Apply Today

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

When was NCWC's Adult Degree Founded?

North Carolina Wesleyan College adult degree programs offered courses back in the mid-1970's on campuses located in Raleigh and Jacksonville, NC. Our Adult Degree Program further developed in the early 1980's and we have established programs in the Triangle, Goldsboro, and Rocky Mount. In 2011 "Adult Degree Programs" was renamed to ASPIRE: Adult Student Programs: Innovative, Respected, Engaging. We currently have about 850 students enrolled in ASPIRE.

What is the mission of the Adult Degree Program?

The mission of North Carolina Wesleyan's Adult Degree Program is to provide an excellent education in selected disciplines for non-traditional students. Many people desire a college education but are unable to attend classes on campus. For those who never attended college or have had to interrupt their education and now wish to begin again, NCWC offers a supportive learning environment, small classes, and a quality educational program.

What is the ASPIRE Accelerated program?

ASPIRE is an accelerated, intellectually demanding degree program with a number of majors and minors. Accelerated classes meet one night a week for four hours over eight weeks, online for 8 weeks or through 5 week blended classes. Students must complete a substantial pre-class assignment before the first class meeting as well as extensive out-of-class reading and/or assignments each week. The model uses theories of adult learning which emphasize the importance of utilizing the knowledge adults bring to the classroom, and of helping students understand the theoretical construct which underlie their practical knowledge.

What major agencies accredit NCWC?

North Carolina Wesleyan College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4501 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            404-679-4501      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for questions about the accreditation of North Carolina Wesleyan College. In addition we are members of:

  • National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church.
  • North Carolina Association of Colleges and Universities, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.
  • North Carolina Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. (Women graduates are eligible for membership in the American Association of University Women.)
  • The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction grants North Carolina teaching certificates to graduates of the North Carolina Wesleyan who have completed the prescribed certification program and who are recommended by the college.
  • The teacher education program is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Admissions Questions:

Who is eligible for ASPIRE?

NCWC ASPIRE admissions is open to all persons who meet the following criteria:

  • Have completed an application to ASPIRE at the appropriate location.
  • At least 22 years of age or have three years of full-time work experience. The Dean of the College and the Vice President of Adult & Professional may waive this requirement.

How do I Apply for Admission?

An individual seeking admission to North Carolina Wesleyan College ASPIRE must submit the following:

  • Completed application form, signed and dated. Click here to apply.
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities.
  • Official copy of high school transcript if transferring fewer than 12 semester hours of credit, or if applying for VA benefits.

Is there an application fee?

No. It does not cost anything to apply or to get an initial assessment at NCWC.

Is there a technology fee?

Yes. There is a one time $75 Technology and Administrative Fee when you register for the first time. This helps to offset the technology used to maintain your email account, computer labs, upgrading technology and may be used to support any number of new initiatives to provide better services to adult students. You may pay for this out of pocket or have it applied to your account for financial aid to cover.

Can I have my transcripts evaluated before I apply?

Yes. As a courtesy we will provide an Unofficial Pre-Application Transcript Evaluation. We will evaluate your transcripts and provide an individualized degree completion worksheet to any prospective student wanting information regarding possible transfer credit before making a decision to attend North Carolina Wesleyan College ASPIRE.

What courses and grades are required for transfer consideration?

The college's transfer policy is designed to award academic credit for previous college-level work a student has completed from regionally accredited collegiate institutions. These institutions include four-year colleges and universities and two-year junior, technical, and community colleges. All advanced standing credit is awarded only in areas offered within the current curriculum of the institution, and is appropriately related to the student's educational program. Any academic course meeting these criteria with a grade of "C"or higher will be considered for transfer credit.  It does not matter how old the credit is.

The maximum credit accepted from two-year institutions and CLEP general examinations is 64 semester hours. The maximum amount of credit that can be awarded towards a degree is 93 semester hours.

Degree Program Questions:

How do I register for classes?

You may register in person, via facsimile, or via e-mail. Currently we don't offer online registration. The registration process is explained when you meet with your advisor for the first time.

Do you offer CLEP and DSST testing?

North Carolina Wesleyan College offers computerized CLEP and DSST standardized exams to both students and non-Wesleyan students at our Triangle Campus.

  • CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
  • DSST (formerly DANTES)
    • More than 30 exams covering specific subject areas are available. DSST tests are two hours in length. These timed tests are multiple choice, and scores are seen that day.
    • http://www.getcollegecredit.com

General test information, order fees, schedule, and order forms follow below and are also available through the Triangle Testing Administrator at TriangleCLEP@ncwc.edu or call 919/465-4784 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            919/465-4784      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Academic Questions:

Please explain the academic calendar.

ASPIRE operates on a 3 semester (fall, spring, and summer I & II) academic calendar. Each semester is broken into 8 week terms which allow students to continuously enroll in courses.

All campuses of ASPIRE offer accelerated 8-week and online classes. Some campuses offer 5-week hybrid classes.

Do ASPIRE students have access to library resources?

Yes. To access more information about what the NCWC Library has to offer, please click here.

Financial Aid & Tuition Questions:

What kind of financial aid is available for adult students?

Please click here for current financial aid information.

What is the tuition?

Tuition is based on a per credit hour rate and can change at the discretion of the Administration and Board of Trustees. For current tuition rates, click here. Tuition rates often change on June 1st of each year. You can also contact the ASPIRE location of interest:

  • Goldsboro: 919-736-2312 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            919-736-2312      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
  • Rocky Mount Evening: 252-985-5128 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            252-985-5128      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
  • Raleigh-Durham: 919-465-4777 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            919-465-4777      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
  • Wilmington: 910-520-6786 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            910-520-6786      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Do you offer adult academic scholarships?

Unfortunately, North Carolina Wesleyan College does not offer ASPIRE scholarships. However, through financial aid students may qualify for pell and needs based grants.  We also assist with VA benefits and memebers of Methodist Churches receive a 20% discount on tuition.

What is the tuition refund policy?

Please refer to tuition refund information below. A student who completes the proper paperwork to drop a course by the following deadlines will receive a refund of tuition already paid and/or will not be liable for outstanding tuition deferred under the Employer Reimbursement Plan (ERP).

**ERP deposits of $50 per course are not refundable.**

  • To get a refund, students MUST drop the course before the first class meeting.

Students dropping after the stated deadline will not receive a refund of tuition already paid and will be liable for full payment of tuition deferred under the Employer Reimbursement Plan.

Face Face Face Face Face Face Face Face