Northern Kentucky University and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College are making higher education more accessible to students on both sides of the river. The newly designed CState2NKU partnership paves the way for students to earn both their associate and bachelor’s degrees.
The CState2NKU partnership reduces many barriers to higher education and ensures that students have a direct path to a bachelor’s degree. The program offers double admission to both institutions, creating a seamless transition for students to earn their bachelor’s degree from NKU once they have earned an associate degree from Cincinnati State, saving the student up to $ 15,000.
Cincinnati State President Dr. Monica Posey (left) and NKU President Ashish Vaidya during the signing ceremony. (Photo by NKU)
“The transfer path from community college to a four-year state university is the cheapest way to earn a bachelor’s degree,” said NKU President Ashish Vaidya. “Cincinnati State learners bring a wealth of diversity to the talent pipeline in our region, and NKU’s focus on equal opportunity, inclusion and upward mobility for all learners makes this partnership a perfect fit.”
NKU and Cincinnati State offer nearly 50-degree paths to maximize transfer benefits through the partnership. The new agreement includes associate-to-bachelor’s degrees in business, engineering, arts and science, education, health, human services, and information technology.
“One of our top priorities is improving college work for students by creating clear, affordable ways to help students achieve their goals,” said Dr. Monica Posey, President of the State of Cincinnati. “This new agreement with the NKU does just that and creates a wonderful option for local students.”
The partnership offers comprehensive student support. While completing their associate degree at Cincinnati State, they will have coordinated counseling with detailed degree programs between the two institutions. Students also benefit from access to Cincinnati state transfer and career centers and many of the NKU’s campus resources, such as the Campus Recreation Center, admissions assistance, career planning and on-campus accommodations.
The initiative is based on NKUs Success through design strategic framework that identifies three pillars of student success – access, graduation, and career and community engagement – as well as those of Cincinnati State Strategic Plan 2025: Accelerating the Potential.
“This partnership enhances student success by providing coordinated support and more effective use of our resources to resolve transfer issues,” said Kimberly Scranage, vice president of NKU
Dr. Monica Posey (left) and Ashish Vaidya shake hands after Tuesday’s signing ceremony. (Photo by NKU)
President for Enrollment and Study Management. “The special thing about the partnership is that it makes education more affordable. All students pay state tuition as soon as they switch to NKU, which offers significant savings every year. Additionally, students can take up to four NKU courses on our campus for Cincinnati state tuition fees while completing their associate degree. “
Local business leaders praise the CState2NKU partnership for addressing the need for highly skilled workers in the region.
“We believe this new partnership is a shining example of regional collaboration,” said Leisa Spears Mulcahy, vice president, workforce at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “Given the economic growth that the region is experiencing, the top employers in our high-demand industries keep telling us that they need more talent. It is a great victory for our region to make it a seamless process for students to develop their skills and qualifications. “
“While transfer issues and tuition fees are potential barriers for students looking to make a seamless transition from community college to four year institution, the region is fortunate to have two excellent educational partners in the NKU and the state of Cincinnati who are dedicated to building a talent pipeline for the companies we work with to relocate or expand, ”said Kimm Lauterbach, President and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. We are delighted and support this newly designed partnership, which will help the students of the state of Cincinnati to continue their education at the NKU successfully and more easily. “
To learn more about the CState2NKU partnership, visit Admission page of the NKUKU or Cincinnati state website.
University of Northern Kentucky
.jpeg?format=1500w "Keys for a Hoosier Upset of No. Eight Cincinnati — Hoosier Huddle")
