Engineering Pathways Program

How It Works

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Grainger College of Engineering logo

ECC offers a Guaranteed Transfer Admission (GTA) program to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Grainger College of Engineering for students who meet specific criteria outlined in the agreement. Taking advantage of this opportunity helps save on tuition costs and benefits from Elgin Community College's smaller class sizes and highly personalized academic transfer planning.

Once admitted, ECC students follow a prescribed Engineering Program of Study, earning a 3.5 cumulative GPA and all A’s and B’s in required technical courses. After completing the Associate in Engineering Science after their first two years at ECC, students transfer to UIUC to complete their Engineering degree. Students completing the Engineering Pathway Program of Study at ECC are guaranteed transfer into The Grainger College of Engineering at UIUC, with an estimated 90% placement into their first or second choice major.

Requirements

  • Follow the Engineering Pathways plan of study.
  • Earn a B or better in each required course.
  • Maintain a 3.5 GPA overall and in technical coursework*.
  • Meet with your advisors regularly.
  • Note: Students are expected to complete all courses they enroll in; dropping/withdrawing or failing to earn a “B or better” in a required course will jeopardize the program's standing.
  • See application deadlines.

Steps to Apply

  1. Apply to Elgin Community College as your Engineering Pathways partner school.
  2. Complete assessment testing:
    • The math assessment (ALEKS®) is mandatory and may not be waived.
    • Reading/writing assessments may be completed according to individual school policy.
  3. Submit the Grainger College of Engineering at UIUC Engineering Pathways application:
    • Save your file as Pathways School_Last Name_First Name.
    • Send your official high school transcripts (see application).
    • Decisions: Admission notifications will be made on a rolling basis, with the first decisions being sent mid-February and then weekly.

Technical coursework includes chemistry, computer science, math, physics, and engineering.