Engineering Pathways

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Engineering and Computer Science - Program Overview
Engineering and Computer Science A.E.S. - Transfer Degree
Engineering Pathways

Guaranteed admission to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger College of Engineering

Start at CLC and get guaranteed admission to the Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).

You'll save $33,000 in tuition and fees on average by spending your first two years at CLC, plus have

Time to explore engineering majors to find your best fit
A cohort experience, where you attend classes and collaborate with the same group of Pathways students
Personalized guidance and advising to ensure all credits transfer to your selected major
Access to scholarships to complete your studies at University of Illinois

Learn more about the program

Attend an information session to meet faculty and learn about courses and facilities at CLC. Get answers to all of your questions about the Engineering Pathways program.

Attend information session

Watch this video to learn about faculty and students in CLC's engineering transfer program.

How to apply

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1. Apply to CLC
Complete the CLC admission application to get started. Learn how to apply with step-by-step instructions.
2. Complete assessment testing
Schedule to take math and reading/writing assessment tests through the CLC Testing Center. The ALEKS PPL math assessment is mandatory and cannot be waived.
A proctored ALEKS PPL assessment score of 76 or higher is required to apply to the program for Fall 2026. If you score below 76, take time to study and review the learning modules before retaking the assessment. ALEKS score must be dated within six months of application submission, or it will need to be retaken.
3. Submit the Grainger Engineering Pathways application
You will need your CLC student ID number and a score of 76 or higher for the proctored ALEKS math assessment. Complete the Pathways application.
Required documentation to complete the application:
- A copy of your ALEKS assessment score with your full name and testing date. It must show CLC as the partner college, that your assessment attempt was proctored, and the overall ALEKS score.
- Official copy of your high school transcript(s) sent electronically to engineeringpathways@illinois.edu. High school transcript(s) must include all courses completed, grades received, and any courses that will be in progress for Spring 2026.
- Dual-credit/college transcript(s) and/or a GED completion certificate, if applicable. If college credit is earned, an unofficial transfer must be included as part of your application.
- Student records are reviewed competitively. Submission of ALEKS, high school records, and application does not guarantee admission.
For more information, view the UIUC Engineering Pathways guide.
Admission dates and deadlines for Fall 2026
Filing period: January 5 – April 5
Decisions: Admission notifications will be made on a rolling basis.
If you miss the April 5 application deadline and you're currently enrolled at CLC, you can participate in Engineering Pathways by via the Intent to Pursue Pathways (IPP) track. This track follows the first year of the Engineering Pathways program.
How the IPP track works
Calculus-ready students* must successfully complete the same Year-1 coursework and requirements as those currently enrolled in Engineering Pathways at CLC. This includes
- taking all classes in order as listed in the Plan of Study
- getting Bs or better in tech classes
- achieving a minimum 3.5 tech GPA and GPA overall
You then are eligible to apply to the Engineering Pathways program as an incoming Year-2 Engineering Pathways student to join the next cohort.
*If you tested into pre-calculus/trigonometry, you need to complete this course over summer to ensure you are calculus-ready for the Fall semester to start on the IPP track. Please plan accordingly.
How to apply to the IPP
Complete the Intent to Pursue Pathways form and attach requested documents.
Transcripts and grades will be reviewed as part of this application to determine eligibility. Once added to the IPP track roster, you will be required to attend a mandatory advising meeting each semester.
Admission dates and deadlines
Filing period: April 6 – January 31, 2026
You are not eligible to join IPP after your second semester of college enrollment, but other engineering transfer options are available at CLC. Explore transfer planning.
Decisions: Please allow 7-10 business days for a response after submitting your IPP form.
Learn more about the Intent to Pursue Pathways program.

Frequently asked questions

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View the plan of study for the Engineering Pathways program at CLC. You must take all classes in order as listed in the plan. The courses you'll take are similar to those for our  associate degree in engineering science (AES).
You must enroll full-time (15 or more semester hours).
CLC and UIUC each assign you a transfer advisor to assist with course selection and registration, as well as offer general guidance until your transfer to UIUC.
All Pathway students start with the same curriculum, regardless of AP scores. In the first semester of your first year, you take MTH 145 (Calc I) and CHM 121 (Chemistry I).
You must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA (with all As and Bs) for all classes taken at CLC, including your technical coursework in:
- chemistry
- computer science
- engineering
- math
- physics
You are expected to complete all courses in which you enroll. Dropping, withdrawing or failing to earn a B or better in a required course jeopardizes your program standing.
Once you successfully complete this program at CLC, you are guaranteed admission to The Grainger College of Engineering at UIUC.

More than 90% of admitted students are placed in their first or second choice of departmental majors.
No, you have other options.
Even if you are granted admission, you are not obligated to attend UIUC. You can enroll in another guaranteed transfer program instead, such as T.A.G. for UIC or G.A.P. for Northern Illinois University.
Learn more about our transfer partnerships