A new partnership between the University of Northern Iowa and a host of Illinois community colleges will make it easier for transfer students to enroll at UNI. 

The university has signed an articulation agreement with the Illinois Community College System, a group of 48 community colleges that serve nearly 700,000 students a year. Under the agreement, students transferring from Illinois with an associate of arts degree will have satisfied UNI’s general education requirements. Those students are also eligible for a $5,000 out-of-state award. 

“This agreement provides a wonderful opportunity for transfer students to seamlessly make their way to UNI and earn a four-year degree,” said UNI provost Jose Herrera. 

Maddie Inman, a senior public relations major from Milan, Illinois, transferred to UNI from Black Hawk College in the fall of 2020 under an informal version of the agreement. 

“Everyone here was really friendly and they made it really welcoming,” she said.

UNI has consistently ranked among the top colleges for transfer students, making Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll three times in four years. The international honor society’s list recognizes excellence in helping community college students successfully transition to institutions offering four-year degrees. UNI was one of just 150 colleges nationwide to make the cut this year.  

The University of Northern Iowa is one of the Midwest's most affordable public four-year colleges and is ranked second in the Midwest's Top Public Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

For more information about transfer students, visit the admissions page.