Apply as a Returning or Transfer Student

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Have you attended another college or university?

Applying to ECC is simple whether you’re returning to ECC, transferring from another institution, or interested in taking a class over the summer. Plus, there is no application fee. Follow these steps whether you’re applying for a degree or certificate program or want to take classes for credit.

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Returning students do not need to reapply if it has been less than two years since they last attended ECC.

Before applying, summer students should confirm with their current college advisor which ECC course is equivalent to the courses they must complete. See what matches your particular school by visiting the Transferology Website if you attend a college/university in Illinois.

What’s next? A detailed welcome letter will be sent to you once your application has been processed. The welcome letter outlines your next steps for completing your enrollment, so be sure to follow all the steps!

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Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

Get help paying for college by applying for financial aid and scholarships! ECC offers comprehensive financial aid options, including federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. You should apply for financial aid, even if you think you may not be eligible.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for adults, and the Alternative Application for state aid is available for qualifying undocumented and transgender students.

What’s next? Award notifications are made by the ECC Financial Aid & Scholarships Office via email.

Priority Processing Dates

Fall enrollment - July 1
Spring enrollment - November 1
Summer enrollment - April 1

You can still apply after these dates. If you apply after the priority deadline, set up a payment plan to hold your classes.

Explore Financial Aid 

Explore Scholarships

Step 3: Submit Transcripts and Test Scores

If you are transferring to ECC from another college, your past coursework may meet college readiness requirements. We’re committed to crediting you for as much of your prior coursework as possible. Here’s what you need to do to ensure your past credits are considered for your ECC path:

  1. Submit your official high school and transcripts from each institution you’ve attended to admissions@elgin.edu.
  2. Complete the Transcript Evaluation Request Form.

If you’re transferring credit from an institution in another country, see Evaluation of College Credit Earned Outside the U.S. 

What’s next? You must complete placement testing if your prior college or high school coursework does not meet college readiness requirements.

Testing Appointments

Step 4: Summer-Only Students Exclusively

If you plan to take summer classes, you should check the course(s) you are interested in to determine if there are any prerequisites. Prove you have satisfied the prerequisites using the following:

  • An official or unofficial transcript from your current or previous college/university.
  • Your high school transcript, if you have taken geometry, algebra, chemistry, or foreign language in high school.
  • If you are currently enrolled in a class that is a prerequisite for the course you wish to take, you must email an updated unofficial transcript with your final grade to accessecc@elgin.edu before the summer class starts date to remain enrolled.

Complete the Prerequisite Approval Request Form - PDF and email the completed form and your unofficial transcripts by email to accessecc@elgin.edu or send a fax to 847-931-4899 with ‘Summer Enrollment’ on the subject line. Include the following:

  • Full name
  • ECC student ID number; received after submitting ECC admission application
  • Contact information; cell phone or email address
  • ECC course number and course name
  • Name of institution where the prerequisite has been completed.

What’s next? A technical enrollment facilitator will contact you by email when your prerequisite approval request has been processed.

Step 5: Complete New Student Orientation

Shortly after you apply, you will receive an invitation to complete our online New Student Orientation. Summer-only students do not need to attend orientation.

What’s next? Students wanting to transfer credit into ECC should complete the Request for Evaluation before meeting with an advisor.

Step 6: Meet with an Academic Advisor

After you complete the online orientation, you will receive a link to make an appointment with an academic advisor who will help you determine which classes you need to take and show you how to register.

Step 7: Register for Classes

Meet with an academic advisor to review the options or see the course catalog. Some classes fill quickly, so sign up early to reserve your spot.

Registration Opens

Fall enrollment
Spring enrollment
Summer enrollment

Register Now

Step 8: Make Payment Arrangements

Payment is the final step to keeping your spot in class! Your statement is only available on the student portal and will not be mailed to you. Arrange payment by the due date. The earlier you sign up for a payment plan, the more options you have. If you register after the payment due date, payment is due the following day by 7 pm.

Payment