Community college major credits will transfer to all Illinois universities starting January 1

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Major credits from community colleges will be able to transfer to all public colleges and universities in Illinois starting January 1.

There are already mechanisms in place requiring credits to transfer for general education courses. However, many students transferring to universities are stuck repeating courses for their specific major in order go get their degree.

The Illinois Community College Board said this change can equalize the hard work students put in.

"Everybody recognized that we want students to be able to get through their college education and make their educational choices as efficiently and as affordably as possible," said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham.

The law will also create a new panel for education degrees. Sponsors said this can help community college students have an accelerated path to a teaching degree.

Many lawmakers and advocates hope this change can help address the teacher shortage in Illinois.

"In the state, we're looking for a diverse pipeline for students that are going into teaching," Durham said. "And community colleges serve the most diverse student body of any institutions of higher education in the state."

Senate Bill 2288 passed unanimously out of the Senate and House this spring.