Category Archives: Admissions

Navigating College Finances at Central Piedmont

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Understanding how to manage college finances is crucial as you start thinking about your future education. Here’s a guide to help you navigate payment due dates, financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, and tuition payment plans. Classes start August 12!

student aid

Payment Due Dates

College tuition and fees must be paid by specific deadlines. For example, fall tuition and fees at Central Piedmont are due by Monday, July 29. If you don’t make a payment or arrange a payment plan by this date, your classes will be dropped. Mark your calendar and plan to avoid missing deadlines.

Financial Aid

Financial aid can make college more affordable. It includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Here’s how to get started:

Completing the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for federal financial aid. Complete the FAFSA every academic year to see how much aid you can get. Central Piedmont’s FAFSA code is 002915.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a fantastic way to reduce college costs. Central Piedmont offers over $3 million in scholarships. Here’s how you can apply:

  1. Search and Apply: Use the Central Piedmont scholarship portal to find and apply for scholarships.
  2. Meet Requirements: Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 2.5. Ensure you are enrolled in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Central Piedmont.
  3. Submit Essays: Many scholarship applications include essay questions about your educational and career goals. Write and proofread your answers carefully.

Next NC Scholarship

The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college or more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees to attend any public college in the state. The best part? It’s money that doesn’t have to be repaid.

It combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that is easier to understand. It makes education more affordable so more North Carolinians can pursue a degree.

Key Features of the Next NC Scholarship:

  • Tuition-Free Degree: Qualifying community college students will receive at least $3,000, covering 100% of tuition and fees at any of the 58 North Carolina community colleges.
  • Simple Application: Just submit the FAFSA form. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the Next NC Scholarship without any additional forms. The priority filing date for NC community colleges is August 15, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition
  • A high school graduate (or high school equivalency completer)
  • From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
  • Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program for the 2024-2025 academic year
  • Taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award)
  • Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of the school you plan to attend
  • A student who has completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500

Tuition Payment Plan

A tuition payment plan is a good option if you can’t pay your tuition in full by the deadline. Central Piedmont offers a plan to pay in smaller amounts over time without interest or credit checks. Here’s how it works:

  1. Enroll Online: Sign up for the payment plan through the Central Piedmont portal.
  2. Down Payment: Pay a portion of your tuition upfront, plus a small enrollment fee.
  3. Monthly Payments: Your remaining tuition is divided into monthly payments, automatically drafted from your account.

Key Tips

  • Stay Organized: Keep track of all deadlines and required documents.
  • Apply Early: To increase your chances of receiving financial aid and scholarships, apply as early as possible.
  • Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from financial aid counselors if you have questions.

Starting early and staying informed will help you manage college finances and focus on your education. Good luck!

Central Piedmont and Lees-McRae College Forge Path with New ‘Guaranteed Admission Program’ 🎓

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Central Piedmont Community College, in a significant move to enhance higher education pathways, has partnered with Lees-McRae College to establish the ‘Guaranteed Admission Program’ (GAP). This landmark agreement, signed on Apr. 9, 2024, promises Central Piedmont students a seamless transfer to Lees-McRae College, paving the way for attaining bachelor’s degrees and beyond.

Lees McRae tshirts

 

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

  • Automatic Admission: Central Piedmont students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, or Associate in Fine Arts degree and meet specific GPA requirements will be automatically admitted to Lees-McRae College.
  • Merit Scholarships: Eligible students can receive merit scholarships covering up to 50% of Lees-McRae’s annual tuition, making higher education more accessible.
  • Signing Ceremony: The agreement was ratified during a ceremony at Central Piedmont’s Central Campus in Charlotte, attended by Dr. Lee King, President of Lees-McRae College, Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, President of Central Piedmont, and other distinguished leaders from both institutions.
  • Program Start: The Guaranteed Admission Program will welcome its first students in August, coinciding with the commencement of the fall 2024 semester.

Why This Partnership Matters:

  • Enhancing Higher Education Access: This program exemplifies Central Piedmont and Lees-McRae College’s commitment to increasing access to higher education. It aligns with North Carolina’s myFutureNC initiative, which aims to boost the number of residents with post-secondary degrees or credentials by 2030.
  • Unique Educational Opportunities: Lees-McRae, located in the scenic town of Banner Elk, offers Central Piedmont graduates a distinctive academic and social environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
  • Supporting North Carolina’s Economy: The GAP facilitates a smoother transition for students seeking higher education, supporting the state’s economic development goals through an educated and skilled workforce.

A Bright Future Ahead: This partnership marks a new chapter for Central Piedmont and Lees-McRae College and for the countless students who will benefit from expanded educational opportunities. Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer stated that this collaboration is poised to open doors to “great experiences and success” for Central Piedmont students at Lees-McRae.

Central Piedmont is excited to witness the future achievements of its students who embark on their next academic journey at Lees-McRae College, bolstered by the support and opportunities provided by the Guaranteed Admission Program.

📅 Central Piedmont Opens Doors on Saturdays for Session Kickoffs

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A student works on their laptop.Central Piedmont Community College is excited to announce special Saturday openings to better accommodate the needs of our students, faculty, and the broader community. Mark your calendar for these key dates, each strategically scheduled right before the start of new academic sessions.

Available Services:

  • Admissions
  • Registration assistance
  • Financial aid guidance
  • Academic advising

Key Dates:

  •  Spring Short Session:
    •  Begins: Mar. 11
    •  Campuses Open Sat., Mar. 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Summer Session:
    • Begins: May 20
    • Campuses Open Sat., May 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Fall 24 Session:
    • Begins: Aug. 12
    • Campuses Open Sat., Aug. 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Fall 24 12 Week Short Session:
    • Begins: Sept. 9
    • Campuses Open Sat., Sept. 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Fall 24 8 Week Short Session:
    • Begins: Oct. 14
    • Campuses Open Sat., Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Why Visit Us on Saturday?

  • Convenience: Access campus services without disrupting your weekday schedule.
  • Preparedness: Get everything set before your session starts.
  • Support: Our staff can answer any questions and help you navigate your academic journey.

Libraries:

  • Central Campus Library will remain open on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters for current students and employees from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • All other campus libraries are closed on Saturdays.

Central Piedmont is committed to providing flexible options to support our students’ success. Whether you’re enrolling in a new session, need last-minute assistance, or have questions, we’re opening our doors extra wide to welcome you.

Your Success Starts Here: Take advantage of these special Saturday openings to ensure you’re fully prepared for the upcoming academic session.

See You on Campus!

Catamount Connection offers guaranteed transfer admission for Central Piedmont grads

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Catamount Connection: Logos of Central Piedmont and Western Carolina Central Piedmont Community College and Western Carolina University (WCU) announced the launch of the Catamount Connection Program – a new direct pathway for Central Piedmont students who graduate with associate degrees to have guaranteed admission to WCU.

WCU is an NC Promise school, offering $500 tuition to increase access to education.

Dr. Kelli R. Brown, Western Carolina University chancellor, and Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president, met at WCU to sign the agreement for Central Piedmont graduates to transfer for an affordable and accessible four-year degree from WCU.

As Deitemeyer announced, “Central Piedmont is excited and proud to partner with Western Carolina University to provide our students a seamless admissions pathway to the university. This program represents a wonderful opportunity for Central Piedmont students.”

Students who wish to participate in the Catamount Connection Program must meet these criteria:

  • Be a currently enrolled student at Central Piedmont, in a degree-seeking capacity,
  • Submit a WCU application for admission and records by WCU deadlines,
  • Submit the application fee or waiver, and fulfill all commitment action steps,
  • Be in good standing at Central Piedmont and other institutions attended,
  • Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct,
  • Earn and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 at Central Piedmont and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in their most recent term,
  • Earn an associate degree from Central Piedmont in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists, and
  • Enroll at WCU within one academic year of completion of the associate degree.

Brown said she wants to ensure students from Central Piedmont have immediate access to the affordability and quality of WCU. “It is so critical for students to see that if they want to go to a four-year college, but went to a two-year college, they have a pathway to that four-year institution,” Brown said.

Deitemeyer is equally thrilled to provide WCU as an option for Central Piedmont graduates. “We know our students will be well-prepared here and well-cared for at WCU,” she said. “In Cullowhee, they will enjoy challenging classes taught by superb faculty, a beautiful campus and a learning environment that fosters exploration, innovation and excellence. This program offers Central Piedmont students a great destination for pursuing a bachelor’s degree.”

Learn more information about how to transfer to WCU.

Learn more about guaranteed admissions options from Central Piedmont.

Extended hours for student services on your schedule

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We’re open longer on weekdays to provide service on your schedule! We’ve extended student service hours on weekdays from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Central Campus in the new Parr Center at the Welcome Center on the ground floor level (enter from Elizabeth Avenue)counselor sitting alongside student while looking together at a computer screen.

Need help, but only free on a Saturday? Plan to come by on Sat., Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at ANY Central Piedmont campus to get in-person help before the Aug. 15 start of the fall semester. 

During the Saturday hours, navigators and advisors will be available to help with any of the enrollment and registration steps – including financial aid, residency, advising, and registration for classes – at these locations:

We’re here for you!
Call 704.330.2722
email: navigate@cpcc.edu
(en español: ayuda@cpcc.edu)

New Parr Center Now Open on Central Campus

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The doors are now open at our state-of-the-art Parr Center on Central Campus, including the new Hagemeyer library, food service options, and Student Union with lots of spaces to study, eat, and hang out. Please stop by for a visit! The address is 1201 Elizabeth Avenue but, trust us, you can’t miss this gorgeous facility in the heart of Central Campus.

Large multi-story modern glass building

Parr Center, view from Elizabeth Avenue

Here are some of the Parr Center features:

  • the Hagemeyer Library, a 21st-century library including a maker space, green screen and podcasting rooms
  • a Student Union, with Welcome Center, Admissions, Students Services, Testing Center, Advising Services, Student Engagement, Mentoring & Coaching programs, and International programs
  • food services, featuring Catalyst Coffee Bar, rotating grab-n-go items, and a dining area
  • group-study rooms with technology – meet with friends and groups
  • student commons with a collaborative stair, with built-in device charging and seating
  • Academic Learning Center (tutoring)
  • multiple outdoor/rooftop terraces (the best skyline selfie in town!)
  • redeveloped quad space (with lots of outdoor seating)
  • a theater with seating for 450
  • the Dove Art Gallery

The 183,000 square-foot Parr Center is the largest building constructed in the college’s 59-year history and will serve as our first-ever student union. 

As Central Piedmont President Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer says, “The Parr Center will be the new hub of student life on Central Campus. With its prominent location on Elizabeth Avenue, The Parr Center is destined to become the new front door to Central Campus, and its signature building.” 

If you can’t make it to the new Parr Center yet, you can get a sneak peek inside by viewing our online gallery.

Virtual Q & A Sessions With Central Piedmont

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Have questions about how to enroll at Central Piedmont? How to register for courses? Want to know more about student life opportunities?

Get answers to these questions and more or get connected to the service you need — join us for a virtual Central Piedmont drop-in question and answer session.

AVAILABLE SESSIONS

Each session will be available for 30 minutes. There is no sign up or registration — on the day and time of the session you want to join, simply click the link for that session. Learn more about the available drop-in sessions scheduled throughout the week.  (We will continue to add information for upcoming sessions).

Central Piedmont staff will be available to answer your questions and guide you to helpful resources.