Rocky Mount, N.C.—A new partnership just completed between North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount and Nash and Edgecombe community colleges makes transferring to a bachelor’s degree program at Wesleyan a seamless process. Even better, the partnership makes the cost of attending Wesleyan competitive with the cost of enrolling at one of North Carolina’s state-supported universities.

Educators at Wesleyan, Nash Community College, and Edgecombe Community College agreed recently on details of a plan called the “2+Wesleyan Program.” The program allows residents of North Carolina who have completed their two-year associates degrees at Nash Community College or Edgecombe Community College to transfer smoothly into the bachelor’s degree programs at North Carolina Wesleyan College—with costs comparable to or below those at North Carolina state universities.

Gary L. Sherman, Wesleyan’s Vice President of Enrollment Management, said,

“The 2+ Wesleyan Program makes Wesleyan a great option for those who may think they have to attend a state university simply because of price. This program really levels the playing field regarding the price tag. Also, federal aid programs can further assist in making bachelor’s degrees affordable.”

Another feature of the 2+ Wesleyan Program for traditional students is that high academic achieving students receive even greater financial assistance toward completing their degrees, Sherman said.

“The program will greatly benefit transfer students who prefer to live at home while attending college, as well as those who are unable to commute the long distance to attend a state university,” Sherman explained. “An advantage to these students is that Wesleyan offers personal-sized classes and a genuine classroom experience with highly qualified faculty for those students who would rather not take courses online.”

Students may enroll in the 2+ Wesleyan Program full- or part-time and may take traditional day classes or Adult Degree Program courses, which are taught in the evening.

Beginning in January, Nash and Edgecombe community college students can also enjoy the convenience of taking Wesleyan classes on the community college campuses. Applications and registration for those classes are currently being accepted.

Dr. Bill Carver, President of Nash Community College, said, “This partnership will provide increased opportunities for graduates from our two-year degree programs to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Many of our graduates will remain in our local community’s business and industry thus creating an educated workforce and meeting local needs. This initiative supports that.”

Dr. Kristi Snuggs, Vice President of Instruction at Edgecombe Community College, agrees. “The 2+Wesleyan Program is an excellent example of how community colleges and four-year institutions can partner to benefit students,” she said. “The program gives our students direct access to a bachelor’s degree, which many of them may hesitate to consider because of cost or because they can’t easily travel due to their work or family obligations. This is a great option for our students who want to continue to advance their career and educational goals beyond the two-year degree.”

Sherman said that Wesleyan stands ready to serve the region as the college of choice for transfer students. “Our focus is on moving Eastern North Carolina forward by first helping qualified students achieve their dreams of completing a bachelor’s degree.”

For information on the 2+Wesleyan Program, call North Carolina Wesleyan College at 1-800-488-6292.