College Transitions Office

The College Transitions Office in Academic Affairs is responsible for early college partnerships with secondary schools and transfer partnerships with other colleges and universities. 

Early College

Oakton partners with high schools across District 535 by offering college-level courses to allow students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously (dual credit). Courses offered through our early college partnerships are taught at respective high schools during the regular school day and by Oakton-approved high school instructors.  

Oakton also invites high school juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to take one Oakton course per semester on one of our campuses (Des Plaines or Skokie) or online. Students will earn college credit for on-campus or online Oakton courses and may also request high school credit through their counselor. 

Early college opportunities pave the way for high school students to earn an Oakton certificate or degree before transferring to another college or university or entering the workforce. 

For more information about early college opportunities at Oakton, visit www.oakton.edu/earlycollege.

Transfer Agreements

Oakton has various agreements through partnerships with other undergraduate colleges and universities to facilitate a seamless transition for students intending to earn a bachelor’s degree. Examples of these agreements include transfer paths, dual enrollment and guaranteed admission agreements.  

Transfer Paths 

Transfer paths are formal term-by-term guides of course requirements for students planning to transfer to a particular college or university. Students following a transfer path benefit from a clear “road map” of requirements for admission to the college or university they intend to transfer. 

These agreements often direct a student to earn an associate degree (approximately 60 semester credit hours) at Oakton before transferring. Some colleges and universities may accept more than 60 semester credit hours. The exact course requirements for each transfer path are specified in the agreement for a specific major or curriculum rather than general admission to the college or university. 

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment agreements allow students to take classes at Oakton and another college or university simultaneously. Students participating in a dual enrollment program have an opportunity to connect regularly with appropriate academic or student support services at the other college or university and may receive guaranteed admission after graduating from Oakton. Students should contact an Oakton academic advisor as early as possible for pertinent information about our dual enrollment partnerships with other colleges or universities.

Guaranteed Admission

Guaranteed Admission Programs (GAP) are based on agreements that guarantee general admission to another college or university. However, students may need to fulfill additional major-specific requirements for admission into a particular academic program or field of study. Students who actively participate in a GAP typically receive dedicated advising, access to scholarships and other benefits that exceed those of traditional transfer students. Students should contact an Oakton academic advisor and their other desired college or university as early as possible to discuss options and understand program requirements.  

For a list of current Oakton transfer agreements and key contacts, visit www.oakton.edu/admissions/transfer-services/transfer-guides.