In the two years since UNC Charlotte introduced 49erNext, a co-admission program with select community college partners, data shows that participating students are overcoming barriers and staying on course for higher education completion. Since spring 2020, 43 students from the first cohort have been admitted to UNC Charlotte. Of those, 60 percent had completed a transferable degree as opposed to the typical transfer population of which 38 percent had completed a degree before transferring.
“Part of the goal of 49erNext is to assist students in completing an associate degree before transferring to UNC Charlotte. This early accomplishment is a success factor that indicates transferring students, especially underrepresented students, likely will stay on track to complete a bachelor’s degree,” said Joan Lorden, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.
All 43 admitted students from the first cohort have entered their intended majors and have been retained and are currently enrolled at UNC Charlotte. Admitted 49erNext students have an average 3.53 GPA after their first semester as a junior at UNC Charlotte.
The 49erNext program benefits transfer students by ensuring that they do not waste time, credits and financial resources when they transfer into the University. The program maximizes transfer credit through degree plans and regular data exchange between UNC Charlotte and the participating community college to ensure students’ progress toward timely completion of a baccalaureate degree.
All participating institutions promote academic success among students by enabling them to earn a quality degree in a timely manner, fostering student potential and ensuring equity among all students. As participants in the 49erNext program, students are eligible to seamlessly transfer into more than 75 undergraduate degree programs (130+ majors) at UNC Charlotte, as long as they earn an associate’s degree and meet minimum GPA requirements.
This past year, approximately 3,500 transfer students enrolled at UNC Charlotte, the largest number in the UNC System. Of all UNC Charlotte transfer students, 64 percent came from a North Carolina community college.
The 49erNext program is now offered at six North Carolina community colleges. More than 580 students are currently enrolled in 49erNext. Partnerships with these community colleges expand the pipeline of opportunity for students in the greater Charlotte region and across the state. Participating community colleges are: Central Piedmont Community College, Gaston College, Mitchell Community College, Catawba Valley Community College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Wake Technical Community College.