The North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (NCCCS) is a statewide agreement between all 58 community colleges and all 16 public universities in North Carolina. The agreement facilitates the transfer of credits between community colleges and public universities, making higher education more accessible and cost-effective for North Carolina students.
The NCCCS was created in 1995 and has since been updated to better serve students. The agreement essentially guarantees that a student who completes an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree program at a community college in North Carolina will be able to transfer all of their credits to a public university in North Carolina and be recognized as having completed the general education requirements for that university.
The NCCCS provides a clear pathway for students to make the transition from community college to university. Students who participate in this agreement can save time and money by completing their first two years of college at a community college, where tuition is generally lower, and then transfer to a university without losing any credits. This means that students can avoid having to repeat courses they’ve already taken, which can save them thousands of dollars in tuition fees.
This agreement is especially beneficial for students who are unsure about their career path or who need to complete prerequisite courses before applying to professional programs. By starting at a community college, students can explore different fields of study and take courses that meet the general education requirements for all North Carolina public universities. This can help them make more informed decisions about their major and career path.
The NCCCS also ensures that students receive the same quality education regardless of where they begin their college journey. The general education courses required by the agreement are designed to be transferable and equivalent across all community colleges and public universities in North Carolina. This means that students who start at a community college will receive the same level of instruction as students who begin at a university.
Overall, the NCCCS is a great way for North Carolina students to save time and money while pursuing higher education. By providing a clear pathway for credit transfer between community colleges and public universities, the agreement makes it easier for students to achieve their academic and professional goals. If you’re a North Carolina student considering higher education, be sure to explore the NCCCS and take advantage of this valuable opportunity.