Valparaiso University and City Colleges of Chicago Announce a Guaranteed Admissions Agreement for Students Pursuing a Higher Degree in Civil, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical and Biological Engineering

Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) have entered into a guaranteed admission to support engineering students seeking a way to pursue a four-year degree.

This new agreement ensures that all courses are aligned at both schools so City Colleges students can transfer from its School of Engineering to the University without losing any credits—guaranteeing that City Colleges of Chicago transfer students can complete their bachelor’s degree in engineering within two years.

The agreement was officially signed by all parties on October 8, and follows a previous agreement supporting students transferring to the University to earn a four-year degree.

In today’s rapidly changing and increasingly complex world, engineers play a vital role in addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges — from climate change and sustainable energy to public health, infrastructure, and technological parity. Engineering is fundamentally about problem-solving because it combines creativity, scientific knowledge, and ethical responsibility to design solutions that improve how people live and interact with their environment today and for the future.

“At Valparaiso University, we believe in creating academic pathways that uplift students and communities alike,” said Eric Johnson ’87, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Valparaiso University. “This partnership with City Colleges of Chicago reflects the heart of our mission; fostering excellence and empowering students from all backgrounds to achieve their highest potential. Together, we are building bridges that prepare the next generation of engineers to lead and serve with purpose.”

“This partnership between Valparaiso University and City Colleges of Chicago exemplifies our shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality engineering education. By creating a clear and supportive pathway for our students to continue their studies at Valparaiso University, we are investing in the next generation of innovators who will shape a more sustainable and technologically advanced future,” said Provost and Chief Academic Officer Mark Potter, City Colleges of Chicago.

Qualifying for admission requires a 3.0 transferable GPA from CCC, junior standing upon transfer, and transfer credit evaluation for up to 62 credit hours towards degree completion. Students with a cumulative transferable 3.5 GPA or higher will be considered for entry into Christ College — the Honors College at Valparaiso University.

Other benefits of the transfer agreement include:

• Early academic advising provided by the Valparaiso University transfer staff.
• Career support through mentoring, career opportunity exposure, speaker engagement events and more.
• Consideration for financial support and scholarship candidacy, including:
  • City Colleges of Chicago Beacon Scholarship ($8,000 per-year for two years, 3.0 GPA and above)
  • Transfer Merit Scholarship ($18,000-$25,000 per-year for two years, starting at 2.8 GPA)
  • Associate Degree Completion Scholarship ($4,000; cannot be combined with Phi Theta Kappa scholarship)
  • Phi Theta Kappa award ($4,000; cannot be combined with degree completion scholarship)

“By offering a rigorous pathway from City Colleges to a bachelor’s degree alongside Valparaiso University, together, we are ensuring our students won’t lose any credits upon transfer. This saves our students time and money,” said Dr. Doris Espiritu, inaugural Districtwide Dean-Head School of Engineering at City Colleges. “I’m proud to be part of a team that is positioning our graduates to be at the forefront of shaping industries and technologies,

“We are proud to partner with the City Colleges of Chicago to create new pathways for their talented students to complete bachelor’s degrees in engineering at Valpo,” said Doug Tougaw, Ph.D., P.E., dean of engineering at Valparaiso University. “The rigorous and high-quality preparation students receive at City Colleges equips them to thrive in our programs and beyond. We are eager to welcome these students into our community, where they will continue to grow as engineers, innovators, and leaders dedicated to service and excellence.”

Valparaiso University is dedicated to opening new pathways for students of diverse backgrounds to pursue higher education. This agreement is a testament to the University’s dedication towards learning and thriving, two cornerstones of Uplift Valpo: Our Beacon for the Journey Forward. To learn more about the opportunities and benefits that come with a Valpo education, visit valpo.edu.

City Colleges of Chicago is the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity — empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger and more just city. To learn more about City Colleges of Chicago visit ccc.edu or call 773-COLLEGE (773-265-5343).

About Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University is an independent, Doctoral/Professional University with a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum in Valparaiso, Indiana. Nearly 3,000 students and 250 full-time faculty comprise a community of learning dedicated to excellence and grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom and faith. Valpo is nationally recognized for the quality and innovative character of its academic programs. Valparaiso University offers more than 70 undergraduate programs through the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Nursing and Health Professions and Christ College — The Honors College. Valpo also has more than 20 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education.

The City Colleges of Chicago School of Engineering strives to become the nation’s premier community college pipeline for producing diverse engineering leaders who will be of service to Chicago, the nation and the world. We challenge the traditional model of high-cost education by offering affordable, accessible, and high-quality programs with the rigor and standards aligned with our partner institutions.  We empower our students to excel academically and professionally, fostering a new generation of engineers committed to innovation and service.