Every semester, Elgin Community College students make it to Lake Forest College and succeed in our transfer-inclusive community.
We are committed to making your transition to Lake Forest College as seamless as possible. Elgin students in all academic areas have a smooth path to their bachelor's degree at Lake Forest, thanks to a special partnership between the two institutions. This partnership includes special agreements including the Elgin Pathway Scholars Program and generous scholarships and financial aid opportunities for all students.
Pathway Scholar Programs at Lake Forest College
Our Pathway Scholar Programs offer a seamless transition to Lake Forest College for Elgin students who are looking to major in a variety of areas and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferrable semester hours of credit.
Pathway Business, Economics, Finance Scholars
ECC students who seek to major in business, economics, or finance and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferable semester hours are eligible for the Pathway Business/Econ/Finance Scholars program. Students will be evaluated at the end of every academic year at the College. Pathway Scholars are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.
This program is a 2+2 transfer program with guaranteed admission for qualified students. No additional application is required. Students must meet a prescribed curriculum ( please see transfer guide) and have a minimum 3.25 GPA for consideration.
Benefits
- Admitted students will receive up to a $28,000 Presidential scholarship
- OR a guaranteed $28,000 Phi Theta Kappa scholarship ($30,000 with GPA of 3.75+) if they are PTK members.
- Pre-advising during your time at ECC by Lake Forest College faculty on course selection.
- Advising from our Career Advancement Center staff on internships, and career opportunities.
- Students earning a 3.6 GPA or higher in their first semester will have the option of selecting a fifth course for free in the second semester.
- Pathway Scholar recognition on their Lake Forest College transcript.
Pathway Humanities Scholars
Lake Forest College will support up to 15 Pathways Humanities Scholars who are interested majoring in the humanities and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferable semester hours at ECC. Students will be evaluated at the end of every academic year at the College. Pathway Scholars are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA for consideration. Academic areas of focus will include American studies, studio art, art history, Asian studies, communication, English, French, Spanish, history, music, philosophy, religion, theater, and Latin American and Latinx studies.
Benefits
- Admitted students will receive up to a $28,000 Presidential scholarship
- OR a guaranteed $28,000 Phi Theta Kappa scholarship ($30,000 with GPA of 3.75+) if they are PTK members.
- All Pathway Humanities Scholars are eligible for a guaranteed internship.
- Pre-advising during your time at ECC by Lake Forest College faculty on course selection.
- Advising from our Career Advancement Center staff on internships, and career opportunities.
- Students earning a 3.6 GPA or higher in their first semester will have the option of selecting a fifth course for free in the second semester.
- Pathway Scholar recognition on their Lake Forest College transcript.
Admissions
- Apply
- First-Year Students
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Transfer Students
- Transfer Application Requirements
- Community Colleges
- Four-Year Colleges and Universities
- Transfer Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Transfer Visits
- Transfer Visit Day
- Transfer Credit Guides
- How Your Credits Transfer
- Transfer Student Guide to the Forester Fundamental Curriculum (FFC)
- First-Gen Transfer Resources
- International Students
- Admitted Students
- Connect With Your Admissions Counselor
- Visit Campus
- Scholarships
- Financial Aid
- High School Counselors
- Community College Counselors
Contact
Jake Bedenian
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
847-735-5013
jbedenian@lakeforest.edu
Transfer Application and Enrollment Deadlines
Fall 2025 applications are open! Apply today!
The class for Spring 2025 has officially closed as of 12/9.
AP Credits for Elgin Students
Students who have successfully completed Advanced Placement courses and the appropriate examinations provided by the College Entrance Examination Board may apply for college credit for this work.
As part of recognizing the Associate of Arts (AA) degree and Associate of Science (AS) degree credential, we will accept scores of “3” on Advanced Placement (AP) exams from students whose community colleges have applied such credit towards the hours needed for their AA.
Scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the examinations, may entitle students to at least one course credit. Scores of 1 or 2 are not granted credit. A score of 4 or better on both the microeconomics and macroeconomics exams is required for one course credit in economics.
Each department determines the specific amount of credit to be awarded. Credit will not be granted for both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate program examinations in the same department.
Transfer Credit Guides
See how your credits will transfer from Elgin to Lake Forest College.