In high school? Plan your transfer from 2-year to 4-year college

As a Lake County high school student, it’s never too early to think about college.
One of your best options: Go to community college for 2 years, then transfer to the university of your choice. The credits you earn at community college can count toward your bachelor's degree. You may start as a junior at your new school.
The community college near you is College of Lake County (CLC). It serves students living in northeastern Illinois. CLC transfer programs prepare you to earn a bachelor’s degree at a 4-year school.
Explore transfer options at CLC
Is it worth going to community college before university?
Yes! Going to a community college like College of Lake County (CLC) before university saves you money. And it can help you earn a bachelor’s degree faster.
You can save more than $30,000 in tuition and fees by attending CLC for two years, before transferring to an Illinois public university to complete your bachelor’s degree. If you live at home for those first two years, you save even more money on room and board.
You may be more successful at a 4-year school if you go to community college first.
Nearly 54% of Illinois community college students who transferred to 4-year colleges completed a bachelor’s degree within six years, according to the Illinois Board of Higher Education. That’s nearly 12% higher than the national average.
Plus, the State of Illinois now guarantees admission of community college students to 4-year schools. As long as you meet the school’s minimum transfer requirements, like grades and number of credit hours, you’re in.
Benefits of going to community college, then transferring

Community college prepares you to succeed at a 4-year school. At College of Lake County (CLC), you learn the same materials as at bigger schools, but class sizes are small—about 15 students. Instructors know you by name and provide personal feedback. You are not one of hundreds of students in a class taught by a teaching assistant.
Extensive resources support your academic journey and personal well-being. CLC has a full roster of clubs, sports and activities. It is a safe and welcoming place to learn.
You can use CLC transfer credits to attend a 4-year college in Illinois or out of state. CLC works closely with some of the best schools to transfer to.
What can I do in high school to prepare for college and to transfer?
To attend College of Lake County (CLC), then complete your studies at a 4-year school, do the following:
Throughout high school
- Meet with your College and Career Navigator (CCN). Your CCN answers questions and helps you apply to CLC – it’s fast, free and no essay required.
- Explore your interests: Research careers, college majors and the 4-year schools you’d like to attend after CLC.
- Take dual credit courses. The courses are free. You get the jump on college by earning credit that transfers to CLC while you’re still in high school.
- Attend the CLC Open House, held in April. Learn about the 170+ degree and career certificate programs available here.
In your senior year of high school
- Learn about financial aid. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Illinois Alternative Application. CLC holds free workshops to help you complete these forms step by step.
- Apply for scholarships. Complete one simple application. You'll be automatically matched to the scholarships right for you.
- Tour campus. Join your high school on a tour of CLC. Or schedule your own tour of the Grayslake Campus. Take virtual tours of the Grayslake Campus, Lakeshore Campus (Waukegan), Southlake Campus (Vernon Hills) and Advanced Technology Center (Gurnee). Visit Prairie Restaurant at Brae Loch, managed by our Hospitality and Culinary Management students.
As a CLC student
Why transfer from community college to university?

Transferring from community college to university saves you money. You can reduce your student debt or complete college debt-free. It also gets you ready for the rigors of university study. When you attend College of Lake County (CLC) first, you are better prepared for college. And you are more likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree on time.
Your classmates agree that going to CLC first is a smart move. In fact, 1 in 5 local high school graduates attended CLC the year after graduation.
Explore transfer options at CLC