An agreement between Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and Worcester State University (WSU) will provide a pathway for students who complete their associate degree at STCC and transfer directly to WSU to complete their bachelor’s degree for a total not to exceed $30,000 in four years.
The $30,000 degree agreement expands on a current MassTransfer agreement in place between the two schools for general business and liberal arts transfer students and streamlines the transition from completion of a selected STCC associate degree program to enrollment and subsequent graduation from WSU with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts, all within a prescribed period of time and with a fixed overall cost for participating students.
MassTransfer is a statewide transfer program implemented by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to streamline the transfer process for community college students who want to complete a designated associate degree then transfer to any Massachusetts state university or University of Massachusetts campus.
On April 2, STCC President Dr. Ira H. Rubenzahl and WSU President Barry M. Maloney officially signed the $30,000 degree agreement.
“We’re pleased that our students will have the opportunity to participate in this program with Worcester State University,” said Rubenzahl. “Our students deserve the opportunity to get a bachelor’s degree and not go into debt. With this agreement, it will allow them to do so and not exceed $30,000.”
According to the agreement, STCC students must earn their associate degree within three years of enrollment and complete with an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 in order to be granted admission to the corresponding WSU major. Additionally, STCC students who graduate in an approved program with a minimum 3.0 quality point average will be eligible for a tuition waiver.
“Worcester State University is pleased to partner with our neighbors in Western Massachusetts to bring additional affordable degree options to residents of this region,” said President Barry M. Maloney. “Those enrolled full time would earn two degrees in four years for $30,000—less than the cost of one year at many private colleges.”
For those interested in learning more about the $30,000 degree agreement or how to enroll, please contact: STCC Dean of Admissions Louisa Davis-Freeman at (413) 755-4380 [1].