Eligibility for Transfer

Universities and colleges set standards of eligibility for admission of transfer students. Usually a student can transfer from Southwestern Illinois College to a four-year college or university after one or more semesters of work with a grade-point average of “C” or better and if courses count toward a degree at the applied college. Students should decide as soon as possible where to transfer and check that college’s admission and course requirements with the Counseling Center.

Steps to Transfer to Four-Year Institutions

Do you hope to transfer from Southwestern Illinois College to a four-year college or university?

Whether you are enrolling in your first SWIC course or applying to graduate, the Counseling Center can help you prepare for a successful transfer - please see a counselor for further information on these "Steps to Transfer to Four-Year Institutions."

Recommended Steps and Timeline

Determine your transfer plans and major/career goals (0-16 credit hours)

Meet with a SWIC counselor to discuss admission requirements, course transferability, majors, size, location, diversity, cost, etc. of the transfer institutions you are considering. SWIC counselor to create an outline of your SWIC coursework. Learn about degree requirements and transfer guides for transfer institutions you are considering. At four-year institutions, most majors prefer that you complete your prerequisities before you transfer.
Attend Career Decision-Making Workshops. See the Counseling Center for a schedule.
Visit the Career Activities and Employment Center to research careers and find a career mentor.

Explore your transfer options (0-32 credit hours)

Meet with a SWIC counselor to discuss admission requirements, course transferability, majors, size, location, diversity, cost, etc. of the transfer institutions you are considering.
Visit the Counseling Center to review catalogs and brochures from transfer institutions.
Meet with college representativies visiting SWIC. See the Counseling Center for a schedule.
Participate in colleges visits with the Minority Transfer and Multicultural Student Services Center.
Attend the Metro East Baccalaureate College Fair in February at SWIC.
Visit www.itransfer.org to research Illinois colleges and the IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative - a statewide agreement that facilitates transfer between Illinois colleges and universities).
Use the Internet to research colleges

Petersons Guide www.petersons.com
College Zone www.collegezone.com

Apply to your transfer institution(s) and complete your SWIC graduation application
(33-48 credits hours; 9-12 months in advance)

Submit your SWIC Graduation Application; See Admissions and Records for an application

Fall deadline - June 15
Spring deadline - September 15
Summer deadline - February 15

Select 4-6 transfer institutions that best "fit"your needs and apply early.
Follow directions and submit neat, complete applications. Search online applications. Ask if you must apply BOTH for general admission and for your specific major. Keep a copy of all materials. Follow-up to ensure your applications is complete.
Pay transfer application fee, if applicable.
Request that official transcripts be sent to the transfer schools from your high school, SWIC, and any other institution(s) you have attended. Request a copy for your records. After your last SWIC semester, send a final transcript. Remember the fees and waiting periods.
If required, ask for letters of recommendation. Provide all materials to your references, including a stamped envelope.

Apply for financial aid and scholarships (33-48 credit hours)

Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1^st (of the year in which you will transfer) listing the FAFSA code(s) for each transfer institution you are considering.
Research and apply early (deadlines may be months in advance) for any scholarships offered by your transfer institution(s) as well as your employer, civic/church groups, and private organizations. Free scholarship searches are available at

Choose your college or university and enroll (48-64 credit hours)

Register for classes, purchase/rent textbooks, obtain a student ID, etc.
Attend orientation, locate housing, find a job, and explore your new college or university.

[Back to Top]