Computer Systems Institute has announced it plans to open a sixth campus on the north end of Elgin (across the street from Judson University) in 2011.

Computer Systems Institute, or CSI, offers certificate programs in three areas: health care, business administration and network technology. While not all of the five existing campuses offer CSI's full complement of programs, Elgin's will be a full-service location.

“A lot of the students who were asking about our school were west of Schaumburg,” said Dawn Bravo, vice president of marketing for CSI. “We knew we wanted to add one in an area that was growing.”

Students who enroll in CSI attend school for seven months, five days a week. The school uses a “blended learning” model in which students attend lectures, then apply their knowledge using educational software in a computer lab.

At the end of the course, students take a certification exam paid for by the college. At most similar schools, students have to pay for their own exams, Bravo said.

CSI's new office is at 400 Airport Road, near the Wonder/Hostess outlet store and the Holiday Inn. The institute expects 250 to 300 people to enroll at the new campus during the first year. The campus has room for 550 to 600 students, Bravo said.

Tuition is $13,950 for all certificate programs. Financial aid is available, and the school also has programs for students to obtain their GED while they are working toward a certificate.

Starting Dec. 1, 2010, the Elgin office will be open for students looking to enroll. Enrollment must be done in person. To find out more, visit csinow.edu or call the Elgin campus at (847) 400-0065.

Computer Systems Institute also has campuses in Chicago, Gurnee, Skokie, Lombard and Wheeling.