Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and Northern Kentucky University enter transfer agreement
A new partnership between Cincinnati State and NKU will make the transfer process easier through dual admission, tuition rates, and credit transfers. The agreement hopes to encourage more students to continue their education after earning an associate degree.
CState2NKU is a partnership between Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and Northern Kentucky University which employs multiple strategies to encourage students to earn a four-year degree after an associate degree. Students transferring to NKU from Cincinnati State will not have to pay out-of-state tuition and they can take up to four classes at NKU while working on their associate degree. Additionally, the two schools have designed almost 50 degree pathways for students to maximize the credits able to carry from Cincinnati State to NKU. Local business leaders expressed support for the partnership as well, citing the growing need for a highly skilled workforce.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College President Monica Posey explained in a news release how the partnership will benefit students. "One of our top priorities is to make college work better for students by creating clear, affordable pathways that help students reach their goals. This new agreement with NKU does exactly that and creates a wonderful option for local students," Posey said.
NKU President Ashish Vaidya praised the CState2NKU partnership and the strategies put in place to improve access to higher education. Vaidya said, "The community college transfer pathway to a four-year state university is the most affordable route to earning a bachelor's degree. Cincinnati State's learners bring a rich diversity to the talent pipeline in our region, and NKU's focus on equity, inclusion, and upward mobility for all learners makes this partnership a perfect match."
The partnership also received praise from local business leaders. Vice President of Workforce at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Leisa Spears Mulcahy offered a perspective from the business community, "We believe this new partnership is a shining example of regional collaboration. With the economic growth the region is experiencing, the top employers in our high-demand industry sectors consistently tell us they need more talent." Mulcahy added, "Offering a seamless process for students to grow their skills and credentials is a great victory for our region."
The transfer agreement outlines support systems for students as well, including academic and transfer advising, coordinated between both schools, and career counseling to help ensure success upon graduation.