Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

SALISBURY — Registration for summer and fall classes at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is now underway.

“Summer semester is a great time for students to get ahead on their degrees and finish their program of studies sooner or take advantage of the beneficial internship opportunities available through the college’s work-based learning program,” said Michael Quillen, vice president of academic programs.

The college offers a selection of courses and internships and a wide range of online courses that are often more convenient for students, allowing them to enroll and take courses from anywhere. Students who are planning to graduate from high school this spring can get a jump-start on college, whether they are attending Rowan-Cabarrus or another higher education institution.

“Summer classes are a great way to earn credit and pursue networking and interning opportunities for students,” said Quillen. “While these classes tend to be more intense than traditional semester long courses due to the shortened time frame, it allows students to be more focused rather than trying to balance a full load of classes.”

Even college students enrolled in a four-year institution can take advantage of resources at the college during the summer semester. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College credits are transferrable to nearly every four-year college or university in North Carolina. While the previous transfer process could be difficult and frustrating, students can now transfer seamlessly thanks to a newly revised statewide transfer agreement.

“Did you know that many of our students receive a high-quality education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and then transfer to a state university in North Carolina as a junior? The cost savings in tuition, fees, textbooks, and room and board is significant,” said college President Carol S. Spalding.

About half of all Rowan-Cabarrus students intend to transfer to a four-year college or university. Top state institutions, like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Appalachian State University and UNC Charlotte, accept hundreds of Rowan-Cabarrus transfer students each year.

“There was never a doubt that I would end up at a four-year university or college, but I didn’t feel the need to pay more for my degree than necessary,” said Liana Walker, 2017-18 Student Government Association president. “It just made sense for me to begin my journey at Rowan-Cabarrus. It was an opportunity to save both time and money while giving myself the best chance to succeed. The average four-year student graduates with $35,000 to 40,000 in debt, but I will graduate debt-free.”

Long gone are the days where the only path to a four-year degree was to go directly to a university. In fact, nearly half of all students graduating with a four-year degree in the 2015-16 school year had some experience at a two-year institution.

Summer courses are available in either four- or eight-week sessions beginning May 21 and again June 19.

Anyone interested in taking classes should start the application and registration process now. Credits cost $76 per hour for in-state residents, meaning that the cost of the tuition for one semester is a little over $1,200.

For new students, financial aid through the federal government takes time to process, so prospective students should act as soon as possible if they are planning to apply.

Students may apply online at www.rccc.edu/apply or stop by the North or South Campus Navigation Station for in-person assistance with registration.

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu/apply or call 704-216-7222.