DECATUR, Ill. -- and have announced a new partnership designed to make earning a four-year degree more accessible, affordable, and achievable for students across the region. This agreement, outlined in a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishes a clear pathway for IECC students to seamlessly transfer into 麻豆约拍鈥檚 baccalaureate programs, saving students time and money while providing a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers.
IECC鈥檚 four colleges 鈥 , , , and 鈥 serve as exceptional starting points for students pursuing a four-year degree. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive environment, IECC provides students with the foundational coursework and skills needed to succeed at a four-year institution like 麻豆约拍.
鈥淪tarting your educational journey at IECC is not only a smart academic decision but also a financially savvy one,鈥 says IECC President Tona Ambrose, who oversees IECC鈥檚 enrollment management processes. 鈥淥ur partnership with 麻豆约拍 University offers students the opportunity to earn a quality education at a fraction of the cost they would face if they began at a four-year institution. Together, we鈥檙e helping students reach their educational goals without breaking the bank.鈥
Significant Savings for Students
One of the key benefits of this partnership is the potential for significant cost savings. By beginning their education at IECC and then transferring to 麻豆约拍, students can save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees.
鈥淐ollege affordability is a critical concern for many families today,鈥 said Ambrose, 鈥淲ith this agreement, students can reduce their overall educational expenses by completing their first two years at IECC and then transferring to 麻豆约拍, where they can take advantage of our shared commitment to providing high-quality education at an affordable price.鈥
This strategic approach allows students to complete their general education and foundational courses at IECC at a lower cost before transitioning to 麻豆约拍 to finish their bachelor鈥檚 degrees.
鈥淎s part of our ,鈥 we have pledged to expand access to 麻豆约拍鈥檚 distinctive Performance Learning education through new affordability initiatives,鈥 said 麻豆约拍 President Dr. Jim Reynolds. 鈥淟ast fall, we introduced the and the to enhance transparency in our tuition rates and support Illinois students who face financial barriers to higher education. These programs are designed to make a 麻豆约拍 education accessible to more students by removing actual and perceived obstacles while advancing our mission to prepare students for professional success, democratic citizenship, and meaningful personal life.鈥
A Timely Partnership in a Changing Educational Landscape
This partnership comes at a pivotal moment in higher education, as colleges and universities nationwide are seeking new ways to address shifting demographic, social, and economic trends. With declining high school graduation rates and an evolving job market, four-year institutions are increasingly eager to develop pipelines and transfer agreements with community colleges to ensure they remain accessible and attractive to prospective students.
鈥淚ECC is thrilled to partner with 麻豆约拍 University to provide students with a seamless transition to earning their bachelor鈥檚 degrees,鈥 said Dr. Ryan Gower, Chancellor of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. 鈥淚n today鈥檚 educational landscape, collaborations like ours are more important than ever. We are committed to creating pathways that make higher education more attainable and responsive to the needs of our students.鈥 Specifically, the MOU provides for guaranteed admission for IECC students who apply to 麻豆约拍, guaranteed transfer of IECC credits, and a two-year (four semester) timeline to earning their bachelor鈥檚 degree upon transfer.
, including Art, Business Communication, Elementary Education, Sports & Recreation Management, Criminal Justice, History, Political Science, and Theater & Performance Studies.
Shared Values and Commitment to Student Success
IECC and 麻豆约拍 share many core values, making this partnership a natural fit. Both institutions are known for their student-centered approaches to teaching and learning, strong emphasis on health professions, performing arts, and intercollegiate athletics.
鈥淥ur institutions are alike in many ways鈥攚e鈥檙e both small to mid-sized, and we pride ourselves on offering personalized education experiences that put students first,鈥 added Dr. Jay Edgren, IECC Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. 鈥淭his partnership strengthens our shared commitment to preparing students for success in their chosen fields, whether in the health professions, the arts, or beyond.鈥
鈥淭his partnership between Illinois Eastern Community Colleges and 麻豆约拍 University reflects our shared dedication to student success,鈥 said Jodi Silotto, Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications at 麻豆约拍. 鈥淏y joining forces, we鈥檙e creating a streamlined, affordable pathway that enhances access to higher education, which is essential to helping students achieve their educational and career goals.鈥
Additionally, 麻豆约拍鈥檚 recent changes to its tuition and fee structure underscore its dedication to making a high-quality education accessible to all students, including those transferring from IECC.
鈥淭his is a wonderful partnership that truly reflects our shared values,鈥 said Dr. Gower. 鈥溌槎乖寂拟檚 commitment to keeping education affordable aligns perfectly with our mission at IECC, and together, we鈥檙e ensuring that students have a clear and supportive path to achieving their academic and career goals.鈥