COD No. 1 choice for new 2+2 MAP Pilot Program

College of DuPage was selected to serve as a partnering institution by five of nine baccalaureate institutions selected to participate in a new Monetary Assistance Plan (MAP) 2+2 pilot program.

Initiated by Gov. Patrick Quinn's Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the pilot program will link four-year institutions with community colleges to work toward increasing retention and completion rates at both the associate's and bachelor's degree levels.

"The fact that College of DuPage was chosen by five of the nine schools demonstrates the high regard Illinois universities have for our programs and the confidence they have in our students," said Earl Dowling, associate vice president for Enrollment Management.

The institutions that opted to partner with College of DuPage include DePaul University, Dominican University, Lewis University, Northern Illinois University and Robert Morris University.

Students enrolled in the MAP 2+2 pilot will complete the first two years at the selected community college and then transfer out to the partnering institution to complete their bachelor's degree. The benefits to students include a seamless transfer, as well as the ability to spread MAP grant funding over four years of education.

"Participating students will receive MAP funding at a baccalaureate level while taking less expensive COD courses," Dowling said. "They can then roll over the additional MAP dollars to help pay for their junior and senior years.

"The fact that College of DuPage was selected to work with the majority of schools in this important pilot program means we're doing something really right," Dowling added. "The four-year institutions that chose to partner with us know they'll receive extremely well-prepared, competent students from our programs for a successful finish in theirs."