NIU and Kish College create new pathway to degrees

The path from Kishwaukee College to Northern Illinois University recently got a bit easier with the completion of a Guaranteed Admissions Agreement (GAP) between the two schools. The GAP program allows students to be admitted to both schools simultaneously which provides access to Counselors/Academic Advisors at both institutions to keep them on their academic track. The dual enrollment helps ensure a seamless transition for the students between the schools.

“We are pleased to be partnering with NIU on the GAP agreement. It is a great opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Laurie Borowciz, President of Kishwaukee College. “Students start at Kish for good reasons, including being undecided on a major and affordability. With fifty-five percent of our students transferring to NIU, it’s important that we work closely together to provide a seamless transition. It’s all about our mutual students achieving their educational goal.”

“There are thousands of people who are proud alumni of both Kishwaukee and Northern Illinois University,” says NIU Acting President Dr. Lisa Freeman. “We are delighted to forge this new agreement that will pave the way for thousands more.”

Under the terms of the agreement, high school graduates studying at Kishwaukee College, who maintain a grade point of 2.0 or better while completing transferable credits, are eligible to transfer into any of the more than 56 undergraduate degree programs at NIU. Students need to sign up for the program at least one year prior to their expected enrollment at NIU.

Students enrolled in the program also can:
• Enroll in the Honors Program at NIU if they maintain a grade point average of 3.2 or better at Kishwaukee College;
• Take advantage of a reverse transfer agreement that will allow students to apply coursework completed at NIU toward completion of their associate’s degree at Kishwaukee, at no additional cost;
• Apply to earn scholarships from NIU.

Participants in the program also receive regular updates from NIU about scholarship opportunities, financial aid deadlines, open houses, and have their application fee waived. For more information on the Guaranteed Admissions Program email transfercenter@NIU.edu , or call 800-892-3050. Information can also be found on the website of the NIU Undergraduate Admissions at go.niu.edu/gap. For information on Kishwaukee College, visit www.kish.edu.