City Colleges of Chicago and Valparaiso University Announce a guaranteed Admissions Agreement

City Colleges of Chicago and Valparaiso University announce they are entering into a guaranteed admissions agreement to support students transferring to the University to earn a four-year degree. A ceremonial
signing between the two institutions will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at Harold Washington College on July 15, 2024.

“I’m thrilled to be working alongside City Colleges of Chicago as we find new ways to help these brilliant students meet their academic goals,” said José D. Padilla, president of Valparaiso University. “Chicago and Northwest Indiana will benefit immensely from the trained professionals and leaders that this partnership will produce.”

“Valparaiso University is a place where our students can uncover their passion and learn,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. “Class sizes are small so our students will get the individualized attention they need as well as receive a world class education. I’m thankful for this transfer agreement because it will save our students time and money, and help them soar.”

To qualify for guaranteed admission, City Colleges of Chicago students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and complete an Associate in Arts, an Associate in General Studies, or an Associate in Applied Science. When meeting the criteria, students will be guaranteed admission to the University and receive a junior standing. Students must also maintain a 2.5 GPA to enter the program and remain eligible. The transfer agreement will also support students with the following:

● Early advising support from Valparaiso University
● Honors participation available for students with 3.5 GPA
● Scholarships:
o City Colleges Beacon Scholarship ($5,000 per year for 2 years 3.0 GPA and above)
o Transfer Merit Scholarship ($18,000-$25,000, starting at 2.8 GPA)
o Phi Theta Kappa ($4,000; cannot be combined with degree completion
scholarship)
o Associate Degree Completion Scholarship ($4,000; cannot be combined with Phi
Theta Kappa scholarship)
● City Colleges students who choose to also pursue their MBA at Valparaiso
University will receive a discount of 30 percent off tuition.

This agreement is part of Valparaiso University’s dedication to creating new pathways to higher education for students of diverse backgrounds to help them learn and thrive, two cornerstone ideas of the University’s five-year plan: Uplift Valpo, Our Beacon for the Journey Forward. To learn more about the opportunities and benefits that come with a Valpo education, visit valpo.edu.

City Colleges of Chicago’s vision is to be recognized as the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity—empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger and more just city. To learn more about City Colleges of Chicago visit ccc.edu or call 773-COLLEGE (773-265-5343).