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Aprille Bailey

Aprille Bailey


828-652-0629

Back to Main MenuUniversity & College AgreementsApply to GraduateAcademic Degree ProgramsCalendar and Dates to Remember
Aprille Bailey

Aprille Bailey

Director of Student Services & Registrar
828-652-0629

University & College Agreements

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University

McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) has partnered with Appalachian State University through the Aspire Appalachian program to streamline student transfers. This program guarantees admission to Appalachian State for MTCC students who complete an eligible associate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.25. Participants receive access to academic advising from Appalachian State, dedicated guidance from an MTCC advisor, financial aid planning, and priority consideration for the $1,000 Appalachian Excellence Scholarship.

Find out more by visiting Appalachian State University

Lenoir-Rhyne University - Bear Bound

Lenoir-Rhyne University - Bear Bound

The Bear Bound program between McDowell Technical Community College and Lenoir-Rhyne University offers students a seamless and affordable path to a four-year degree through LR’s Co-Admission program. This allows students to engage with Lenoir-Rhyne early while earning their associate degree and guarantees direct admission upon completion. General education core requirements completed at MTCC transfer fully to Lenoir-Rhyne, eliminating the need to repeat coursework and ensuring a smooth academic transition.

Students with a minimum 3.5 GPA qualify for at least 50 percent off tuition before other merit or need-based aid is applied, significantly reducing costs. LR also works with MTCC to create clear and expedited pathways into competitive professional programs such as nursing, education, computer science, exercise science, and business, allowing students who meet admissions requirements to move directly into these programs. Additionally, LR offers on-campus housing for local community college students, with 10 to 12 students housed each semester, helping create a stronger sense of belonging and connection to the university community.

Find out more by visiting Lenoir-Rhyne University - Bear Bound

Mars Hill University

Mars Hill University

McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) and Mars Hill University (MHU) have partnered to create the Mountain Lion-McDowell Promise (MLMP), a Direct-Entry Admissions Program for MTCC graduates. This program guarantees admission to MHU for students who complete an Associate’s degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA and enroll within one academic year. Participation is free, and students can opt in by completing a brief online form while enrolled at MTCC.

MLMP participants receive early access to admission, financial aid, registration, and orientation resources to support a smooth transfer. Both institutions provide academic advising, transfer support, and connections to faculty and staff to assist students. A Reverse Transfer Process allows students who transfer early to complete their MTCC degree using coursework from MHU.

Find out more by visiting Mars Hill University

NC State University

NC State University

Wolfpack Connect is a guaranteed-admissions transfer program between North Carolina State University (NC State) and all 58 North Carolina community colleges. Through this partnership, students who complete an associate degree at McDowell Technical Community College, meet grade-point-average and credit requirements, and apply on time are guaranteed admission to NC State for more than 100 eligible majors and concentrations. The program provides early advising and coordinated academic planning to help students stay on track for a smooth transfer, while also offering significant cost savings by allowing students to begin their studies locally before transferring to a four-year university.

To qualify, students must be enrolled at MTCC with fewer than 30 transferable college credits when they begin the program, complete an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree aligned with NC State’s transfer guide for their intended major, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and meet all NC State transfer application requirements and deadlines. Students interested in Wolfpack Connect are encouraged to meet with an MTCC transfer advisor early in their program to ensure their coursework aligns with NC State’s eligible majors and to stay connected throughout the process.

Find out more by visiting NC State University

North Carolina Wesleyan College

North Carolina Wesleyan College

McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) is proud to partner with North Carolina Wesleyan College (NCWC) to enhance educational opportunities for its graduates. This agreement offers MTCC Associate in Arts, Science, Fine Arts, and Applied Science graduates guaranteed admission to NCWC through the Wesleyan Works program. Students will benefit from pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit, waived application fees, and clear pathways for transferring coursework.

Graduates can pursue NCWC’s traditional programs or Adult and Professional Studies, with additional opportunities for academic advising and financial aid counseling. This partnership exemplifies both institutions’ commitment to supporting student success and creating seamless transitions for MTCC graduates pursuing bachelor’s degrees.

Find out more by visiting North Carolina Wesleyan College

UNC - Asheville

UNC - Asheville

McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) and the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA) have established a partnership to enhance student transfer opportunities through the Direct-Entry Admission Program. Aligned with the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA), this program provides a seamless transition for MTCC graduates to UNCA. Eligible students must enroll at UNCA within one academic year of completing their Associate’s degree.

While enrolled at MTCC, students interested in the program should indicate their intent by completing a brief online form, which is available through a UNCA Admissions Counselor. There is no cost to participate in the program. Participants will have access to valuable resources, including information about academic programs, faculty, and staff at UNCA, all of whom are committed to facilitating a smooth transition. Additionally, the program prioritizes early access to admission, financial aid, registration, and orientation communications, ensuring that MTCC students are well-prepared for success at both institutions.

Find out more by visiting UNC - Asheville

UNC - Wilmington

UNC - Wilmington

McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) and the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) have partnered to streamline student transfers through the PathWays program. This initiative guarantees admission to UNCW for MTCC students who complete an eligible associate degree (AA, AS, AE, AATP, ASTP, or AFA) and meet UNCW admissions requirements. Students must have at least 24 transferable credit hours, and additional criteria may apply for certain programs. High school students are not eligible, except Cooperative Innovative High School graduates applying as community college transfers.

Participants receive benefits such as personalized transfer coaching, waived application fees, priority scholarship consideration, and tailored support to facilitate a smooth transition.

Find out more by visiting UNC - Wilmington

Western Governors University

Western Governors University

McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) has partnered with Western Governors University (WGU) to create a smooth transfer process for MTCC graduates into WGU’s online bachelor’s degree programs.

Through this agreement, students can transfer up to 64 credit hours from MTCC’s associate degree programs including Accounting, Business Administration, Cybersecurity, Elementary Education, Teacher Preparation, Information Technology, Emergency Medical Science, Nursing, and Health Information Technology into a variety of WGU programs. MTCC graduates may also apply for the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship, which provides up to $2,500 to support their continued education.

Find out more by visiting Western Governors University