Transfer Pathways

Rockford University partners with community colleges and universities to create clear, structured transfer pathways that help students move confidently toward completing their bachelor’s degree and advanced post-baccalaureate degrees. These agreements are designed to maximize transfer credit, streamline admission, and provide coordinated advising from both institutions. Explore the options below to find the pathway that aligns with your academic and professional goals.

For more in-depth information about these pathways, please contact the Office of Admission at admissions@rockford.edu or 815-226-4050.

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Rockford University welcomes transfer students from regionally accredited colleges and universities across the United States. Whether you are transferring after completing a few courses or earning an associate degree, we are committed to making your transition smooth and efficient.

Undergraduate transfer students may begin at Rockford University in the fall or spring terms. RU Online transfer students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer terms.

Transfer Credit Policies
Transfer credit is accepted from institutions accredited by regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), including the Higher Learning Commission. Rockford University also participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), helping Illinois students transfer general education coursework seamlessly. To transfer credit:

• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges must be submitted.
• Courses with a grade of “C” or higher (C– is not accepted) will be evaluated for transfer.
• Courses graded “Pass” are transferable only if a “C” is considered a passing grade at the previous institution.
• Courses numbered below the 100 level are not transferable.
• Courses transfer at the same academic level at which they were taken (100-level, 200-level, etc.).
• Transfer credit may only be awarded once for the same course.

Credits accepted from other institutions will appear on your Rockford University transcript.

Associate Degree Benefits
Students who complete an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution prior to enrolling at Rockford University receive:

• Automatic junior class standing
• Fulfillment of all lower-division general education requirements, with one exception: Transfer students with an AA, AS, or bachelor’s degree are required to complete only one RU general education course- Rhetoric 351.

Our Admission team works closely with transfer students to ensure prior coursework is maximized and degree completion is clearly mapped. If you are considering transferring to Rockford University, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.

Rockford University participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement designed to make transferring between Illinois colleges and universities seamless and transparent.

The IAI helps students complete a transferable package of general education courses at participating Illinois community colleges and transfer those credits to Rockford University without losing progress toward their degree.

How IAI Works
Students who complete the approved IAI General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) at an Illinois community college can transfer that package of coursework to Rockford University as a block, satisfying lower-division general education requirements. This ensures:

• A smoother transition between institution
• Reduced duplication of general education requirement
• The IAI applies to approved general education coursework completed at participating Illinois institutions.
• Students should work closely with their community college advisor to ensure courses meet IAI guidelines.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted for evaluation.
• Major-specific requirements are determined by the appropriate academic department at Rockford University.

For detailed information about IAI course codes and participating institutions, students may visit iTransfer.org or contact the Rockford University Office of Admission for personalized guidance.

This 3+4 program between Rockford University and the University of Illinois Chicago-Rockford Retzky College of Pharmacy allows you to earn both their Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees in just seven years—saving time and tuition while positioning you for early career success.

Students in the 3+4 pathway will complete three years at Rockford University before transitioning to UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy on either their Rockford or Chicago campus. After you’re first year at UIC, you’ll earn a Bachelor of Science from Rockford University, and after three more years, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). This accelerated program saves you 1 year of time and 1 year of tuition- allowing you to begin your pharmacy career sooner, and connects you to two strong alumni networks. You’ll also benefit from early mentorship with UIC pharmacy students, faculty, and staff while completing your studies at Rockford University.

Eligibility
Students may declare interest in the 3+4 pathway as early as their first year at Rockford University. To remain eligible, students must:

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 math and science GPA
• Complete all PharmD prerequisite coursework at Rockford University with grades of C– or higher
• Complete pre-health advising with the University Pre-Health Professions Advisor
• Have no more than 60 total transfer credits
• Complete at least 30 credit hours at Rockford University
• Fulfill all general education, major, and minor requirements (except remaining credit hours needed for degree completion)
• Have no more than 30 undergraduate credit hours remaining at the time of PharmD enrollment
• Intend to enroll full-time at UIC College of Pharmacy

Students must submit the national PharmCAS application by September 30th of their junior year at RU to receive a guaranteed admission interview. Final admission decisions are made through UIC’s competitive, holistic review process. Applicants participate in an interview with UIC College of Pharmacy representatives. Meeting minimum GPA requirements does not guarantee admission, as all applicants are reviewed competitively. Admission decisions are typically communicated within two weeks of the interview. Applicant evaluation includes:

• Academic performance
• Admission interview
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement and writing sample
• Work experience and extracurricular involvement

Applying PharmD Coursework to Bachelor’s at RU
After successfully completing the first year of the PharmD program:

• Rockford University applies up to 30 credit hours toward the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Pharmacy Concentration).
• Students work with the Pre-Health Advisor and undergraduate advisor to finalize graduation requirements.

The UIC 3+4 pathway provides ambitious students with a focused, accelerated route into pharmacy- combining strong undergraduate preparation at Rockford University with nationally recognized professional training at UIC.

UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy: Chicago Campus 833 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612 | Rockford Campus 1601 Parkview Ave, Rockford, IL 61107 | https://pharmacy.uic.edu/

Rockford University partners with Midwestern University’s College of Pharmacy (CCP) to offer a highly competitive Dual Acceptance Program designed for motivated students who are certain about pursuing a career in pharmacy.

This program provides qualified high school seniors the opportunity to secure early acceptance into CCP while completing their pre-pharmacy coursework at Rockford University. Students who successfully meet all program requirements are guaranteed a seat in the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at Midwestern University.

Students complete 61 credits of required pre-pharmacy coursework at Rockford University within two years. Students must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA, earn grades of “C” or higher in all required courses, and fulfill all program agreements and technical standards to retain their guaranteed admission status.

Eligibility
High school seniors should apply to Rockford University by February 15th of their senior year. Competitive applicants typically:

• Rank in the top 20% on a college entrance exam (ACT 25+ or SAT equivalent with writing component)
• Earn a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA
• Demonstrate a commitment to service and community involvement
• Show clear motivation for a career in pharmacy through work, volunteer, or experiential learning
• Exhibit strong communication skills and professionalism

This dual acceptance program offers driven students a clear, structured pathway into pharmacy by combining academic rigor, personalized advising, and the confidence of early professional school acceptance.

Midwestern University: 555 31st St, Downers Grove, IL 60515 | https://www.midwestern.edu/ 

This 2+2 program allows you to earn your Associate degree at Elgin Community College before transferring to RU to finish your bachelor’s degree.

Eligibilty
To take part in this 2+2 agreement, eligible Elgin students must: 

• have earned an associate of science with an emphasis in Computer Science or associate of applied science in Information Systems at Elgin Community College
• have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• provide official transcripts
• complete the Rockford University application

Learn more about studying Cybersecurity at Rockford University.

Elgin Community College: 1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, IL 60123 | https://elgin.edu/

This 2+2 program allows you to earn your Associate degree at Harper Community College before transferring to RU to finish your bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility
To take part in this 2+2 agreement, eligible Harper students must: 

• have earned an associate of science with an emphasis in Computer Science or associate of applied science in Information Systems
• have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• provide official transcripts
• complete the Rockford University application

Learn more about studying Cybersecurity at Rockford University.

Harper College: 1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067 | https://www.harpercollege.edu/ 

Rockford University and Kishwaukee College (KC) have partnered to create a streamlined transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in the sciences. This collaboration provides Kishwaukee students with a clear route to earning a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry at Rockford University.

Eligibility
Designed to support strong science students, this pathway makes the transition from associate-level study to a four-year science degree smooth, efficient, and well-supported. To take part in this 2+2 pathway, eligible KC students must:

• earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree from Kishwaukee College
• have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• submit official transcripts
• complete the Rockford University application

KC-RU Science Scholarship Opportunity
Students who meet the collaboration requirements and declare a major in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry at Rockford University will receive a one-time $250 award, awarded their first semester at RU.

Kishwaukee College: 21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL 60150 | https://kish.edu/

Rockford University is proud to partner with Nanjing Sport Institute (NSI) to offer a Ministry of Education–approved Sino-foreign cooperative program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management. Launched in 2021, this 3+1 joint bachelor’s degree program combines Rockford University’s strengths in business, sport management, and liberal arts education with NSI’s nationally recognized expertise in sport science and industry training.

Eligibility
Students complete required coursework at Nanjing Sport Institute and may apply to continue their undergraduate studies at Rockford University after their junior year, provided they meet admission requirements:

• Minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent)
• Completion of required coursework

For more information, contact Rockford University’s Office of Global Affairs at globalaffairs@rockford.edu or 1-185-2226-4138.

Rockford University and Rock Valley College (RVC) have partnered to create a streamlined pathway for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management through Rockford University’s RU Online program.

This collaboration is designed to help RVC students transition smoothly into our 100% online bachelor’s degree program while maximizing previously earned credits and receiving coordinated advising support from both institutions.

Eligibility
This pathway is intended for students enrolled in an Applied Associate of Science (AAS) degree program at Rock Valley College who plan to complete their Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree through the RU Online program. Students are encouraged to declare their intent to transfer by their second semester at RVC to ensure proper advising and degree alignment.

• Complete at least 24 transferable credits at RVC or earn an AAS degree
• Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Submit official transcripts
• Complete the Rockford University application

This RVC-RU pathway offers business students a clear, structured, and supportive pathway to completing their bachelor’s degree 100% online.

Rock Valley College: 3301 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61114 | https://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/

Rockford University and Highland Community College (HCC) have partnered to create a streamlined transfer pathway for students who want to complete their bachelor’s degree 100% online at Rockford University.

This collaboration is designed to provide HCC students with a clear, affordable, and efficient route to earning a bachelor’s degree through Rockford University’s RU Online program. 

Eligibility
To take part in this pathway, eligible HCC students must:

• complete at least 24 transferable credits at HCC or earn an AAS in Accounting or AA in Business Administration
• hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• submit official transcripts
• complete the Rockford University application

This HCC-RU pathway offers accounting and business students a clear, structured, and supportive pathway to completing their bachelor’s degree 100% online.

Highland Community College: 2998 Pearl City Rd, Freeport, IL 61032 | https://highland.edu/