CState and NKU sign new agreement to strengthen transfer pathways

Cincinnati State and Northern Kentucky University will announce a newly expanded “CState2NKU” partnership, to make higher education more accessible and more affordable for students on both sides of the river, at a news conference on Tuesday, June 22, at 10 a.m.

The event will take place in the ATLC First Floor Student Lounge, and is open to Cincinnati State students and employees.

Cincinnati State President Monica Posey and NKU President Ashish Vaidya will speak at the event.

• The reimagined CState2NKU partnership offers dual admission to both institutions, creating a seamless pathway for students to earn their bachelor’s degree at NKU after they receive an associate’s degree from Cincinnati State.
   
• All students in the CState2NKU partnership pay the in-state tuition rate after they transfer to NKU, offering significant savings each year.
   
• Additionally, students can take up to four courses on the NKU campus at the Cincinnati State tuition rate while they pursue their associate’s degree.

“The community college transfer pathway to a 4-year state university is the most affordable route to earning a bachelor’s degree,” said NKU President Vaidya.

“Cincinnati State’s learners bring a rich diversity to the talent pipeline in our region, and NKU’s focus on equity, inclusion, and upward mobility for all learners makes this partnership a perfect match,” President Vaidya added.

NKU and Cincinnati State offer nearly 50 degree pathways to maximize transfer credits through the partnership. The new agreement includes associate-to-bachelor’s degree pathways in business, engineering, arts and sciences, education, health, human services, and information technology.

“One of our top priorities is to make college work better for students by creating clear, affordable pathways that help students reach their goals,” said Cincinnati State President Posey. “This new agreement with NKU does exactly that and creates a wonderful option for local students.”

• The partnership provides coordinated support for students who are completing their associate’s degree at Cincinnati State, including coordinated advising between the two institutions, with detailed course pathways for students.
   
• Students also benefit from access to Cincinnati State’s Transfer Center and Career Center as well as many campus resources at NKU, such as the Campus Recreation Center, admissions assistance, career planning, and on-campus housing.
   
• Students who want to learn more about the CState2NKU partnership can visit the Transfer Center section of the Cincinnati State website or the Admissions section of the NKU website.

The CState2NKU initiative aligns with NKU’s Success by Design strategic framework that identifies three pillars of student success—access, completion and career and community engagement—as well as Cincinnati State’s Strategic Plan 2025: Accelerating Potential.

Local business leaders praised the CState2NKU partnership for addressing regional needs for a highly skilled workforce.

“We believe this new partnership is a shining example of regional collaboration,” said Leisa Spears Mulcahy, vice president, Workforce at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “With the economic growth the region is experiencing, the top employers in our high-demand industry sectors consistently tell us they need more talent.”

“Offering a seamless process for students to grow their skills and credentials is a great victory for our region,” Mulcahy added.

Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati, said, “While transfer issues and tuition are potential barriers for students wanting to make a seamless transition from a community college to a four-year institution, the region is fortunate to have two superior educational partners– NKU and Cincinnati State– focused on building a talent pipeline for the companies we are working with to locate or expand here.”

“We are excited and supportive of this reimagined partnership that will help Cincinnati State students successfully and more easily continue their education at NKU,” Lauterbach said.

(Information provided by Richard Curtis, Interim Media Coordinator, Cincinnati State, and Atley Smedley, Public Relations, Northern Kentucky University)