Alumni, Career and College Promise, Press Releases

Student Saves Thousands by Enrolling in College During High School

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Sarah Donnelly of Rocky Mount enrolled in Nash Community College’s Career and College Promise program during her junior and senior years at Northern Nash High School. She graduated last spring with a high school diploma and 28 college credits including a certificate in Criminal Justice.

Donnelly has been accepted at East Carolina University. All of her Nash Community College credits will transfer with her to the university in the fall. “Career and College Promise saved me about a year, and approximately $17,000 in university tuition,” she said.

Donnelly is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and aspires to be a lawyer. “I have already met quite a few of the upperclassmen at ECU and I am very excited to be living on campus,” she said.

The Career and College Promise program allows eligible students to enroll in college classes during high school and earn college credits with tuition waived. Upon graduation or completion of a certificate or pathway, students may continue working toward an associate degree, or transfer into a university.

The Career and College Promise program is a great way for motivated high school juniors and seniors to get a head start on college and career training. Whether students are planning to transfer to a university or prepare for a technical career after high school, the Career and College Promise program offers pathways for them to meet their college goals.

Dual enrolled students may choose from four options: an Associate in Arts Pathway, Associate in Science Pathway, Associate in Engineering Pathway or from Career and Technical Education Pathways. Full-time NCC students save on average $6,000 in tuition and fees per semester compared to students enrolled at four-year colleges and universities.

“My mom, Melanie Thompson, was such a strong supporter throughout my high school years and in my decision to participate in the Nash Community College Career and College Promise program,” Donnelly said. “If you have the chance to be a part of the program; take it. It is really an opportunity to not only get ahead, but to meet amazing new people. I am glad I chose Nash because I got a feel for what college life is like before heading to ECU.”

This year, 845 students earned 1,167 degrees, diplomas and certificates. Recent data show more than 82 percent of NCC transfer students performed at or above a 2.0 grade point average in their first year at a university.

Students interested in Career and College Promise at NCC should meet with their high school counselor or home school principal to discuss options and eligibility. They may choose one College Transfer pathway, one or two Career and Technical Education pathways, or a combination of one College Transfer and one Career and Technical Education pathway.

For more information, visit www.nashcc.edu/ccp call 252-451-8244. “My experience with Nash is one that will never be matched by another,” Donnelly said.