WILKESBORO, N.C. – Wilkes Community College and WGU North Carolina, an affiliate of national online nonprofit Western Governors University, have entered into a partnership that will facilitate an online bachelor’s degree completion program for WCC students.
WCC President, Dr. Jeff Cox stated, “Wilkes Community College is proud to be expanding this partnership with Western Governors University. We are always looking for ways to expand opportunities and options for our students!”
“As broadband internet reaches more areas of our state, North Carolinians are realizing they have access to accredited, nonprofit online degree programs that will position them for a successful career,” says WGU North Carolina Chancellor Catherine Truitt. “We are very excited to be partnering with Wilkes Community College to provide an affordable and accessible means for their graduates to further their education and help fill critical job openings in our state.”
The agreement establishes the principles that all articulated associate degrees at WCC will transfer to WGU. Articulated program areas include business, accounting, education, information technology, and nursing. In addition, WCC graduates, faculty, and staff will receive a 5 percent tuition discount and are eligible to apply for scholarships offered through the WGU Community College Partnership Scholarship. Scholarships are valued at up to $2,000, which provides recipients a $500 tuition credit each term, renewable for up to four terms. WGU’s tuition is around $3,225 per six-month term for most degree programs.
Participating graduates will maximize as much of their community college coursework and credits as outlined by the transfer articulation pathways and have a seamless transfer to complete their bachelor’s degree online.
WCC Dean of Advising, Cinnamon Martin states, “More and more students need totally online options, and this is an excellent degree completion opportunity for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) students, as well as for our traditional transfer students.” Blair Hancock, Vice President of Instruction, agrees, adding “the WGU partnership will give WCC graduates in the articulated program areas more choice with greater affordability than they have had in the past.”
Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC continues to build on a strong history of meeting the educational needs and cultural interests of our students, community, and workforce. WCC prepares learners for success in a dynamic world.
