In the Declaration of Independence, the founding fathers said, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are given certain rights by their Creator, including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” When they mentioned the “pursuit of happiness,” many think Thomas Jefferson meant living a meaningful life where a person feels their life is worthwhile.
At North Central State College, helping students find a meaningful life is part of our mission. We exist to help people in our area gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. We think a purpose-driven life is about doing what you’re good at and aligning your talent and interest to what the world needs, prepared to contribute as an employee or entrepreneur. That’s why we are focusing on three key areas: time, talent, and treasure.
Time: helping students start early
One of the big opportunities we offer is helping students and parents use their time wisely. NC State offers dual enrollment through the College Credit Plus program. This allows high school students to take college courses while in high school and shorten the time required to complete their college education. Students who enroll full-time in College Now programs during their junior and senior years can actually complete their associate degree about a month before graduating high school, all for free.
In addition to CCP, NC State provides flexible learning options which include in-person, online, and hybrid classes, with 8-week and 16-week terms. There are opportunities to learn incrementally and learn certifications that meet student needs today, while leading to degree attainment in the future.
Talent: meeting workforce needs
Right now, skilled, qualified employees are in high demand in many industries, including healthcare, industry, business, information technology and public service. With recent announcements of new investments in high tech manufacturing throughout Ohio, our state will assume a leadership position in a transformational economy where technology drives change and job growth. While many employees will need to train to gain the skills needed to meet the needs of these manufacturers, countless more will be needed to support the needs of the employees and their families in education, healthcare, business and public service.
Our region is poised to lead but we must prepare now to meet the opportunities available tomorrow. Our region lags behind much of the state and nation in the number of residents with some level of education beyond high school. NC State is helping by offering courses, certificates, associate degrees, and now bachelor’s degrees.
Treasure: making education affordable
Many students and parents are concerned about the cost of college. North Central State College has one of the lowest tuition rates in the area and offers free tuition through several programs:
- Tuition Freedom Scholarship: High school and Career Center students taking dual enrollment courses (up to three courses, or 8-9 credit hours) can finish their associate degree tuition-free, up to 64 credit hours. This scholarship has been a great success since 2015, with 75% of students needing no loans for their education.
- Bachelor’s Degrees. Associate Degrees and Certificate Programs: The college recently launched two Tuition Freedom Scholarships for adults and high school students.
- High school students in the College Now Engineering Academy can complete their bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in just two years after high school, all tuition-free.
- Adults aged 25 and older can finish certificates (16 to 30 credit hours) tuition-free.
In addition to Tuition Freedom Scholarships, there are dozens of scholarships and grants available to students of all ages. NC State works with each student to receive every award for which they qualify.
Why NC State is special
NC State is committed to providing a culture of leadership, care, and belonging. This is critical for helping students get good-paying jobs, especially in fields that are growing rapidly. When students have better jobs, they earn higher salaries and enjoy an improved quality of life. A more educated population also brings many community benefits, including:
- Better health and longer life expectancy
- More social unity and appreciation of diversity
- Lower crime rates and drug use
- Less need for government financial assistance
- Higher employment rates and more tax revenue
- Increased charitable giving and community service.
North Central State College has a strong history of success
We measure success in a number of ways, including:
- Offering two bachelor’s degrees: Mechanical Engineering Technology and Nursing
- Maintaining financial stability with clean audits
- Receiving millions of dollars in grants
- Recognition from local chambers and social agencies
- Receiving the 2024 American Association of Community College Exemplary CEO/Board Relationship award
- Earning several awards from the Association of Community College Trustees over the past decade
- Frequently presenting at national, state, and local conferences
- Being recognized as a Leader College of Distinction from Achieving the Dream
- Being fully accredited for 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission
NC State is changing the lives of our students and improving the communities we serve. We are here to help prepare our region for the future. Please join us in sharing the good news!
