City Colleges of Chicago and Valparaiso University entered into a guaranteed admissions agreement to support students transferring to the university.
The agreement will help students in accounting, business analytics, finance, management and marketing earn a four-year degree.
“I’m thrilled to be working alongside City Colleges of Chicago as we find new ways to help these brilliant students meet their academic goals,” said José Padilla, Valparaiso University president, in a press release. “Chicago and Northwest Indiana will benefit immensely from the trained professionals and leaders that this partnership will produce.”
A ceremonial signing between the two institutions took place at 1 p.m. July 15 at Harold Washington College in Chicago.
“Valparaiso University is a place where our students can uncover their passion and learn,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. “Class sizes are small so our students will get the individualized attention they need as well as receive a world class education. I’m thankful for this transfer agreement because it will save our students time and money and help them soar.”
To qualify, City Colleges of Chicago students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and complete an associates degree in arts, general studies or applied science. City Colleges students who pursue their MBA at Valparaiso University will receive a discount on tuition.
The agreement is part of Valparaiso University’s plan to create new pathways to higher education for students of diverse backgrounds.
City Colleges of Chicago is comprised of seven independently accredited colleges. Over 60,000 Chicagoans are enrolled in City Colleges’ educational programs. Offerings range from tuition-free English as a second language and high school diploma preparation classes and certificate and associate degree programs.
Valparaiso University serves about 3,000 students. The university offers over 70 undergraduate programs and over 20 degree and certificate programs in its graduate school and continuing education. Valparaiso University was founded in 1859.