
Chicago, ILprivate forprofitwww.tbiil.edu/
Taylor Business Institute is a small, open-admission career college in Chicago offering practical associate degrees in business and technology fields. With a 91% acceptance rate and a focus on affordability and flexibility, it caters to working adults and international students seeking vocational training—though its 24% graduation rate suggests challenges with retention.
Taylor Business Institute operates with an open admission policy, accepting virtually all applicants with a high school diploma or GED. The Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovers around 91% (52 admissions from 57 applications in 2024), with male applicants slightly more likely to be admitted (93% vs. 82% for women). Unlike selective colleges, TBI doesn't emphasize standardized test scores—its admissions page highlights small class sizes and personalized pacing instead. Notably, the institute doesn't publish a Common Data Set (CDS)A standardized report most colleges publish each year with admissions, test-score, and financial-aid figures, making schools easier to compare., a transparency tool used by most colleges to disclose admissions and financial aid metrics.
TBI focuses on short, career-oriented associate degrees designed for students balancing work and school. The most popular programs include:
The institute emphasizes practical skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and technology proficiency, with curricula tailored to Chicago's job market. Classes are small, and programs are structured to allow flexible scheduling—key for its demographic of working adults and international students.
The student body is lean on traditional campus culture—no dorms, Greek life, or sports teams. Instead, TBI caters to commuters and international students (who receive dedicated support services). Social media shows students collaborating on English language skills and vocational projects, suggesting a workmanlike, career-focused environment. However, data indicates a 100% decline in racial diversity over five years, though specifics aren't provided. The institute hosts open houses and seminars to engage prospective students, but campus life appears minimal compared to traditional colleges.
Graduation rates are low even by community college standards: just 24% of students graduate within six years (below the 35% national midpoint for two-year schools). However, those who do finish report median earnings of $36,427 one year post-graduation—comparable to many public community colleges. The gap between graduation rates and post-grad earnings suggests TBI's programs deliver marketable skills for completers, but many students struggle to persist. Retention data isn't publicly detailed, but the six-year graduation rate implies significant attrition.
TBI markets itself as affordable, with a Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $9,965/year after aid for typical freshmen. The sticker price before aid is $14,735, with average aid packages of $8,413 (mostly federal Pell Grants). A net price calculator helps estimate costs, though the institute doesn't participate in the Common Data Set (CDS)A standardized report most colleges publish each year with admissions, test-score, and financial-aid figures, making schools easier to compare. to benchmark aid transparency. For context, the annual cost is higher than the national midpoint for two-year colleges ($9,666), but lower than many for-profit career schools.
Taylor Business Institute fills a niche for non-traditional students who need flexible, vocational training in Chicago—particularly international students and working adults. Its open admissions and small classes provide access, but the 24% graduation rate raises questions about support systems. The institute's singular focus is clear: no frills, just pragmatic career prep in fields like accounting and electronics repair. For students who persist, outcomes are decent; for others, it's a reminder that accessibility alone doesn't guarantee success.



