Mayor Rahm Emanuel and City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado today announced that City Colleges graduates are transferring to four-year colleges and universities in record numbers. The number of graduates transferring annually increased by more than 120 percent since 2011, and nearly half of the 2015 graduating class continued on to pursue a bachelor’s degree within two years of graduation.

“Now more than ever, City Colleges provides its students with the critical support necessary to ensure they can hit the ground running after graduation,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The record number of students transferring to a four-year college or university is proof that clear pathways and strong partnerships can help the next generation of Chicagoans succeed.”

Developing stronger transfer relationships with four-year institutions has been a strategic priority for City Colleges. At all seven campuses, significant investments have been directed to ensure that all degrees and certificates are made relevant to the demands of the workplace and four-year institutions. Furthermore, City Colleges has provided enhanced academic support, including a transfer center at every college, to ensure that students have the resources to be successful in their pathway of choice.

It is estimated that students who complete the first two years at one of the seven City Colleges and then transfer to a four-year institution can save up to $40,000 on the cost of a bachelor’s degree.

“Starting at City Colleges and transferring on to a four year college or university is a smart choice for many students seeking to begin college with small classes, a quality, affordable education, and the support to find their path in life,” said City Colleges Chancellor Juan Salgado. “Our four-year college and university partners recognize the value of a City Colleges degree and have worked with us to make it easier and more affordable for our students to move on to earn their bachelor’s degree,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado.

City Colleges has guaranteed admissions agreements with the following institutions: the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Arizona State University, DePaul University, Dominican University, East West University, Fisk University, National Louis University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Roosevelt University, and University of Illinois at Chicago. City Colleges is also a member of the Illinois Articulation Agreement, which makes its IAI-designated courses transferable among more than 100 participating colleges or universities in Illinois.

In addition to earning free tuition and books at City Colleges, Chicago Star Scholars gain access to additional transfer scholarships to continue their education at 20 Chicago area 4-year colleges and universities. The Chicago Star Scholarship is open to qualifying CPS high school graduates who graduate with least a B average and nearly college ready.

City Colleges degrees and certificates prepare all students with the opportunity to pursue further education and careers. CCC prepares more than 80,000 students annually for further college and careers. CCC encompasses seven colleges and five satellite sites city-wide. The City Colleges of Chicago includes seven colleges: Richard J. Daley College, Kennedy-King College, Malcolm X College, Olive-Harvey College, Harry S Truman College, Wilbur Wright College and Harold Washington College. For more information on City Colleges, or for registration information, call (773) COLLEGE or visit www.ccc.edu. To learn more about the transfer resources at City Colleges of Chicago, go to www.ccc.edu/transfer.

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