URBANA, Ill. (WSIL) � A game-changing policy is set to take effect in fall 2025, offering Illinois high school graduates guaranteed admission to any University of Illinois System university, regardless of where they start their college journey in the United States.
Previously limited to students transferring from Illinois community colleges, the U of I System Transfer Guarantee now provides a pathway for students who begin their education out of state to return and continue their studies in Illinois. Since its launch in 2022, the transfer guarantee program has already admitted over 4,300 students.
“Transfer students are an important component of the student bodies at our three best-in-class universities, adding new voices and fresh perspectives,� said U of I System President Tim Killeen. “Our expanded transfer guarantee welcomes home the students who have chosen to begin their college education in another state but are looking to return to the Land of Lincoln.�
To qualify for the U of I System Transfer Guarantee, students must:
- Be a graduate of an Illinois high school.
- Earn a minimum of 36 graded, transferable semester hours at a college or university by the time of application.
- Satisfy the university’s English language proficiency requirement.
- Be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
While admission to a specific university is guaranteed for qualified students, acceptance into specific colleges or majors within those universities is not guaranteed.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Transfer applications open Jan. 15 and close April 5 for fall 2025 admission.
University of Illinois Chicago: Transfer applications close April 1 for fall admission.
University of Illinois Springfield: Rolling admissions for transfers.
For more details on the U of I System Transfer Guarantee, visit the website.
