State officials announced on Tuesday, Aug. 19, the launch of One Click College Admit – a statewide direct admissions program for Illinois public universities and community colleges.
Through One Click College Admit, high school seniors and community college transfer students in Illinois will receive college acceptances into the state’s public universities by meeting only one criterion for admission: grade point average (GPA). This new program waives applications, application fees, essays and letters of recommendation for students.
High school seniors can begin getting automatic acceptances to Illinois public colleges and universities through One Click College Admit now for enrollment in the fall of 2026 simply by creating a Common App account and entering basic biographical information and their GPA.
“We know from the latest research that a college degree remains one of the most reliable paths to higher income and economic mobility for students from all backgrounds,” said State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders. “One Click College Admit is removing barriers and making the path to higher education as simple as possible, so more Illinois students can access the opportunities and earning potential that come with a degree.”
Beginning with the high school class of 2027, students can opt in to the program during their junior year of high school through an online form, ensuring they are eligible to receive direct admission offers during the fall of their senior year. By opting in to the program, parental consent is given for the student’s GPA to be shared with ISAC to match with the GPA admission requirements at partner public universities, which will give the student direct admission offers.
While community colleges operate under an open enrollment model and do not hold GPA requirements for admission, One Click College Admit will make sure high school seniors know that enrolling at their local community college is an option to continue their higher education journey.
Beginning in January 2026, One Click College Admit will also serve community college students. To participate in the program, community college students wishing to receive a direct admission offer to an Illinois public university must complete an online opt-in form. By opting in to the program, consent is given for the student’s GPA and required 30 transferable credit hours to be shared with ISAC to match with the admission requirements at partner public universities to identify the direct admission offers.
One Click College Admit is a direct admissions program to participating Illinois public institutions. It is not a financial aid program or free tuition program. Students in Illinois must still complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year to determine their eligibility for financial aid. Students can learn more about how to access financial aid for college and how to apply here.
Visit the One Click College Admit website for detailed directions on how to participate in the program.
