Cost ROI/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.

View the video above to hear stories of recent transfer students into our three universities.

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

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Higher Earnings

Median earning of full-time employees by educational attainment (2023):

Less than High School Diploma: $36,816
High School Diploma: $46,748
Associate Degree: $55,016
Bachelor’s Degree: $77,636

Fast Facts 2025

Community of Support

Transfer Drive provides support for community college students transferring to the University of Illinois System. Transfer Drive Students can expect:

Sessions focused on academics, career, and transfer
Early connections to the U of I system
Performance-based financial assistance during the program
A dedicated transfer coordinator

Transfer Drive