SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) and Fayetteville State University (FSU) have signed an agreement that permits CCCC Associate Degree graduates to complete an online Bachelor's Degree at FSU at a total cost of no more than $10,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, or approximately $5,000 at CCCC and $5,000 at FSU. Students eligible for federal and state grants will likely pay less than $10,000 out of pocket.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman and FSU Interim Chancellor Dr. Peggy Valentine signed the agreement.

"We are always interested in engaging with partners that support educational opportunities for quality career pathways," said Dr. Chapman. "Many Central Carolina Community College graduates continue their education at Fayetteville State and improved affordability is critical to their success. This is exciting for our communities as well as our graduates."

"We are excited to enter into this partnership with Central Carolina Community College," said Dr. Valentine. "This agreement demonstrates both institutions' commitment to make the cost of a college education attainable and affordable. The FSU family looks forward to serving and working with those students who seek a degree from our institution."

The $10K Pathway Plan opens the door to affordable Bachelor's degrees to CCCC graduates in these programs at FSU: Accounting, Birth through Kindergarten (non-teaching), Business Administration (General), Criminal Justice, Fire and Emergency Services Administration, Intelligence Studies, Nursing, Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology, and Sociology.

About Central Carolina Community College

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 and career readiness, personal interests, business and industry, and emergency services training. CCCC was recently ranked first in Niche's 2020 best community colleges in North Carolina rankings. To learn more about Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.

About Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina and the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state, having been founded in 1867. FSU offers degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. With more than 6,500 students, Fayetteville State University is among the most diverse institutions in the nation. Interim Chancellor Peggy Valentine is the 12th chief executive officer. To learn more about Fayetteville State University, visit www.uncfsu.edu.