Career and College Promise

Career & College Promise offers North Carolina high school students the chance to earn college credits at a community college campus. The program is tuition-free to all students who maintain a “B” average and meet other eligibility requirements.

Students can earn:

There are two Career & College Pathways: College Transfer and Career and Technical Education Pathways. Use the links below to learn more about them.

Upcoming Events

Career & College Promise Information Session

DATE AND TIME

CAMPUS

ROOM

Summer and Fall Semester Key Dates
  • April 1st– Priority deadline for summer and fall semesters.
  • May 10th– Final day to register for summer classes. 
  • May 16th  – First day of the summer semester.
  • August 9th – Final day to register for the fall semester.
  • August 15th – First day of the fall semester.

College Transfer Pathway

Learn More

Career and Technical Education Pathway

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ For Parents Of Students Attending North Carolina Community Colleges

The purpose of Career and College Promise is to offer structured opportunities for qualified high school students to be concurrently enrolled in community college courses that provide pathways that lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree as well as provide entry-level jobs skills.

Career and College Promise offers North Carolina high school students a clear path to success in college or in a career. The tuition is waived for students who maintain a “B” average and meet other eligibility requirements. Through a partnership of the Department of Public Instruction, the N.C. Community College System, the University of North Carolina system and many independent colleges and universities, North Carolina is helping eligible high school students to begin earning college credit at a community college campus.

The pathways include:

College Transfer Pathways (CTP) requires the completion of at least 30 semester hours of transfer courses including English and mathematics, and ACA 122 College Transfer Success.

Career and Technical Education Pathways (CTE) lead to a certificate or diploma aligned with a high school career cluster.

The application process varies and depends upon how the community college partner chooses to receive applications. Some may require a paper application while others may require an online application through CFNC.org. Students should see their high school guidance counselor to learn how to apply for CCP.

No, except for some non-credit courses taken on a self-supporting basis, including safe driving courses.

There is no maximum number of college credits that a CCP student can take. However, students must complete the entire CCP pathway before pursuing additional courses. All CCP participants must maintain eligibility status.

No, students must complete their pathway before taking additional courses.

All curriculum courses taken by Career and College Promise students at community colleges in accordance with in G.S. 115D-20(4). are tuition-waived except courses offered on a self-supporting basis. (This applies to Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.)

All community college courses included on the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) will receive weighted credit in accordance with NCDPI policy GCS-L-004. CTE and other courses not included in the CAA are not eligible for weighted credit.

Yes, principals are permitted to award dual credit based upon course content relative to available high school courses and State Board of Education policy GCS-M-001, which allows students in a College Transfer pathway to receive high school credit toward graduation requirements using community college courses. Additionally, some CTE college courses may count towards high school CTE core requirements. Contact the high school counselor or principal for more information.

CCP students enrolled in community college courses will be held to the same attendance and academic requirements as traditional college students.

Junior or senior standing is determined by the local school administrative unit.

No, high school graduates cannot participate in CCP. However, if the high school semester ends after the community college semester has started, the student would still be eligible for CCP. (Example: The community college semester begins on January 6th and the high school semester ends January 18th – the student would still be eligible for CCP because they were still a high school student when community college semester started). 
FAQ For Home School Students And Private School Students:

Yes, students attending a registered home school or a private school may participate in CCP. Generally, private school students are required to establish eligibility using the same criteria applied to public school students (GPA, assessment scores). Home school students and students from private schools not using traditional grading scales shall follow the Community College’s established procedures for assessing eligibility and determining placement. 

No, the home school student’s principal (usually the parent) must certify that the student is a junior or senior and is making progress toward graduation. 

FAQ On Funding:

Textbooks are a student’s responsibility, however there may be local provisions for them. A student’s high school, the school district, or another local organization may cover these costs. Students should check with their principal or counselor to verify how these costs are paid. 

No, however local school districts and community colleges should work together to determine whether and how student fees will be paid for CCP participants. 

Cooperative Innovative High Schools (including early college high schools, middle college high schools, and other CIHS models) receive transportation funds as part of a larger funding allotment at each district. No additional transportation funding is available for other CCP students.