SALISBURY, N.C. – Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is expanding access to higher education by participating in College Application Week, a statewide effort taking place October 20-26. During the week, participating colleges and universities across the state promote access to higher education for all by waiving application fees and assisting students with enrollment-related tasks. Through free applications and hands-on support, the College aims to remove barriers and make it easier for students to begin or continue their college journey. At Rowan-Cabarrus, every week is College Application Week, as students can begin the enrollment process at any time of the year, and there is never a cost to get started.
“College Application Week is a wonderful opportunity to support students as they take the next step in their education,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. “We want to make the process as smooth and accessible as possible, helping students understand their options and connect with resources that will set them up for success.”
The Rowan Education Collaborative, a community initiative to increase local educational attainment and job opportunities, includes Rowan County Commissioners, the Rowan Economic Development Commission, Rowan-Salisbury Schools, Catawba College, Livingstone College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The Collaborative supports programs such as internships and job shadowing, dual-enrollment college classes for high school students, and articulation agreements between local educational institutions.
“Education is the best investment anyone can make in their future, and students here in Rowan County are fortunate to have a choice of three excellent institutions at which to pursue higher education and career paths right here at home,” said Greg Edds, chair of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners and a founding member of the Rowan Education Collaborative.
Through the “Learn Local, Grow Local” agreement with Catawba College, Rowan-Cabarrus graduates can transfer as juniors into more than 50 programs at Catawba. Designed to help students earn a four-year degree close to home, the agreement guarantees transfer admission, provides academic advising and offers additional student support.
The “Streamline to Success” partnership with Livingstone College offers Rowan-Cabarrus graduates pursuing teaching careers guaranteed admission and financial support. Along with free transfer application and admission, students receive financial assistance based on their grade point average.
As part of the North Carolina Community College System, Rowan-Cabarrus follows an open-door admission policy that provides broad access to higher education. The policy reflects the College’s mission to serve anyone who can benefit from further formal education. There is no cost to begin the enrollment process at Rowan-Cabarrus, reinforcing the College’s commitment to accessibility and opportunity for all learners and supporting the region’s broader goal of increasing educational attainment and workforce readiness.
In addition to these local partnerships, Rowan-Cabarrus maintains enhanced transfer agreements with many colleges and universities across North Carolina. These pathways build upon the statewide North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement and the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement, which enable students to transition seamlessly into bachelor’s degree programs at public and independent institutions throughout the state.