New agreement helps students save on costs

By Maegan Murray, ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities signed a new agreement on Monday, Nov. 16, that creates a seamless pathway for students to complete their first two years at CBC and transfer to ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities, which saves students costs.

Students significantly save on costs, as students in the program do not pay for the transfer application to attend ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities, do not pay for the cost of their transcripts to transfer, and tuition is also frozen from their first semester enrolled at ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities. In other words, if tuition rates increase anytime while enrolled at ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities, students continue to pay the tuition rate from their first semester at ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities.

Students also benefit from one-on-one support throughout their educational journey from both CBC and ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities from their first term in the program. They work directly with academic advisors from both institutions to solidify complete programs of study. This helps to ensure that students complete their degree programs on-time and reduce the likelihood of taking courses unnecessarily that won’t directly transfer.

Close partnership a win for all students

ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes said she is excited to sign 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.

β€œOur two institutions work together to create seamless pathways so that students can get the most out of their educational experience and graduate on-track,Β on-time and career-ready,” she said. β€œWith ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities serving freshman, transfer, first-generation, low-income and non-traditional students, we are opening more doors to meet students where they are,Β today.”

Woods said CBC is also excited to strengthen its partnership with ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities.

β€œMany of CBC’s graduates choose to become Cougs, while staying right here in the Tri-Cities,” she said. β€œThis agreement smooths that transition. Whether a student chooses to pursue a four-year degree at CBC, ΊΪΑΟΙη 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 ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities education student and alumna of Columbia Basin College, said transferring from CBC to ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities provided a great local and affordable option that was a best fit for both her and her family.

β€œI moved to Tri-Cities in 2006 and was raising a family,” she said. β€œWhen 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 ΊΪΑΟΙη 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.

β€œMy professors were so supportive through that,” she said. β€œProfessors 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 tricities.wsu.edu/bridges. To qualify for the Bridges Program, students must apply in their first year at CBC and complete the β€œDeclaration of Intent” form. Have questions or want to meet with someone about your options? Email tricities.bridges@wsu.edu.

For more information about CBC, visit . For more information about ΊΪΑΟΙη Tri-Cities, visit tricities.wsu.edu.