You’ve probably driven past that massive, brutalist-style concrete complex on Oakland Avenue a thousand times. Maybe you were heading to the Zoo or catching a game. St. Louis Community College at Forest Park—or STLCC Forest Park, if you’re into the whole brevity thing—is kind of a monolith in the local landscape. It’s been sitting there since the mid-60s, right where the old Highlands Amusement Park used to be.
It’s easy to write off community colleges as "just" a backup plan. People do it all the time. But honestly? If you live in St. Louis, this campus is basically the engine room for the city’s actual workforce.
While the big-name universities nearby are busy hiking tuition to astronomical levels, Forest Park has been quietly churning out the nurses, dental hygienists, and tech workers that keep the city from falling apart. It isn't just a collection of classrooms. It’s a 36-acre ecosystem that has survived budget cuts, massive renovations, and the literal collapse of the Highlands back in '63.
The Weird History of the Ground Beneath STLCC Forest Park
The land has a vibe. Before the first brick was laid for the college in 1967, the site was home to the Forest Park Highlands. It was the "Big Rock Candy Mountain" of St. Louis—roller coasters, a massive swimming pool, and a carousel that now sits over at Faust Park.
Then came the fire.
In 1963, a massive blaze leveled the park. It was devastating for the city, but it opened up a huge patch of real estate right in the middle of everything. The newly formed Junior College District saw an opportunity. They didn't just want a school; they wanted an urban campus that felt like part of the city grid. That’s why the architecture is so... specific. It’s "Brutalist." If you think it looks a bit like a fortress, well, that was the style. Heavy concrete, sharp lines, and a feeling of permanence.
Architect Harry Weese, who also designed the Washington D.C. Metro stations, was the guy behind the original master plan. He wanted it to be functional. No fluff.
Why Everyone Is Talking About the Center for Nursing and Health Sciences
If you walk onto the campus today, the first thing you’ll notice isn't the old concrete buildings. It’s the $39 million Center for Nursing and Health Sciences.
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It’s a glass-heavy, modern beast.
This building is the first new structure on campus in over 20 years. It’s LEED Certified, which is great for the environment, but the real story is what’s inside. We are talking about state-of-the-art simulation labs where students work on high-fidelity mannequins that breathe, bleed, and—kinda terrifyingly—give birth.
St. Louis is a healthcare town. With BJC HealthCare and SSM Health constantly screaming for more staff, this building is the pipeline.
The Programs People Actually Go There For
Forest Park is famous for a few specific things. You don't just "go to college" here; you usually go for a trade that pays.
- Nursing. Obviously. It’s one of the most rigorous programs in the state. Ask any local RN where they started, and there’s a 40% chance they’ll say Forest Park.
- Dental Hygiene. This is a big one. They have a public clinic on-site. You can actually get your teeth cleaned by students for a fraction of what a private dentist charges. It’s one of the best-kept secrets for people without dental insurance.
- Funeral Service Education. Yeah, you read that right. Forest Park is one of the few places in the region where you can learn mortuary science. It’s a niche field, but it’s recession-proof.
- Culinary Arts. The hospitality industry in St. Louis is huge. The Jack E. Thomas Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Center is legit. They have professional-grade kitchens that would make most restaurants jealous.
The Reality of Being a Student Here
It’s not all shiny new buildings and high-tech mannequins.
Being a student at STLCC Forest Park is different than being a student at Mizzou or SLU. Most people are "non-traditional." You’ll see a 19-year-old in a hoodie sitting next to a 45-year-old mother of three who is pivoting careers after a layoff.
It’s gritty. It’s fast-paced.
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Parking used to be a nightmare, but they’ve worked on that. The campus sits right on the MetroLink line, which is a lifesaver for anyone living in North County or the Illinois side. You can literally hop off the train and be in your 9:00 AM Sociology class in five minutes.
The social scene isn't about fraternities or tailgating. It’s about the "Forest Park Cafe" and the student lounge. It's about finding 20 minutes between your shift at Starbucks and your Biology lab to cram for a quiz. It’s a "get it done" kind of place.
Is the "Community College Stigma" Still Real?
Honestly, sort of. But it’s fading fast.
The skyrocketing cost of four-year degrees has made people rethink their "prestige" obsession. When you realize you can take the exact same English Composition or College Algebra class at Forest Park for about $120 per credit hour instead of $1,000+ at a private university, the math starts to win.
Most of the credits transfer directly to UMSL, Maryville, or Webster. It’s called the "2+2" program. You do two years at STLCC, get your Associate’s, and then finish your Bachelor’s elsewhere. You end up with the same degree as everyone else but about $40,000 less debt.
The Challenges Facing the Campus
It hasn't been all sunshine and growth. Like many urban campuses, STLCC Forest Park has had to deal with declining enrollment over the last decade.
Part of that is the economy. When the job market is "too" good, people skip school and go straight to work. When the economy dips, enrollment spikes.
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There’s also the issue of aging infrastructure. While the new Health Sciences building is gorgeous, some of the older wings feel like a time capsule from 1974. The college is currently in the middle of a massive "Transformed" initiative—a multi-million dollar plan to tear down some of the old, inefficient buildings and replace them with modern spaces.
They are basically trying to "un-Brutalist" the campus. They want more green space, more light, and less "imposing concrete wall."
What to Do If You’re Thinking About Enrolling
Don’t just show up on the first day of classes. That’s a recipe for a headache.
First, you’ve gotta deal with the FAFSA. Even if you think you don't qualify for aid, do it. Missouri has the A+ Scholarship Program. If you graduated from a Missouri high school with good attendance and a decent GPA, your tuition at Forest Park might be completely covered. Free college. Seriously.
Second, talk to an advisor at the Student Center. The degree paths can be confusing. There’s a big difference between an Associate in Arts (AA), which is for transferring, and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS), which is for going straight into a job.
Actionable Steps for New Students:
- Check the A+ Eligibility: If you're a recent MO high school grad, check your transcript for the A+ stamp. It’s literally free money.
- Visit the Dental Clinic: Even if you aren't a student, use the services. It’s a great way to support the programs and save money.
- Use the Metro: Don't bother with a car if you live near a train line. The Forest Park-DeBaliviere station and the Central West End station are close, but the campus actually has its own dedicated bus stops and easy access from the Blue Line.
- The "Core 42": Look into this. It’s a state-wide guarantee that 42 credit hours of general education will transfer to any public college in Missouri. It’s the safest way to ensure you aren't wasting time.
STLCC Forest Park is a weird, wonderful, concrete-heavy heart of the city. It’s where St. Louis goes to reinvent itself. Whether you're there for the nursing program or just trying to get your Gen-Eds out of the way, it’s a place that reflects the actual, unpolished reality of the city—work-focused, diverse, and constantly evolving.
If you're looking to jumpstart a career without drowning in student loans, you start here. You look at the programs, you find the "Transformed" master plan to see where the new buildings are going, and you get your registration done before the August rush. The resources are there, but you have to be the one to grab them.