SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake) is championing a new measure to help more students earn their associate degrees by making it easier to transfer credits back to community colleges at no cost.

Senate Bill 3720 would expand reverse credit transfer so eligible students can earn an associate degree automatically once they reach 60 combined credit hours. The bill also would ensure that students are not charged any fees related to the reverse transfer process.

“Students work hard to earn every credit, and they deserve the opportunity to have that progress recognized,” said Edly-Allen. “This legislation helps remove unnecessary barriers so more students can earn a credential that strengthens their career opportunities and supports their long-term success.”

Under the measure, community colleges would also be required to provide clear instructions for students seeking to complete their associate degree using transferred credits.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the Illinois Community College Board, builds on existing transfer policies by strengthening pathways not just from community colleges to universities, but also in the reverse direction, ensuring students can maximize the value of the credits they have already earned.

“Whether a student’s path takes them from a community college to a university or back again, our higher education system should work for them every step of the way,” said Edly-Allen. “By simplifying this process and eliminating fees, we are helping more students cross the finish line.”

Senate Bill 3720 passed the Senate Higher Education Committee Wednesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration. 

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