Upper Iowa University and Rock Valley College announce tuition grant agreement

FAYETTE, IA (12/15/2017) Upper Iowa University (UIU) and Rock Valley College (RVC) jointly announced today a new tuition grant for RVC graduates. All RVC graduates automatically qualify for a grant that will offset a portion of the cost of tuition when attending UIU.

UIU, a private, nonprofit university founded in 1857, has a long affiliation with community colleges. Over their 160-year history, UIU has grown from a main campus in Fayette, Iowa, to a network of 25 education centers throughout the United States, including its UIU-Rockford location. Over the years, these centers have developed close relationships with many local community colleges. This tuition grant further cements the longstanding relationship between UIU and RVC and benefits students at both institutions.

"Through this UIU tuition grant, it is even more affordable for graduates to transfer the excellent education they received through Rock Valley College toward the exceptional education available at Upper Iowa University," UIU Regional Director Peg Baxter said. "With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and highly supportive faculty, the UIU experience helps students become even more confident in their abilities and inspires them to reach their full potential."

While both institutions serve recent high school graduates, RVC and UIU both excel in providing convenient, high-quality education to adult students who are looking to advance their current career or start a new one. Each makes it easier for an adult student to manage their education together with work, family and other responsibilities.

UIU is also a long-time innovator in online and independent study. U.S. News & World Report recognized these achievements each of the last five years by naming UIU one of its top universities for online undergraduate programs. Students can attend from anywhere with access to the internet.

With more than 100 courses available for transfer, Rock Valley College offers its 7,700 credit students over 30 degrees programs in 60 course areas. Small class sizes are taught by nationally recognized instructors that are engaged in making students and their education a top priority. The education students receive at RVC fully prepares them for careers or to transfer to a four-year institution.

The transition to UIU is easy for college transfers. Students have more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from, and UIU accepts up to 78 credits from two-year colleges. College graduates who are used to small class sizes and helpful faculty and staff will have a similar experience at UIU. Each UIU academic year consists of five 8-week sessions and one accelerated 6-week summer session, so UIU students typically take one or two classes at a time. This convenience and flexibility make UIU programs particularly popular among working adults and military personnel; UIU's education programs are regularly honored by Military Times and other publications.

To learn more about this tuition grant opportunity, visit uiu.edu/campaigns/rockvalley/index.html or call the UIU-Rockford Center at 815.332.1414.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus, 25 U.S. education locations, as well as locations in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit uiu.edu.

About Rock Valley College Rock Valley College is a comprehensive two-year community college in Rockford, Illinois, offering more than 100 courses for transfer, career programs, and certificates to 7,700 credit students. Rock Valley College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Rock Valley College is also recognized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and by the Illinois Community College Board. For more information, visit rockvalleycollege.edu.