SXU partners with City Colleges of Chicago to support Star Scholars
On average, an associate degree generates nearly $500,000 more in additional lifetime earnings than a high school diploma. A bachelor degree brings another half a million dollars. Staying true to its mission, Saint Xavier University (SXU) is honoring the different educational paths of students by creating a partnership agreement with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) through the Star Scholars Program. Students who graduate from a Chicago Public School (CPS) with a 3.0 GPA or higher who test completion ready in math and English can attend a CCC to pursue an associate degree at no cost. SXU has partnered with CCC to provide pathway and scholarship opportunities for Star Scholars who complete their associate degree and transfer to SXU to complete their bachelor degree.
As a partner institution, SXU pledges an additional $1,000 SXU Chicago Star Scholarship to Star Scholars who complete their associate degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher and transfer to the University. This scholarship is in addition to SXU's Transfer Merit and Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $18,000 per academic year, plus any additional need-based aid for which a student may be eligible as determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).
The SXU Chicago Star Scholarship is key competitive advantage to SXU's plan to increase transfer enrollment.
"Saint Xavier University has a long and proud history of providing transfer students an outstanding education that is both valuable and affordable. The City Colleges of Chicago offer excellent opportunities to students, and we look forward to working with the City Colleges and their students through this partnership," said Brian Hotzfield, executive director of Admission at Saint Xavier University.
The benefits of this partnership include: guaranteed admission to SXU for all Star Scholars, with special admission requirements needed for education and nursing programs; an award of $1,000 for two years to Star Scholars with a 3.0 GPA or higher; dedicated transfer advising from CCC and SXU, including development of pathways; and invitations to SXU campus events.
In order to receive the Star Scholarship, CPS students must apply for financial aid so that any financial aid dollars can be applied first as part of the waiver. After the application of federal and state financial aid, CCC will provide waivers for all tuition and books for three years or until the completion of an associate degree, whichever comes first. Star Scholars will have three years to use the funds starting in the first fall semester after their graduation from CPS.
For more information about the SXU Chicago Star Scholarship, please contact Assistant Director of Transfer Admission John Kelly at 773-298-3060 or johnkellyFREESXU. All questions regarding the Star Scholarship Program can be directed to starscholarship@ccc.edu or 773-COLLEGE.