The College of Illinois and the College of DuPage have forged an innovative partnership that provides students with seamless access to higher education, enriches academic offerings, and fosters economic growth.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
Through this partnership, students at the College of DuPage can take advantage of:
- Guaranteed admission to the College of Illinois’s top-ranked programs
- Transfer scholarships of up to $10,000 per year
- Articulation agreements that align curricula and simplify the transfer process
- Dual enrollment options, allowing high school students to earn college credits while completing their high school diploma
Enhancing Curriculum
The partnership has also led to the development of new programs and enhanced existing ones:
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology: A certificate and associate degree program that prepares students for careers in the fast-growing manufacturing sector.
- Early Childhood Education: A bachelor’s degree completion program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children.
- Nursing: A partnership with Edward-Elmhurst Health offers nursing students clinical experience in a state-of-the-art teaching hospital.
Supporting Economic Development
By providing a highly skilled workforce and fostering innovation, the College of Illinois-College of DuPage partnership contributes to the economic vitality of the region:
- Increased employment opportunities for graduates in high-demand fields
- Enhanced business competitiveness through access to a skilled workforce
- Job creation through research and innovation partnerships
The partnership has a profound impact on students’ lives:
- Increased college success: Transfer students from the College of DuPage have higher graduation rates than students who transfer from other institutions.
- Reduced student debt: Transfer scholarships and articulation agreements help students save significantly on tuition costs.
- Enhanced career prospects: Graduates from the partnership’s programs are well-prepared for successful careers in their chosen fields.
- Over 2,000 students have transferred from the College of DuPage to the College of Illinois since the partnership began.
- Transfer students from the College of DuPage have a 75% graduation rate, compared to a national average of 44% for transfer students.
- Graduates from the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program have a 98% job placement rate.
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| Feature | College of Illinois | College of DuPage |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed admission | Yes | For qualified students |
| Transfer scholarships | Up to $10,000 per year | Available to eligible students |
| Articulation agreements | In place | Facilitating smooth transfer |
| Dual enrollment | Offered | Allows high school students to earn college credits |
| Program | Degree | Transfer to College of Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Manufacturing Technology | Certificate, Associate | Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology |
| Early Childhood Education | Bachelor’s | Bachelor’s in Child and Family Services |
| Nursing | Associate | Bachelor’s in Nursing |
| Impact on Students | College of Illinois-College of DuPage Partnership |
|---|---|
| Increased college success | 75% graduation rate for transfer students |
| Reduced student debt | Transfer scholarships and articulation agreements save students money |
| Enhanced career prospects | Graduates are well-prepared for in-demand fields |
- Apply early to secure the best transfer scholarship opportunities.
- Meet with your academic advisor regularly to plan your transfer pathway.
- Take advantage of resources available at both institutions, such as tutoring and counseling services.
- Seek out internships and research opportunities to enhance your resume.
- Don’t procrastinate on the transfer application process.
- Don’t overlook articulation agreements when selecting courses at the College of DuPage.
- Don’t overload on credit hours to avoid academic burnout.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you encounter any challenges.
The College of Illinois-College of DuPage partnership is a transformative initiative that empowers students to achieve their educational and career goals. By providing seamless access to higher education, enriching academic offerings, and fostering economic growth, the partnership is shaping the future of the region and beyond.