Triton College Launches Associate in Engineering Science Degree
New Partnership with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger College of Engineering Begins Fall 2025
RIVER GROVE, Ill. – Triton College is excited to announce a new partnership with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I) that paves the way for students to earn an Associate in Engineering Science (AES) degree at Triton with easy transfer into U of I’s Grainger College of Engineering. Triton’s AES program will begin this fall.
“This program is an affordable option for students aiming to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering,” said Dr. Jeanette Bartley, Dean of Triton College’s Arts and Sciences. “The AES curriculum is designed to provide the foundational knowledge students need to succeed in an engineering degree program.”
In addition to the easy transfer process to U of I, courses in Triton’s AES program align with the requirements at other four-year universities across Illinois. One of the program’s most significant benefits is the cost savings—students can save about $32,000 in their first two years by starting at Triton. Additionally, through the Department of Energy’s FORGE (Fostering Opportunities in Research and Growth Through Engineering) grant, five AES students will receive full scholarships and a paid internship at Fermilab in the summer between their first and second years of study and during the second year of study.
Triton College offers a range of support services to ensure student success, including academic advising, mentoring, counseling and wellness services. The AES program will follow a cohort model, allowing students to progress together. They will also receive support from a Triton advisor in addition to a dedicated advisor from the U of I Engineering Pathways Program throughout their time at Triton, said Dr. Bartley.
“This is a rigorous program, so students must be up for the challenge,” she said.
While at Triton, students can explore a range of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil, aerospace and computer science.
“With many majors to explore, students will gain exposure to a wide range of engineering career paths,” said Dr. Bartley.
“Community colleges provide the foundation for academic success and, while many have transfer agreements with four-year institutions, Triton’s AES program is unique because we have the FORGE grant and a partnership with the Fermi Lab,” she said. “We’re always committed to bringing the best programs for our students.”
The AES program requires 61-68 credit hours and is open to May 2025 high school graduates and Triton students majoring in engineering. If students are also interested in applying to the FORGE grant, they must be a May 2025 high school graduate with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA.
High school students are strongly encouraged to take an additional math course beyond the standard three-units requirement, as Calculus 1 is required in the first semester at Triton.
Applications for the Grainger College of Engineering Pathways Program is open. For more information, please contact engineeringpathways@triton.edu or admissions@triton.edu. Visit triton.edu/ergpath to learn more.
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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3692
Maryann Dibari | maryanndibari@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3202
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu.