Illinois high school graduates seeking to transfer to any University of Illinois System university from any college or university in the United States are guaranteed admission under a new policy taking effect in the 2025 fall semester.
Previously, the U of I System Transfer Guarantee applied only to students transferring from a community college in Illinois. More than 4,300 students have been admitted via the transfer guarantee since its inception in 2022.
“Transfer students are an important component of the student bodies at our three best-in-class universities, adding new voices and fresh perspectives,” system President Tim Killeen said. “We are bringing an even-greater focus on building a future for Illinois high school students by increasing the likelihood that they will stay here to work and live.
“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 participate in the U of I System Transfer Guarantee, students must have graduated from an Illinois high school; earned a minimum of 36 graded, transferable college or university semester hours at the time of application; and satisfied the U of I System university’s English language proficiency requirement. The new video message from President Killeen offers additional information.
Students seeking to transfer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign must complete a transfer admissions application between Jan. 15 and April 5 for fall admission. The transfer application period for fall admission at the University of Illinois Chicago closes April 1, while the University of Illinois Springfield handles transfer admissions on a rolling basis.
To qualify for the guarantee, students must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
Students who meet all of the requirements are guaranteed admission to the U of I System university that they apply to but are not guaranteed admission to a specific college or major.
