Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) has partnered with Lenoir-Rhyne University to expand transfer student access and make a four-year degree more affordable. The Bear Bound partnership was officially announced on Wednesday after discussions between Lenoir-Rhyne University and 14 members of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).

Bear Bound benefits include transparent and seamless transfer of general education credits from CVCC to Lenoir-Rhyne, allowing CVCC graduates to satisfy the general education course requirements. Tuition will also be lowered from $43,000 to $30,000 for CVCC graduates who attend Lenoir-Rhyne University.

CVCC graduates who meet academic requirements will also be eligible for the LR Promise, which reduces the cost of attending Lenoir-Rhyne by $15,000 before other aid is applied. The LR Promise was not previously available to community college transfers.
Lenoir-Rhyne University President Dr. Fred Whitt said Wednesday’s agreement came after two summit meetings held between representatives from LRU and the 14 NCCCS schools who signed the agreement.

CVCC graduates will be eligible for campus housing, and there are expedited pathways for students in professional programs as well as seamless and cost-effective pathways for working community college graduates. Catawba Valley Community College and Lenoir-Rhyne University are also working to implement co- admission agreements and explore joint advising opportunities.