Continue your journey in a welcoming community at WIU.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recognized our exemplary transfer pathways with the 2024 Transfer Honor Roll.
Transfer Admissions
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Be part of a community that encourages growth, connection, and success. The Western Illinois University (WIU) campus is home to students from all backgrounds, including many just like you: students transferring to WIU from a community college or other institution, associate’s degree holders advancing toward bachelor’s degrees, and adult learners returning to complete a degree.
We make it easy to become a Leatherneck! Below, learn more about how to apply to Western Illinois University, including our transfer-friendly policies, seamless credit transfer process, and dozens of articulation agreements with Illinois community colleges.
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Why Transfer to Western Illinois University?
Transfer as many credits as possible to a broad variety of academic programs through WIU’s simple transfer process. Once you join us at Western, we will further support you through scholarship opportunities, robust student services, and lots of campus events where you can live out your Leatherneck pride.
Maximize Your Transfer Credits
Through articulation agreements between Western departments and Illinois community colleges, you can seamlessly transfer to WIU.
2+2 Degree Programs
Build on a two-year associate degree at your local community college by transferring to WIU, where you can earn a bachelor’s degree in just two more years.
Transfer Scholarships
Receive up to $2,000 in automatic merit-based scholarships as a transfer student. You may also qualify for housing and other specialized WIU transfer scholarships.
Academic and Student Support
Transfer into 60+ top academic programs in business, law enforcement, agriculture, education, and more. At Western Illinois University, you'll find more than just academic excellence—you'll find community. From the Transfer Student Organization and the Transfer Year Experience residence hall floor to Tau Sigma, our honor society for transfer students, you'll join a network of peers who share your journey. At the same time, our dedicated faculty mentors and career services team support your long-term success. You'll also benefit from academic resources like tutoring, our writing center, and transfer-focused advising that ensure you thrive in and out of the classroom.
Transfer Application Requirements
Western Illinois University embraces students from all backgrounds and at any age. To meet our transfer admissions requirements, you must have completed at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of college work with a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
If you have not earned a minimum of 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of college work, you must meet the freshmen admission standards in addition to the transfer requirements.
How to Transfer to WIU
Step 1: Start Your Online Application
Apply online and pay the $30 application fee (fee waivers are available—contact Admissions to see if you are eligible).
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
- Send official college transcripts from EACH institution you have attended. Be sure to include all previous college transcripts.
- Send any work-in-progress (e.g. class schedule or list of future term classes).
- Send official scores from any outside agency (CLEP, AP, DANTES, etc.).
Step 3: Receive Admission Decisions
The admission team will review your application, including any Western Illinois University transfer requirements related to your target program. We will notify you of our admission decision by email at the provided address.
Step 4: Commit to Western
Confirm your enrollment online—no enrollment deposit required! Once you have committed to Western, follow our next steps checklist to prepare for your first days on campus.
Transfer Deadlines
WIU transfer applications work on a rolling basis, meaning we consider applications year-round. To start in the spring semester, we recommend applying by December 1, and for the fall semester, by August 1.
Guaranteed Transfer Admission
Students with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science from any regionally accredited college in the United States will enter Western with their University General Education requirements met and be guaranteed admission to Western. Additional credits from the AA or AS degree will count toward major requirements or serve as electives.
Meet Your Admission Counselor
Get in touch with our admissions team for guidance on how to transfer to Western Illinois University, which of your transfer credits will apply toward your major, and what to include in your WIU transfer application.
Contact Admissions
I graduated from Joliet Junior College with my associate of arts degree and found out about Western through family. The outstanding professors have gone to great personal lengths to make the courses offered at WIU feel applicable to the real-world setting, making the class content and discussions relevant. It is due to this that I feel confident in both my professional and personal life.
-Harrison ‘24, Psychology
See WIU for Yourself
Experience Leatherneck life firsthand on a campus visit! Our tour takes you through immersive academic buildings, interactive student areas, comfortable residence halls, and lively green spaces—all the environments that make Western a supportive and engaging community.
If a trip to campus isn’t in the cards right now, take a virtual tour to get ready for your first days at WIU!
Transfer Admissions FAQs
How do I know if my credits will transfer?
Western recognizes transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions all over the country. We strive to make the credit transfer process easy and straightforward for you through articulation agreements, but your academic department at WIU may need to review your credits to determine how they fit into our course requirements.
Transferology and our transfer guides can help you navigate the credit transfer process and approximate how your credits will transfer to WIU. You can also contact our admissions team for support and guidance.
How long does the application review process take?
We can start reviewing your application as soon as you have submitted all the required materials. In general, you will receive your admissions decision within two to three weeks.
Do I need to submit standardized test scores as a transfer student?
No, you do not need to submit SAT/ACT scores! As a test-optional institution, we accept standardized test scores with applications, but they are not part of the Western Illinois University transfer requirements.
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