Parkland Pathway

What is Parkland Pathway?

Parkland Pathway is a dual‑enrollment program with Parkland College that helps you transfer to Illinois after about two years. While in Parkland Pathway, students can:

• Take up to 5 Illinois credit hours per semester at the Parkland tuition rate
• Get advising from both schools
• Join Illinois clubs and activities
• Live in University Housing, Private Certified Housing, or at home
• Earn guaranteed admission to Illinois if you meet major‑specific requirements

Some majors may require more time or have extra steps.

Who can apply?

You are eligible if you:

• Graduated from an Illinois high school, or
• Earned a GED in Illinois

Students who have previously attended Illinois as degree‑seeking students cannot apply.

Who gets priority in admission?

Due to limited space, priority will go to:

• First‑time college students
• Students who live in the Parkland College district
• Students who may face additional barriers to college, such as low‑income, first‑generation, and military‑connected students

What majors can I choose from?

Not all Illinois majors and concentrations are available through Parkland Pathway.

How do I apply?

You will need to complete:

• The Parkland Pathway to Illinois application
• The Parkland College application
• Any required assessments

How does Illinois review Parkland Pathway applicants?

Illinois looks at:

• High school grades and course rigor
• Extracurriculars & involvement
• Writing prompts indicating academic interests and the Parkland Pathway program
• Your ability to manage the Parkland Pathway dual-enrollment program

I’m admitted. What happens next?

Once you are admitted, you need to accept or decline your offer and manage your admitted student checklist.

How do I stay in good standing?

To remain in the program, you must:

• Maintain the required GPA
• Make steady progress toward your degree