Joint Agreements

A joint agreement allows a student to attend an out-of-district Illinois community college at that college’s in-district tuition rates. Joint agreements only apply to associate in applied science (AAS) degrees or certificates for Career and Technical programs not offered at Elgin Community College.

The Comprehensive Agreement Regarding the Expansion of Educational Resources (CAREER Agreement) - PDF, or joint agreement, enables community colleges in Illinois to provide additional educational programs to the residents of other community college districts.

In-District Students

Elgin Community College (ECC) students residing in Fill out and submit a joint agreement form who wish to complete an associate in applied science (AAS) degree or a certificate for a program not available at ECC may apply to take the program at another participating community college at that college’s in-district rates. Please see the joint agreement guidelines - PDF for specifics on what is and is not eligible.

1. District 509, including proof of residency, a valid driver’s license or state ID, or other legal documentation, including your name and address.
2. If you are applying for any program that requires acceptance, such as certain health professions programs, you must also submit your notification of acceptance before the joint agreement will be issued.
3. If your request is approved, ECC will send the authorization to the college you wish to attend. Once accepted, your joint agreement is valid through the end of the academic year and must be renewed for the next academic year, which begins in the fall.

Joint Agreements are not processed earlier than one semester before you wish to attend.

If you have any questions, contact jointagreements@elgin.edu, and we will be happy to help.

Out-of-District Students

If you are a student outside of Elgin Community College District 509 and wish to enroll in a program unavailable at your home college, please contact your “home” college to begin the joint agreement process.