SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College and WGU North Carolina, an affiliate of national online nonprofit Western Governors University, have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding that will ease the transition for CCCC graduates to pursue bachelor's degrees offered by WGU, provide tuition discounts, and provide access to scholarship funds.

The MOU establishes the principles that all articulated associate degrees at CCCC will transfer to WGU, thus facilitating a seamless process for graduates who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree. It is expected that CCCC graduates will not need to repeat any coursework toward a bachelor's degree through WGU.

In addition, CCCC graduates, faculty and staff will receive a 5 percent discount on WGU's tuition of around $3,225 per six-month term for most undergraduate programs. They will also be eligible to apply for scholarships through the WGU Community College Partnerships Scholarship program, which provides each recipient with tuition credit of $2,000, awarded over four terms at $500 each term.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman said of the agreement: "Dr. Dallas Herring, who is known as the 'Father of North Carolina's Community College System,' established the principal of 'taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.' We embrace that philosophy at CCCC and this partnership with WGU NC supports additional opportunities for our graduates to go as far as they can. We are pleased to join WGU NC in continuing to serve our community and our students in providing more affordable, seamless baccalaureate pathways."

"Studies show that North Carolina's job growth will outstrip our population growth by the year 2024," said WGU North Carolina Chancellor Catherine Truitt. "We are very excited to be partnering with Central Carolina Community College to provide an affordable and accessible means for their graduates to further their education and help fill those critical job openings in our state."

WGU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the high-demand fields of business, information technology, education and healthcare, including nursing. WGU maintains credit transfer policies in association with community colleges across the United States. WGU North Carolina officially launched in October 2017 through a partnership between the state and nationally recognized Western Governors University. Nearly 3,000 North Carolina residents are currently enrolled at WGU.

Central Carolina Community College offers a wide variety of programs at its three campus locations and multiple instructional locations throughout Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties. Within these programs, students can earn associate degrees or college transfer credits, diplomas, or certificates. Some programs are offered entirely, or in part, via online distance education. In addition, CCCC offers courses in such areas as Short-term Job Training, College & Career Readiness, Personal Interests, Business & Industry, and Emergency Services Training. CCCC is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

To learn more about WGU North Carolina, visit www.wgu.edu/north-carolina.

To learn more about Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.