On Thursday (Nov. 16), Nebraska Wesleyan University and Northeast officials signed an articulation agreement, bringing Northeast in as the latest partner in the Pathways Scholarship Program.
The Pathways Scholarship Program partners Wesleyan with community colleges in an effort to open more doors to bachelor’s degree completion. The program provides pathways to degree completion at Nebraska Wesleyan with financial benefits, including a $22,000 scholarship to every admitted Northeast student to NWU’s traditional undergraduate program. Phi Theta Kappa scholars may receive a $29,000 scholarship.
Students transferring directly from Northeast and who complete a minimum of 12 credit hours at Northeast are eligible for consideration of admission and the Pathways Scholarship. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters at Wesleyan. Northeast is the seventh community college to partner in the Pathways Scholarship Program.
“We are thrilled to have this agreement and the opportunities in presents to our students,” said Amanda Nipp, Northeast vice president of student services.
“Obtaining a four-year degree is the right pathway for a significant number of our graduates, and having an outstanding institution like Nebraska Wesleyan University on board opens new doors. And with Wesleyan offering tuition assistance for qualified students, it presents a more affordable approach to obtain a bachelor’s degree. It also serves as a wonderful example of our focus on guided pathways in meeting our mission of helping graduates in several program areas achieve their college completion goals,” Nipp said.
Since 2017, 126 students have transferred more than 1,737 Northeast credits to apply toward completing their NWU degree. In addition to the Pathways and PTK Scholarships, NWU offers the Access NWU Scholarship in which all Pell-eligible students pay $0 in tuition at NWU.
Students who’ve applied credits from Northeast to their degree have an impressive 3.44 average GPA at NWU.
“We’re very proud to partner with (Northeast) and to offer the scholarships that make achieving a bachelor’s degree most affordable,” said Bill Motzer, Nebraska Wesleyan University vice president for Enrollment Management.
One of the most exciting parts of the agreement is the continuity it offers Northeast graduates. Wesleyan, which was named Nebraska’s No.1 independent regional university by the most recent U.S. News & World Report, is known for small classes with personal attention.
Every admitted Northeast student will receive a guaranteed Pathways or if eligible, the Phi Theta Kappa scholarship. It provides Northeast graduates with a comprehensive university with undergraduate and graduate options, including business and nursing.
Nipp said education continues to evolve, and students each have their own individual pathways to obtain their education goals. While transferring to a private college from a community college at one time might have been the road less traveled, it is now becoming relatively common.
Among the private colleges that have articulation agreements with Northeast are Doane College, Bellevue University, Concordia College, College of Saint Mary, Midland Lutheran College, Hastings College and York College.
Charlene Widener, Northeast vice president of educational services, said Northeast is fortunate to have so many colleges willing to work together to try and come up with the best path forward for students.
“We’re pleased because our students are able to receive financial, academic and professional support,” Widener said. “All these educational institutions play a vital role in helping Nebraskans on their way to their educational goals.”
Cutline
Darrin Good, president of Nebraska Wesleyan University, and Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College, discuss an articulation agreement Thursday morning at Union 73 on the Northeast campus. (Northeast Community College)
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