STUDENTS & PARENTS

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In today's global economy, there are many pathways to successful careers. Success could require a two-or four-year degree, a diploma or nationally recognized job credential. Through Career & College Promise, qualified high-school-age students in North Carolina have the opportunity to pursue these options, tuition free.

Career & College Promise is North Carolina's commitment to helping every qualified student gain access to an affordable college education. Through a collaborative effort of the NC Department of Public Instruction, the Department of Community Colleges, and the University System as well as participating independent colleges and universities, qualified North Carolina high-school age students can begin their two- or four-year college work, tuition free, while they are in high school allowing them to get a head start on their workplace and college preparation.

Career & College Promise provides three pathways to help advance eligible students' post-high school success:

  • Earn tuition-free course credits toward a four-year degree through North Carolina's community colleges.

  • Earn tuition-free course credits at an NC Community College toward an entry-level job credential, certificate or diploma in a technical career.

  • Begin earning tuition-free college credits as a high-school freshman by attending a Cooperative Innovative High School.

PATHWAYS

College Transfer

Who is eligible?

  • High school juniors and seniors as of January 2012 or later.
  • Students with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 weighted scale.
  • Students who have demonstrated college readiness on an approved assessment or placement test.

What are the benefits?

  • College transfer credits toward 44 hours of college credit that will transfer seamlessly to any public or participating independent college or university (pdf, 7kb) (students must complete all 44-hours to ensure credit is transferrable)
  • Reduced cost for a two- or four-year degree
  • Accelerated completion of a diploma, an associate degree or four-year degree
  • Readiness skills for success at the next educational level

Technical Career

Who is eligible?

  • High school juniors and seniors as of January 2012 and later
  • Students interested in pursuing one of the 16 high school Career and Technical Education career clusters
  • Students with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 weighted scale OR upon principal recommendation
  • Students who have demonstrated college readiness by meeting course prerequisites

What are the benefits?

  • A credential, certificate or diploma in a technical career.
  • A credential that builds skills for an entry-level job.

Cooperative Innovative High School

Who is eligible?

  • High school students in grades 9 to 12 with access to a cooperative innovative high school approved by the State Board of Education.
  • Special emphasis and preference given to first-generation college students
  • Additional eligibility requirements set by local board of education and partner community college or university

What are the benefits?

  • Completing a high-school diploma and up to two years of college credit in five years or less
  • Earning high-school and college-level credits at an accelerated rate
  • Gaining support and preparation for college and university success


List of Cooperative Innovative High School Programs
(xls, 61kb)