Worried about how you'll afford the high cost of college tuition for your kids?  An innovative new program in Murphy, North Carolina funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation allows students to graduate high school with 2 FULL YEARS of college credit under their belt, at no cost to you.

 With over 70 schools participating, North Carolina is the national leader in the Learn and Earn Early College program.  This innovative program allows students to go directly from 8th grade to a community college campus, where they take both high school and college classes at the same time.  On Tuesday, a student will be in Freshman English class and on Wednesday he or she may be sitting next to a 30 year old, getting college credit for a computer class.

Students graduate in 4 years with either an associate degree from the community college or 2 years of college credit, transferrable to any 4 year college or university in the state.  There is no additional cost to parents for the college credits. North Carolina's program even offers special low-cost tuition rates to students who choose to go on for a 4 year degree after high school graduation.

 The program is currently offered at 200 schools in 24 states, including New York, Texas and California.  It was conceived for kids who might not otherwise get a chance at a college education, including students from low-income areas, first-generation college students, and students for whom English is a second language.

 Tri-County Community College here in Murphy is one of the North Carolina locations offering the program.  Enrollment here isn't limited to low-income or non-English speaking students.  The main criteria is whether the student is bright enough to keep up with the increased work load of the classes and has the maturity to handle the environment of a community college campus.  Students apply for admission, are interviewed, and then notified if they are chosen for the program.

 One unexpected bonus?  Educators have found that the dropout rate among the early college students is significantly lower than the state-wide average. Check out the national Learn and Earn Early College website to see if the program is offered in your area.    

 

Looking for your dream getaway in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina? Visit the Country Homes & Land website to see all the latest listings.

Enjoy a preview of our scenic mountains by viewing this youtube video "Murphy Mountain Nights."

Want to find out more about Murphy, North Carolina?  Subscribe to my blog

 

 
This post has been included in North Carolina Real Estate News Cherokee County, NC Real Estate News
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4 Comments on Graduate High School with 2 Years of College Credit - FREE- in Murphy, North Carolina

OCT
11
2009
1,190,703 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hey Kate, this sounds like a great program.  Isn't it nice of the Gates' to participate?  We were just in beautiful South Carolina, are sure North Carolina is just as beautiful.  Happy Columbus Day!

10:21am • #1
145,576 Points 5 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It is a great program.  I'm planning to enroll my daughter next year.  I saw your pictures from Myrtle Beach - North Carolina is beautiful too - and a whole lot warmer than where you're from!

8:07pm • #2
OCT
12
2009
1,914,618 Points 386 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kate, what a great program!  I hadn't heard about it before this. 

11:16am • #3
MAR
21
2011

his is something different, I'm going to campaing this one to my family and friends. I also know that our community colleges in north carolina surely will appreciate this.  

Susie N. Patterson
10:26pm • #4


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Kate Wheeler CCIM Murphy NC Real Estate for Sale

Murphy, NC

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Country Homes and Land Murphy NC Realtor

Address: 980 Hwy 64 West, Murphy, NC, 28906

Office Phone: (828) 837-9989

Cell Phone: (828) 361-1142

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