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Marketing & Communications Dept.
As enrollment for the fall semester at Blue Ridge Community College continues, the College has now released details for accelerated 8-week Short Courses that begin August 18 and October 13. Through Short Courses, students earn full credit in half the time. Information is available at www.blueridge.edu/short-courses, and new students can request information or apply online at www.blueridge.edu/admissions.
Traditional 16-week classes for the fall semester begin on August 18.
“Our Short Courses are designed with flexibility and momentum in mind,” said Benjamin Rickert, Blue Ridge’s director of marketing and communications. “Students can complete full-credit courses in half the time, making it easier to stay on track, get ahead, or quickly gain valuable workforce skills. It’s one more way Blue Ridge is helping students reach their goals on their own schedule.”
Providing high-quality, accessible education to Western North Carolina since 1969, Blue Ridge offers over 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates in 30 areas of study. These include workforce training, paid apprenticeships, dual-enrollment options for high school students, and transfer degrees for students bound for four-year institutions.
Key Fall Enrollment Dates
- Priority registration period: Now through August 7, 2025.
- Fall semester courses begin August 18.
- First session of 8-week Short Courses begin August 18. Enroll by August 15.
- Late Start courses begin August 27. Enroll by August 26.
- Second session of 8-week Short Courses begin October 13. Enroll by October 10.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Financial aid is available for the upcoming fall semester at Blue Ridge Community College, including the Next NC Scholarship, which may fully cover tuition and fees for many North Carolina community college students. To be considered, students must apply to Blue Ridge at www.blueridge.edu/admissions and complete the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by August 1, 2025.
Blue Ridge also offers a variety of scholarships through its Educational Foundation. The first step to be considered for these scholarships is to complete the FAFSA. Students can explore available scholarships at www.blueridge.edu/scholarships.
New and Innovative Programs at Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Community College regularly launches new programs and courses that align with both regional workforce demands and student interests. Each program undergoes a thorough feasibility study by the College and is approved by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. This careful process ensures graduates are prepared for in-demand careers with strong long-term employment prospects.
The most recent program additions include Artificial Intelligence, Civil Engineering Technology, Elementary Education Residency, Environmental Engineering Technology, Entrepreneurship, Medical Office Administration, Practical Nursing, and Respiratory Therapy.
Also new this year is Level Up: Core Construction, a tuition-free accelerated construction academy designed to help students quickly gain skills to enter the local construction industry following Hurricane Helene. Upcoming Level Up sessions begin on July 14 and July 16.
Other popular programs added in recent years include Surgical Technology, Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology, and numerous paid apprenticeships. Blue Ridge also offers more than 50 fully-online programs, as well as Preschool and Infant/Toddler Care certificates in English or Spanish.
View all programs available at www.blueridge.edu/programs.
Getting Started
New students can start their journey at Blue Ridge Community College by applying online at www.blueridge.edu/admissions. For personalized support, admissions staff are available at 828-694-1800 or via email at admissions@blueridge.edu to assist with choosing a program and completing financial aid applications. Returning students are encouraged to reach out to their academic advisors or the Student Services team to register for upcoming semesters or accelerated Short Courses.