STEP 1:

Apply Today! There are two options to choose from, but you should only submit one application for admission. Your application is confidential and will only be accessed by Admission Office personnel and used solely in the application process.  There are no application fees.

• Apply online directly through our website.
• Apply online with the Common App

STEP 2:

Submit your official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and post-secondary institutions previously attended. There are two methods to submit your official transcripts:

1. POSTAL MAIL: Send via USPS in an official sealed envelope directly from the original institution to:

Rockford University
Office of Admission
5050 E State St
Rockford, IL 61108

2. ELECTRONIC: Send official electronic transcripts directly from the original institution via an official online transcript platform. Examples: parchment.com, nationalatudentclearinghouse.orgadmissions@rockford.edu

If you have completed less than 12 credit hours, your high school transcripts may be requested.

STEP 3:

Fill out the FAFSA. The first step to receiving your financial aid package (grants, scholarships, loan eligibility) is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Rockford University’s school code is 001748.

STEP 4:

Experience life as a Regent and visit campus. This is optional, but we highly recommend it! We’d love to show you around the beautiful rolling hills and winding paths of our historical campus. Call the Office of Admission at 815.226.4050 or schedule your visit right now. Students are welcome to visit at point in the process, and even more than once. 

Questions?

Our Admissions Team is here to help! Contact the Office of Admission via email or phone:

• 815-226-4050
• admissions@rockford.edu

TRANSCRIPTS:

Submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Learn how to submit official transcripts in the “Application Process” menu above.

CREDITS EARNED:

Students who have completed 12 or more college-level credits, after graduating high school (or after earning GED), are considered transfer students. College-level credits include credits at the 100-level or above, and many post-secondary clock hour type degrees and certificates.

Did you earn college credit while in high school via a dual-enrollment program? Or did you complete less than 12 college-level credits after high school? If so, you may be considered a first year student. Contact the Office of Admission to help you learn more.

CUMULATIVE GPA:

The standard minimum cumulative GPA for transfer students is 2.3 on a 4.0 scale.

Worried about your GPA? Don’t be. We accept students from across the board through our individualized holistic admission approach. Contact our Admissions Team to review your transcripts and discuss your options. We don’t want your grades to get between you and your dream school!

Transferring Credits–the basics:

Once you apply to Rockford University, send your official transcripts, and receive your admission decision, you will receive a form that details which of your credits transfer in to the university. Students may transfer credit from colleges accredited by regional accrediting associations as recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

If you have completed your associate of arts, associate of science, or earned credit from a regionally accredited college in the United States prior to becoming a student at Rockford University, you will have met all of your lower-division general education requirements for graduation from Rockford University, and will enter at junior status. 

Wondering how many of your credits will transfer? Transferology is a quick and easy way to find out if the college credit you’ve earned will transfer to Rockford University. Simply visit the Transferology page and enter your courses to find equivalent courses at RU.

Visit Transferology

Transferring Credits-the full details:

Transferring credit hours for a Rockford University degree program is subject to these policies:

• Official transcripts of all previous collegiate study must be submitted. All coursework (outside of a compact agreement) with grades of “C” or better (grades of “C–” are not accepted) from regionally accredited colleges and universities will be evaluated and, if applicable to a bachelor’s degree, applied to the student’s degree plans.
• All coursework will be accepted at the same level (i.e., 100, 200, etc.) at which it was taken. Coursework graded a “P” is only transferable if “C” is considered Pass under the previous institution’s grading system.
• The applicability of transferred credits to the completion of major or minor requirements is decided by
  the appropriate academic department chair.

Course work completed at non-accredited colleges or universities will be evaluated when individuals apply for admission. The evaluation will determine which courses will apply to Rockford University general education, major and minor requirements. When students complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of course work at Rockford University with a grade of “C” or better (grades of “C-” are not acceptable) in all courses attempted, the approved coursework from the non-accredited institution(s) will be accepted and applied to students’ Rockford University degrees or majors. Students may also validate coursework from non-accredited institutions for a specified numbers of hours by acceptable scores on tests recognized by the University for such purposes.

The full transfer credit policy can be found in the Rockford University Academic Catalog.
To be eligible for a Rockford University degree, students must complete:

• A minimum of 60 semester hours at a four-year institution.
• At least 30 of the last 36 semester hours at Rockford University.
• At least 15 semester hours, including senior seminar, in the major field at Rockford University.
• Note: Some programs may require students to complete more semester hours at Rockford University than the minimums listed above.

Rockford University is affordable.

Yes, really. Over 99% of our full-time students receive financial aid, and every full-time student receives a scholarship. We also offer competitive scholarships that range up to 100% tuition, and several grant and loan programs. The first step in the financial aid process is to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov.

Read more about using Yellow Ribbon & GI Bill benefits at Rockford University.

Check out scholarships, financial aid, and more.