Students can plan their next step with flexible, affordable options for the new year.
Marketing & Communications Dept.
This fall, Blue Ridge Community College opened enrollment for the Spring 2027 semester, giving students the opportunity to plan their schedules and prepare for classes beginning January 11. The College also announced upcoming 4-week Winter Break Short Courses, planned to begin in late 2026.
At Blue Ridge, students can choose from a wide range of degree, diploma, and certificate programs, with options available at the College’s Henderson and Transylvania County campuses and online. Many programs offer short-term training options that help students quickly gain skills to advance in their current careers or pursue new professions. For students planning to later attend a four-year university, most two-year degree programs also provide transfer pathways that can save students time and money while working toward a bachelor’s degree.
“Every student has a unique path forward, and Blue Ridge is committed to helping them reach their goals,” said Kirsten Bunch, vice president for Student Services at Blue Ridge. “From starting a college journey to completing a credential or preparing for a new career, we offer affordable programs and support to help students take their next step with confidence.”
Numerous education pathways are available in fields such as healthcare, engineering, horticulture, business, information technology, skilled trades, public safety, advanced manufacturing, education, film and video production, cosmetology, and more.
Important Spring 2027 Dates
Priority Spring Semester Registration: October 13–December 11, 2026
Final late registration opportunity: January 7, 2027, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
First day of classes: January 11, 2027
Current students should contact their academic advisors to register for spring classes. New students can visit www.blueridge.edu/admissions to learn more about the enrollment process. Explore all available degree, diploma, and certificate programs at www.blueridge.edu/programs.
Accelerate your progress with Short Courses
Blue Ridge’s accelerated Short Courses offer students added flexibility through abbreviated classroom experiences, with opportunities to earn college credit in less time. Available in a variety of formats, these courses can help students make progress toward their educational goals while balancing other commitments.
The second session of Fall 2026 Short Courses begins the week of October 12.
This year, the College will also offer four-week Winter Break Short Courses, providing another way for students to earn credits and move closer to completing a credential or program. These courses will be posted to the Short Courses webpage on October 19, and Spring 2027 Short Courses will be posted on December 2.
All available Short Courses, including session dates and registration information, can be found at www.blueridge.edu/short-courses.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid is available for the spring semester, including the Next NC Scholarship, which may fully cover tuition and fees for many North Carolina community college students. To be considered, apply at www.blueridge.edu/admissions, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Upcoming FAFSA Deadlines by Semester:
- Spring 2027: December 21, 2026
- Summer 2027 April 30, 2027
- Fall 2027: August 2, 2027
- Spring 28: December 17, 2027
- Summer 28: April 28, 2028
More than 200 local scholarships are also available through Blue Ridge’s Educational Foundation. Completing the FAFSA is the first step to explore and apply for these opportunities at www.blueridge.edu/scholarships.
Level Up Your Future with Free Construction Training
Blue Ridge Community College’s Level Up: Core Construction program offers accelerated, no-cost training for individuals interested in launching a career in the construction industry. Participants develop foundational skills in job-site safety, blueprint reading, hand and power tool operation, and professional communication while earning the nationally recognized NCCER Core Credential, OSHA 10 Construction safety training, First Aid certification, and forklift training. The program also includes a free professional toolkit valued at more than $500.
Two new sessions begin January 12, 2027, with daytime and evening scheduling options to help participants fit training into their lives. Learn more and register at www.blueridge.edu/level-up.
myCanvas