The University of Illinois System announced Wednesday the launch of a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities.
The program’s objective to lower barriers and provide targeted career advising to low-income and first-generation college students wanting to transfer to four-year schools.
While 81% of community college students say getting a bachelor’s degree is their goal, only 31% of students transfer to a four-year institution. This program aims to increase that number.
In collaboration with One Million Degrees, a Chicago-based nonprofit supporting community college students, the program will “unlock opportunities that will fuel our state’s workforce and economic future,” University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen said in a news release.
“We are highly motivated to build on the momentum that we’ve created with Illinois’ community colleges, expanding opportunities for students to not only access higher education but to thrive in rewarding careers,” Killeen said.
The pilot will begin by serving 240 students from select community colleges. Students will be provided with academic and career support through their transfer to University of Illinois campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. The first cohort of students will begin in spring 2026, and the second will begin in spring 2027.
The University System is working to select participating community colleges.
Researchers have found that transferring from community colleges to four-year universities is one of the “most powerful tools” to improve opportunities, especially for first-generation and low-income students. Josh Hoen, interim CEO of One Million Degrees, said in a news release, “we cannot allow these pathways to become bridges to nowhere” for students taking the risk to transfer.
“This is about ensuring that when students bet big on themselves by pursuing a college degree, they see a powerful labor market return that will dramatically increase their career and earning potential,” Hoen said.
To ensure a smooth transition into four-year institutions, One Million Degrees will provide students with support, including academic coaching, financial assistance and career services.
The U. of I. system will assess the pilot over the next four years and may consider expanding it beyond the initial participating community colleges to help more students, according to the news release.
