University of Illinois System
HomeUpcoming EventsPrepare to TransferFind Your FitWhy Transfer?Majors

Why Transfer?

Start your education at an Illinois community college and later transfer to the University of Illinois. Why? Affordability, career options, higher earnings, and a healthier life are all reasons that you should consider.

Affordability

The U of I System is committed to holding the line on tuition and fulfilling its land-grant mission of access and affordability. Offering more grants and scholarships, our three universities are committed to widening doors of opportunity to more talented students.

  • 64% of Fall 2022 in-state transfer students receive some form of financial aid*
  • 1 in 3 Illinois resident undergraduate students have their tuition and fees fully covered
  • $277 million in institutional financial aid to undergraduate students in 2021-2022
  • 2 in 3 Illinois resident undergraduate students pay less than full tuition and fees

​      *Includes federal CARES/HEERF aid and state GEER aid provided in response to the Covid 19 pandemic

U of I Cost Calculator

UIC Cost Calculator

UIS Cost Calculator

Higher Earnings

Median earning of full-time employees by educational attainment (2021):

  • Less than High School Diploma: $35,552
  • High School Diploma: $42,068
  • Associate Degree: $50,076
  • Bachelor’s Degree: $69,398

Fast Facts 2023

Healthier Life

According to the College Board and numerous studies, having a college degree is associated with a healthier lifestyle, potentially reducing health care costs.

American Public Health Association

Journal of Health and Social Behavior

Statewide Impact of Transfers

The University of Illinois has a large impact on transfer throughout the state of Illinois. Our current student body includes transfer students from all 48 Illinois community colleges, and almost a third of our undergraduate degrees handed out at our May 2022 graduation ceremonies were to former transfer students.

Learn More