Northern Illinois University
Advising
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

First Steps:

• Initiate Your Transfer: Begin the transfer process to NIU by reaching out to the Office of Admissions. They will guide you through the initial steps and requirements.

• Associate’s Degree Transfers: If you are transferring with an associate’s degree from an Illinois public community college, updated transfer guides tailored to your intended major will be available shortly. In the interim, for detailed information, please consult your major department.

• Orientation and Registration: After admission, it's crucial to sign up for and attend an orientation session. During orientation, you'll meet with a CLAS advisor and enroll in classes.

Next Steps:

• Final Transcripts: Ensure that final transcripts from all previously attended institutions are sent directly to NIU's Undergraduate Admissions.

• Coursework Articulation: To understand how your coursework from Illinois public community colleges transfers to NIU, review the articulation tables.

• Advising Meetings: Schedule meetings with both your CLAS advisor and your major advisor each semester to plan your academic journey effectively. October and March are the optimal months for these consultations.

• Course Registration: Register for your courses on your assigned enrollment date, which can be found in the MyNIU Student Center each semester. More registration information can be found here.

Community College Partnerships

Northern Illinois University (NIU) values its strong partnerships with community colleges, offering streamlined pathways and support for students transitioning from two-year institutions to NIU's diverse range of programs. Learn more about how we collaborate with specific community colleges to ensure a smooth transfer process and support your academic journey:

• University Center at McHenry County College (MCC): Discover the unique opportunities available through the University Center at McHenry County College. This partnership provides a range of bachelor's degree completion programs, master's degrees, and professional development options right at MCC, designed to fit the needs of students looking for convenience and quality in their continuing education.

• Harper College Partnership: Explore how NIU's collaboration with Harper College opens doors for students seeking to transfer to NIU. This partnership focuses on creating seamless transfer experiences, offering guidance, and ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed both during their transition and as they pursue their degrees at NIU.