Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities will sign a new agreement on Monday, Nov. 16, that will create a seamless pathway for students to complete their first two years at CBC and transfer to WSU Tri-Cities.
The agreement will provide significant savings to students who will not have to pay for the application to transfer from CBC to WSU Tri-Cities, nor the cost of their transcripts to transfer. Tuition will also be frozen from their first semester enrolled at WSU Tri-Cities. In other words, if tuition rates increase anytime while enrolled at WSU Tri-Cities, students continue to pay the tuition rate from their first semester at WSU Tri-Cities.
As indicated in the agreement, students will also have the opportunity to work directly with academic advisors from both institutions to develop complete programs of study. This helps to ensure students complete their degree programs on-time and reduces the likelihood of taking courses unnecessarily that won’t directly transfer.
Media event and availability
Media are invited to attend a virtual press event that will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, via Zoom, where WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes and CBC President Rebekah Woods will present live remarks on the agreement. A press kit with photos and video footage will also be distributed to regional media shortly after the event.
Media members who are interested in scheduling a private interview with Haynes and Woods right after the live event should contact Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities assistant director of marketing and communication, at maegan_murray@wsu.edu or 619-403-3617.
Close partnership a win for all students
Haynes said she is excited to be signing a new agreement with CBC, as it helps reduce the complications and cost to students who wish to first attend a community college and then transfer to a four-year university.
“Our two institutions work together to create seamless pathways so that students can get the most out of their educational experience and graduate on-track, on-time and career-ready,” she said. “With WSU Tri-Cities serving freshman, transfer, first-generation, low-income and non-traditional students, we are opening more doors to meet students where they are, today.”
Woods said CBC is also excited to strengthen its partnership with WSU Tri-Cities.
“Many of CBC’s graduates choose to become Cougs, while staying right here in the Tri-Cities,” she said. “This agreement smooths that transition. Whether a student chooses to pursue a four-year degree at CBC, WSU Tri-Cities, or any other institution, we are committed to helping each student find their best path forward.”
Students see direct benefits
Dawn Hughes, a current WSU Tri-Cities education student and alumna of Columbia Basin College, said transferring from CBC to WSU Tri-Cities provided a great local and affordable option that was a best fit for both her and her family.
“I moved to Tri-Cities in 2006 and was raising a family,” she said. “When I decided to go back to school, it fit our budget and our busy schedule. It was also convenient because I could take classes in-person, locally.”
Hughes said she received tremendous support from both her instructors at CBC and WSU Tri-Cities. When she started school, her sister was diagnosed with cancer. She served as her sister’s bone marrow transplant and was going to have to miss some school.
“My professors were so supportive through that,” she said. “Professors from both programs are that way. They want you to succeed.”
Apply to Bridges
Applications are open now for the Bridges Program. For more information and to apply, visit the program’s website. To qualify for the Bridges Program, students must apply in their first year at CBC and complete the “Declaration of Intent” form. Have questions or want to meet with someone about your options? Email tricities.bridges@wsu.edu.
More information about CBC and WSU Tri-Cities can be found online.
