Tuition-Free Classes
The primary benefit of Career and College Promise for students and parents is the tuition-free classes. Tuition-free college classes count for both high school and college credits. Students are responsible for fees, accident insurance, supplies, and textbooks. Prices vary according to class.
The average high school student participating in Career and College Promise enrolls in two Blue Ridge Community College classes each semester. Students enrolling in CCP during their junior year of high school would have 8 classes or about 24 credits completed by the time they graduate from high school.
For parents, this equates to $1,824 in tuition savings from Blue Ridge. For transferable classes, it means savings of several thousand dollars.
Transfer Classes with Weighted Credits
Jumpstart a Two-Year or Four-Year Degree
Beginning with the Class of 2019, college transfer classes will carry the same weight as high school “AP” classes.
Universal transfer courses count for weighted credit and will articulate to a four-year school provided students earn a “C” or higher grade.
College transfer classes are governed by the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement, a statewide contract governing the transfer of credits between North Carolina community colleges and public universities, as well as several independent colleges.
Students completing the College Transfer Pathway may continue enrollment at Blue Ridge in either the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Associate in Engineering Pathway College Transfer degree.
Students completing the College Transfer Pathway will have only 3 years remaining for a bachelor’s degree, saving several thousand dollars at a four-year school.
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement
Career Exploration
For students undecided about their future career path, Blue Ridge Community College Career and College Promise classes can save the costs of switching majors at a four-year school.
Taking classes at Blue Ridge Community College allows students to explore academic subjects unavailable through their high school. American Sign Language, Art Appreciation, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Engineering, Microeconomics, and Public Speaking are some examples of transferable classes that could possibly lead to careers in professional fields. Exploring a career path though these classes, allows students to make informed decisions while receiving high school and college credit.
Blue Ridge also provides the following resources in career exploration and has counselors available to answer questions and guide students through the selection process.
- Career Counseling
- Career Day
- Student Recruit Student
- Summer Camps
Training Opportunities for Higher Paying Jobs
High school students may graduate with specific job skills that can qualify them for higher-paying jobs.
Blue Ridge’s Career and Technical Education Pathways in computer-integrated machining, electronics engineering, mechatronics engineering, and welding technology allow students to get a jumpstart on an exciting career in manufacturing.
Students beginning as juniors in Career and Technical Education Pathways have the opportunity to graduate with one or more certificates that work toward the completion of a diploma. Following graduation, the student has an option to complete the diploma or to enroll in an associate degree program.
For students selecting a BRCC diploma, they will only need the general education classes and one or two additional hands-on classes. Scores from PLAN, ACT, PSAT, SAT, or the BRCC placement test are used to determine if a student needs developmental classes prior to enrolling in college-level English and math courses. Depending on these test scores, the associate degree could be complete within a year of high school graduation.
Opportunity for higher pay bracket for the military
Students have the opportunity to earn college credits to advance to a higher pay bracket for the military. The exact number of college credit varies among the branches of the military.