Question 1

How does this all work?

Accepted Answer

The University Center is a nonprofit organization created by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to supplement the higher education programs available through CLC. So, in the simplest of terms, we are like an extension campus for these universities. University Center will not appear on your transcripts or academic records; you get the same degree as if you were attending the main campus. There is no difference in your curriculum or your degree; it’s just a different campus.

Question 2

How do admissions work/how do I apply?

Accepted Answer

You complete the online admissions application to your university and program/major of choice on the university’s own website, send official copies of your transcripts, and get your admissions status within 2-4 weeks.  UCLC staff are available to assist.

Question 3

How will the university know I want to take classes at the University Center?

Accepted Answer

When you complete the admissions application, there will be some indication of what campus you plan to attend classes, you would select University Center here. If you miss this part, don’t fret, your advisor will speak with you and help you register for classes at the UCLC campus if this is what you are looking for.

Question 4

Can I apply for Financial Aid?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The same Financial Aid you would be eligible for on campus, you are eligible for off-campus at the University Center as well. When you complete the FAFSA application, make sure you put your university school code. Remember, University Center does not exist for Financial Aid purposes, so, you would only put your particular university as the school code.

Question 5

Are there scholarships available?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You have full access to each university’s scholarship page.

Question 6

Will my degree or transcript say University Center?

Accepted Answer

No. Nothing on your transcripts or diploma will say University Center. Your degree will be from the specific university that you attend.

Question 7

Who will teach my classes?

Accepted Answer

Your classes are taught by a mix of tenured faculty and adjunct faculty. The same faculty who teach the on-campus programs teach the off-campus programs at the University Center.

Question 8

Do I have access to the library or student services?  How does that work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you get full access to the University student services including library services, academic advising, the career center, tutoring center etc. Depending on the university, some of the services are provided virtually (online/video chat/zoom) or face-to-face at the University Center, or face-to-face at the University Main Campus or other extension campus. Either way, you have a team of people interested in supporting you on your academic journey.

Question 9

How much is tuition?

Accepted Answer

You pay the tuition rate of the particular university. But since you are not commuting to a campus farther away, living in dorm, or paying extra fees, you save money.

Question 10

Can I do an internship?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many of the programs have internships embedded within their curriculum. So, this means that you get solid work experience in your field and can build connections with local organizations in Lake County while you complete your bachelor’s degree. If your program doesn’t have an internship embedded, no worries, you can still do an internship and often times it can count for credit or it can be a paid internship and a side job for you.

Question 11

Who can I reach out to if I have more questions?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to our advising team at transfer@ucenter.org or schedule a free advising appointment on our talk to an advisor page here. We offer convenient appointments both online and via the phone. We are here to support you along your educational journey.