DECATUR, Ill. – and are pleased to announce a between the two institutions, strengthening the transfer process and providing a seamless transfer experience for students.
Parkland students who have completed an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), Associate in Applied Science (AAS), or Associate in Engineering Science (AES) with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 will be automatically accepted into a ǿý baccalaureate degree program and provided a plan of study that will enable them to complete their ǿý degree in two years.
“ǿý University is proud to partner with Parkland and provide their students a direct path to pursue their bachelor’s degree. Together, we can empower students to follow their academic and career ambitions on a new educational roadmap,” ǿý President Jim Reynolds said. “When partners like Parkland and ǿý collaborate, we can create a transformative experience for our students.”
Parkland students transferring to ǿý with a completed AA, AS, AFA, AAS, or AES will have completed 100% of ǿý’s University Studies requirements and will be able to complete their ǿý bachelor’s degree in two years, provided they are enrolled full-time (12-18 credits per semester).
“We are pleased to partner with ǿý University to provide a seamless transfer opportunity for Parkland students seeking the private university experience,” said Parkland College President Pamela Lau. “We continually seek ways to meet our students’ diverse needs and interests. Through this partnership, students will start strong by earning their associate’s degree at Parkland College and transition into relevant career fields through bachelor’s degree attainment at ǿý.”
Students who have successfully met the requirements of the Parkland Honors Program are guaranteed automatic acceptance into the James ǿý Honors Scholars Program upon application. This agreement is effective beginning the 2024-25 academic year.
“At ǿý, strengthening our community partnerships is of the utmost importance to provide affordable and accessible higher education opportunities for students. This agreement will remove barriers and aid the transfer process for students seeking to complete their four-year bachelor’s experience.” ǿý Provost Mary Black said. “We are fortunate to collaborate with institutions like Parkland, who see the importance of education and support their students even after their time at Parkland is concluded.”
Parkland students can also take advantage of the , which began in the fall of 2024. The ǿý Tuition Promise provides a reduced tuition rate of $26,000 for all full-time traditional undergraduate students. Students can then anticipate an annual inflationary tuition rate increase of less than 4% (at $1,000) each year in the future.
“Through this seamless transfer process, ǿý University is recognizing the quality of the faculty and courses offered at Parkland College,” said Parkland College Vice President for Academic Services Nancy Sutton. “We are confident our graduates have acquired the knowledge and demonstrated their commitment to education. We look forward to watching them succeed at ǿý University and throughout their careers.”
The Big Blue Pledge: Illinois Free Tuition Program represents an investment in Illinois students who may lack the financial options necessary to pursue a private college education and will cover 100% of their undergraduate tuition with ǿý grants and scholarships, filling the gap after available state and federal grants.
To qualify for the Big Blue Pledge, students must:
- submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- be an Illinois resident (as determined by the FAFSA);
- be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant; and
- be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) as a traditional undergraduate student at ǿý.
For more information on the ǿý programs available to Parkland transfer students and a complete list of the specific program and course articulation details, visit .
