Unlocking Opportunities: Western Illinois University Joins Forces with City Colleges of Chicago to Enhance Access and Affordability for Transfer Students

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Unlocking Opportunities: Western Illinois University Joins Forces with City Colleges of Chicago to Enhance Access and Affordability for Transfer Students

Western Illinois University (WIU) is excited to announce a new partnership with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), aimed at providing more financial aid and learning opportunities for Star Scholars transferring to WIU.

As part of this new collaboration, WIU is offering $500 annual scholarships to six Star Scholars for up to two years. To qualify, students need to:

  • Have an associate degree from CCC or complete the Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education Core Curriculum (IAI GECC).
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Apply for admission to WIU by August 1.
  • Keep a 3.0 GPA at WIU to renew the scholarship for another year.
  • Participate in the STAR program at CCC.

Scholarships are given on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the completed application date and receipt of all required transcripts.

Aarti Dhupelia, Executive Vice Chancellor at City Colleges, expressed enthusiasm about this support, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with WIU to offer our Star Scholars additional funding as they advance toward their bachelor’s degree and career goals.”

Moreover, Star Scholars can reduce tuition costs by combining this scholarship with other financial aid options, such as:

  • Transfer Commitment Scholarships: Up to $2,000 per year based on GPA.
  • Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: Up to $1,000 per year for members of this honor society.

WIU is dedicated to making college more accessible. Their Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP) provides a smooth transfer process for community college students. Additionally, WIU is waiving application fees throughout February. With Division I athletics, a lively campus life, over 200 student organizations, and programs like Western Way, which covers tuition and fees for eligible students, WIU offers numerous pathways for success.

Justin Schuch, Interim Vice President for Student Success, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with CCC and provide more support for students continuing their education at WIU. This reflects our commitment to affordability and student achievement.”

To learn more about the Star partnership or to apply to WIU for free in February, check out their website at wiu.edu/admissions/star_scholarship.php.

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