Anderson, Pendleton colleges adopt new transfer program

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Tri-County Technical College and Anderson University signed an articulation agreement Sept. 19, outlining a new transfer program to support students who are looking to advance their education in business, criminal justice, early care and education, media arts production, and nursing.

The agreement provides for a “reverse referral option,” which means students who apply to Anderson University and determine they are not academically or financially prepared to attend the university are referred by AU to Tri-County Technical College to begin their coursework, according to a joint news release from the colleges. The student then has the option to transfer to AU once they complete transfer requirements.

 Tri-County Technical College students who transfer to Anderson University have the option to complete their bachelor’s degree program fully online, on campus or a combination of online and on campus, depending on their chosen program, the news release said. Both traditional and post-traditional students also receive academic and advising support from both TCTC and AU advisors.

The new transfer program replaces the Bridge to AU program that was launched in 2019. As with the Bridge to AU program, the new transfer program provides TCTC students who complete an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate Degree in Nursing, or an Associate in Applied Science in either business or criminal justice guaranteed admission to AU. The AAS in early care and education and AAS in media arts production are newly added programs. Additionally, TCTC students who complete 30 transferable credits with a 2.50 grade point average are also guaranteed admission to AU’s traditional program. Post-traditional students are guaranteed admission to AU with a 2.0 GPA, with the exception of early care and education majors, which requires a 2.5 GPA for both traditional and post-traditional students, the release said. 

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“Our mission at Tri-County is to provide students an exceptional and affordable learning experience that improves their quality of life,” TCTC President Galen DeHay said in the release. “One way we achieve this is by partnering with institutions like Anderson University to create opportunities for our students to earn an advanced degree that is both accessible and affordable.”

“Anderson University is thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Tri County Technical College,” Anderson University President Evans P. Whitaker said in the release “This relationship enables us to provide a seamless transition for students seeking to continue their education and obtain a four-year degree. This agreement further affirms our commitment to the Upstate community in helping students achieve their educational and career goals.”