Early College Office

The Early College Office in Academic Affairs focuses on academic issues that make the passage into and out of Oakton successful. This office is responsible for the assessment and transfer of college-level credit. Dual Credit and Concurrent Enrollment for high school students, Prior Learning Assessment, University Curricula Articulations, and University Transfer Partnerships are overseen through this office.

Dual Credit

Oakton collaborates with partner high schools across the district to offer college level classes to eligible high school students. These courses allow students to obtain high school and college credit simultaneously. Dual credit courses are taught in the high school classrooms, during the high school day by Oakton approved high school instructors.

Partner high schools include: Evanston Township High School, Glenbrook North High School, Glenbrook South High School, Loyola Academy, Maine East High School, Maine South High School, Maine West High School, New Trier High School, Niles North High School and Niles West High School. Visit Early College for more information about dual credit course offerings or email dualcredit@oakton.edu.

Concurrent Enrollment

High school juniors and seniors who have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of C or higher are eligible for concurrent enrollment. For more information about concurrent enrollment visit www.oakton.edu/admission.

Transfer Partnerships with Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Oakton has a number of agreements with four-year colleges and universities to facilitate transfer and ease the transition for students intending on completing their bachelor’s degree. Examples of these partnerships include transfer paths, guaranteed admission, and dual enrollment. Students are also welcome to transfer without benefit of these agreements, where Oakton facilitates term-by-term educational plans to promote a seamless transfer experience.

Transfer Paths to four-year Colleges and Universities

Transfer paths are formalized term-by-term guides of course requirements for students intending on transfer to a particular college or university. These agreements often direct a student to earn an associate degree (about 60 semester credit hours) at Oakton and then transfer. Some four-year colleges and universities will accept more than 60 semester credit hours of Oakton work. The exact course requirements for each transfer path are specified in the transfer path agreement and usually for a specific major or curriculum rather than for general admission to the institution. Students following a transfer path benefit from a clear “road map” of requirements for admission to a college or university.

Guaranteed Admission to four-year Colleges and Universities

Oakton College currently partners with many colleges and universities providing an opportunity for students to receive a guarantee of admission into their intended bachelor’s institution. Students who actively participate typically receive counseling and benefits that exceed those of a regular transfer student. Details regarding participation, course and GPA requirements are specific to each agreement and may be found online at Transfer Partnerships and Guides. Students are encouraged to connect early with their four-year institution for details about these benefits, and any necessary paperwork which may need to be submitted.

Dual Enrollment with four-year Colleges and Universities

Oakton College partners with several colleges and universities regarding dual enrollment opportunities for current students. Oakton students in these programs benefit from taking classes at both their intended four-year institution and while they are progressing through their program at Oakton. Furthermore, students who are actively progressing through a dual enrollment program often are guaranteed admission and receive opportunities to engage regularly with their four-year institution. Students should connect early with their four- year institution and Oakton Academic Advisor to receive accurate information pertaining to participation, course requirements, and additional benefits specific to the college or university.

Current partnerships can be found at Transfer Partnerships and Guides. For specific information, call the Office of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success at 847.635.1700 (Des Plaines) or 847.635.1400 (Skokie).