Admission

The scholarship covers full tuition and security fees at Rockford University.

The scholarship covers tuition and security fee only. Rockford Promise seeks additional funding each year to support housing costs for students with the highest financial need. However, housing support is not guaranteed and depends on the availability of funds.

Once enrolled at Rockford University, Rockford Promise Scholars must:

• Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Remain enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours per semester).
• Submit required documents annually, such as FAFSA forms and any requested eligibility verification documents.

If a student loses eligibility for the Pell or MAP Grant, they will still be able to complete their education tuition-free under this agreement. Rockford University will cover any additional tuition costs as long as the student remains in good academic standing.

The student’s permanent residence must remain within the City of Rockford for continued scholarship eligibility. Exceptions are made for students who qualify as independent under FAFSA guidelines.

The City of Rockford is investing in this program to boost educational opportunities for local students and to strengthen the city’s future. Studies show that higher education levels within a community contribute to economic growth, attract businesses, and enhance the quality of life for residents. By supporting the Rockford Promise – Rockford University Scholarship, the City is making a strategic investment in:

1. Workforce Development: Increasing the number of college graduates within Rockford will help create a more skilled workforce, making the area more attractive to potential employers and supporting economic growth.
2. Economic Benefits: A community with a higher bachelor attainment rate can lead to higher earnings, higher property values, and reduced social service costs. Investing in education now builds a stronger economic foundation for years to come.
3. Community Growth and Retention: Providing access to higher education in Rockford encourages students to stay in the area, strengthening community ties and fostering local pride.

This partnership reflects the City’s commitment to fostering a brighter future for Rockford by investing in our students, families, and the community as a whole

You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?

• Request your high school transcript be sent to Rockford University, Office of Admission, 5050 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108.
• (Optional): Request your ACT/SAT score be sent to Rockford University. Rockford University’s ACT code is 1122; SAT code is 1665. Test scores are not required. Students with a test score may submit them to our university. If the score(s) help your application, they will be considered. If they do not help your application, they will not be reviewed during the admission decision process.
• 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 fafsa.ed.gov. Rockford University’s school code is 001748.
• (Bonus): Visit campus. Call the Office of Admission at 815.226.4050 or schedule your visit right now. Students are welcome to visit at any point in the process, and even more than once.

Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.

You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?

• Submit your official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended*
• 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 fafsa.ed.gov. Rockford University’s school code is 001748.
• (Bonus): Visit campus. Call the Office of Admission at 815.226.4050 or schedule your visit right now. Students are welcome to visit at any point in the process, and even more than once.

*If you have less than 12 credit hours, your high school transcript, ACT, or SAT scores may be requested.

Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.

You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?

• Request official, sealed transcripts or e-transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
• 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 fafsa.ed.gov. Rockford University’s school code is 001748.

Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.

You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?

• Request official, sealed transcripts or e-transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
• Fill out the FAFSA. The first step to receiving your financial aid package (loan eligibility) is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov. Rockford University’s school code is 001748.

Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.

You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?

• Request official, sealed transcripts or e-transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. If you have never attended a college or university, you will need to request a high school transcript.

Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.

You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?

1. Email your transcript(s) to globalaffairs@rockford.edu

• *Transcripts are considered official if they are sent directly from an institution or approved evaluation company.
• First-year students: Submit a copy of your secondary school transcript and examination score (if applicable) with the English translation if the transcript is not in English.
• Transfer or graduate students: Submit copies of all post-secondary level transcripts with English translations (if applicable).  U.S. transcripts must be officially sent from your university to Rockford University;  foreign transcripts may be copies for admission purposes.  (Official/original foreign transcripts will be required upon arrival.)
• *An official course-by-course evaluation from a NACES or AICE member may be required by Rockford University.
• Exclusive course-by-course transcript evaluations may be ordered at a 10% discount from the following companies:
  • Scholaro
  • The Evaluation Company (Formerly SpanTran)
  • International Education Evaluation (IEE)
  • Educational Perspectives

2.  Submit a copy of the data/photo page of your passport.

3.  Submit a bank statement equivalent to the following amount:

• Undergraduate—42,880 U.S. dollars
• Masters of Business Administration–29,500 U.S. dollars
• Master of Education—25,000 U.S. dollars
• English as a Second Language Program—25,500 U.S. dollars

4.  Submit an affidavit (affidavit form available upon request).

• This step is not required if the bank statement is in the student’s name.

5.  Submit an English language proficiency score.

• This step is not required for applicants with 12+ U.S. university credits or from approved countries.
• Rockford University accepts Cambridge, Duolingo, IELTS, Pearson PTE, and TOEFL.

6.  Submit a copy of your most recent graduation certificate (if applicable). 

• Please submit all documents here: Document Upload Portal

Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.

You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?

1. Email your transcript(s) to globalaffairs@rockford.edu

• *Transcripts are considered official if they are sent directly from an institution or approved evaluation company.
• First-year students: Submit a copy of your secondary school transcript and examination score (if applicable) with the English translation if the transcript is not in English.
• Transfer or graduate students: Submit copies of all post-secondary level transcripts with English translations (if applicable).  U.S. transcripts must be officially sent from your university to Rockford University;  foreign transcripts may be copies for admission purposes.  (Official/original foreign transcripts will be required upon arrival.)
• *An official course-by-course evaluation from a NACES or AICE member may be required by Rockford University.
• Exclusive course-by-course transcript evaluations may be ordered at a 10% discount from the following companies:
  • Scholaro
  • SpanTran

2.  Submit a copy of the data/photo page of your passport.

3.  Submit a bank statement equivalent to the following amount:

• English as a Second Language Program—24,000 U.S. dollars

4.  Submit an affidavit (affidavit form available upon request).

• This step is not required if the bank statement is in the student’s name.  Affidavits must be notarized.

5.  Submit an English language proficiency score.

• This step is not required for applicants with 12+ U.S. university credits or from approved countries.
• Rockford University accepts Cambridge, Duolingo, IELTS, Pearson PTE, and TOEFL.

6.  Submit a copy of your most recent graduation certificate (if applicable). 

• Please submit all documents to globalaffairs@rockford.edu.

Once you have submitted your application, transcript, and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.

at may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.

You’ve applied to Rockford University. What’s next?

• Request your official high school transcript be sent to Rockford University electronically or via mail: Rockford University, Office of Admission, 5050 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108.
• Submit a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher to admissions@rockford.edu.
• Receive approval from your parent/guardian regarding your participation in this program.

Once you have submitted your application, transcript, letter of recommendation and any additional information that may be requested, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to becoming a Rock Solid Regent.

For admission to the M.Ed. program, students must hold a Professional Educator License and submit the following to be evaluated:

• Application
  • Apply at rockford.edu/apply
  • Choose Master of Education (M.Ed.)
  • Choose your preferred endorsement

• Official transcripts with degree posting from an accredited college or university
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
  • Submit official transcripts in sealed envelope or digitally secure email

Submission of the above does not guarantee admission. 

Educators with a PEL can select an area of specialization to earn a subsequent endorsement:

• Bilingual
• ESL
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary
• Reading Teacher
• Special Education (LBS1)

This master’s program combines coursework for the endorsement and classes in educational foundations and research. Complete the endorsement in year one, and finish the M.Ed. in year two.

*Want to explore deeper into reading curriculum and instruction beyond an endorsement? Ask about RU’s MAT Reading Specialist program.

For admission to the M.Ed. program, students must submit the following to be evaluated:

• Application
  • Apply at rockford.edu/apply
  • Choose Master of Education (M.Ed.)
  • Choose your preferred endorsement

• Official Transcripts with Degree Posting from an accredited college or university
  • Cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5
  • Submit official transcripts in a sealed envelope or digitally secure email

Submission of the above does not guarantee admission

Educators with a PEL can select an area of specialization to earn a subsequent endorsement:

• Bilingual
• Elementary Education
• ESL
• Special Education LBS1
• Reading Teacher*

This master’s program combines coursework for the endorsement and classes in educational foundations and research. Complete the endorsement in year one, and finish the M.Ed. in year two.

*Want to explore deeper into reading curriculum and instruction beyond an endorsement? Ask about RU’s MAT Reading Specialist program.