Transfer Information
Successful transfer is an important goal of community colleges. Each of the 48 community colleges has statewide, regional and local agreements with other colleges and universities to facilitate transfer.
Most four-year institutions will accept at least 60 credits in transfer. Taking courses at the community college will save money as tuition at the university is much higher.
When making transfer plans, always seek the advice of an academic advisor or admissions counselor at your current school and at the school you plan to attend.
Did You Know?
- 63.5% of all students in Illinois public colleges and universities attend community colleges.*
- Nationwide, 60% of college students attend more than one institution; 40% of students attend more than two institutions.
- Academically, community college transfer students do as well or better than students who start at a university or four-year college.*
- 36.2% of student enrollments are in the baccalaureate transfer area. This is the largest program area in community colleges. And it increases every year!*
* State Data Source: “Student Enrollments and Completions in the Illinois Community College System” published by the Illinois Community College Board.
Transfer Talk
The ICCB Research and Analytics division serves as the ICCB foundational resource for the development, measurement and analysis of Illinois Community College System data. Staff provide information, counsel, and technical assistance for projects and initiatives related to research and policy studies. The Division, in collaboration with ICCB Information Technology staff, maintains a comprehensive and robust ICCB Centralized Data System for the Illinois Community College System to answer critical policy questions, inform continuous student and program improvement initiatives, and ultimately, support students on pathways to success. On behalf of the Illinois Community College System, the Division compiles data from the ICCB Centralized Data System for state/federal accountability reporting, cross-state agency projects, and national initiatives. The Division represents the agency in Illinois Longitudinal Data System efforts and advances cross-state agency data projects and initiatives to analyze the effectiveness of P-20 to Workforce programs.
Research and Analytics Staff
Nathan Wilson
Deputy Director for Research and Information Technology
217-558-2067
nathan.wilson@illinois.gov
Jay Brooks
Associate Deputy Director for Research and Analytics
618-942-7460 (Herrin)
jay.brooks@illinois.gov
Michelle Dufour
Director for Research and Analytics
217-782-9574
michelle.dufour@illinois.gov
Cecilia Elhaddad
Data Analyst
309-694-5770 (E. Peoria)
cecilia.elhaddad@illinois.gov
Mitchell T. Gaffney
Data Analyst
217-558-5669
mitchell.t.gaffney@illinois.gov
Ten Top Tips for Transfer
- Choose a school that’s right for you. Talk to students who have attended classes at various institutions. Attend information sessions such as “Transfer Day”. Check into program offerings, admissions policies, size of institution, convenience of location, costs, course scheduling, and whether or not it meets other needs such as housing and day care.
- Seek advice. When making transfer plans, always seek the advice of an academic advisor or admissions counselor at your current school and at the school you plan to attend. Ask for admissions information, for the best courses to take, and what financial aid may be available. Frequent communication will facilitate a smooth transition.
- And your name is…? When you contact a school, write down the name of the person with whom you talk. Make every effort to reach this person each time to ensure that the information you get is consistent.
- Start the application process early — about a year in advance, in most cases. The longer you delay in making decisions about your major or the institution to which you’ll transfer, the more likely you will experience problems with college admissions, financial aid, and program completion.
- Find out what records you will need to be admitted. These may include medical/immunization records, test scores (ACT, SAT, etc.), information concerning financial aide eligibility and transcripts.
- Plan ahead! You will need to request official transcripts from each institution you’ve attended. Your previous schools cannot release these without your permission, and a request may take several weeks to process.
- Ask questions. Don’t worry about asking a dumb question or too many questions. If you have a question about course articulation and transfer, more than likely it’s something that other inquiring students want to know, too.
- Visit the campus and meet with an admissions counselor, academic advisor, and take a tour. Call for an appointment before showing up at an office. Bring your old catalogs, a pen, and a list of questions. Making arrangements in advance will help you make the most of your visit. Or, take a virtual tour on the web.
- Properly withdraw from the institution you’ve been attending as well as any you were admitted to, but decided not to attend. Cancel housing contracts and take care of all financial obligations.
iTransfer
Illinois has a near seamless process for students transferring among higher education institutions. Visit the iTransfer website for more information.
Course Applicability System
Transferology is a nation-wide network designed to help students explore their college transfer options. Our goal is to save students time and money by providing a quick, intuitive way of getting their college transfer credit questions answered.
Students can answer the question “Will my courses transfer?” by adding coursework, exams, and/or military learning experiences to see how many schools in the Transferology network have matching courses that may be awarded when they transfer. They can also find out what their options are for taking classes over the summer (or whenever) at another school to transfer back to their current school by using the “Find a Replacement Course” feature.
Designed, created, and supported by CollegeSource, Inc. Transferology was first released in the spring of 2014.
System Information
In 1965, the Illinois General Assembly established the Illinois Community College Board to create a system of public community colleges that would be within easy reach of every resident. Forty years later, the Illinois Community College System covers the entire state with 48 colleges and one multi-community college center in 39 community college districts. Community colleges serve nearly one million Illinois residents each year in credit and noncredit courses and many more through their public service programs.
Community colleges are similar to each other and yet each college is unique. While this may appear to be a contradiction, it is not. Illinois community colleges share a common mission. They prepare people for college, for transfer to other colleges or universities, and for good paying jobs that demand high skills. Community colleges also provide adult, literacy, and continuing education and services. What makes each college unique is how the college responds to the communities it serves. The Illinois Community College System is coordinated by the Illinois Community College Board comprised of citizens appointed by the Governor. Locally elected boards of trustees* set policies that guide their colleges in achieving local and statewide goals. Within the System, organized groups represent students, faculty, trustees, staff, administrators, and college presidents, and all of these groups are actively involved in the decision-making process for the System. Colleges meet both local and statewide needs for education and workforce development through high-quality, affordable, accessible, and cost-effective programs and services.
*The Board of Trustees of the City Colleges of Chicago is appointed by the Mayor of Chicago.