Bridging the Gap: How COCC and OSU-Cascades are Redefining the Bachelor’s Degree Path
Central Oregon Community College (COCC) and Oregon State University-Cascades (OSU-Cascades) are strengthening their long-standing partnership, offering students a streamlined path to a four-year degree. The Degree Partnership Program (DPP) is experiencing significant growth, with a 33.5% increase in enrollment this past term, reaching 255 students – representing 5.4% of all COCC credit students.
A History of Collaboration
The connection between COCC and OSU-Cascades dates back to 2001, when OSU-Cascades first established a presence within a COCC building. This initial co-location fostered a shared campus experience for students. Even after OSU-Cascades opened its own campus in 2016, the institutions have continued to collaborate, culminating in the optimized pathway offered by the DPP.
The Benefits of the Degree Partnership Program
The DPP is designed to maximize access, affordability, and opportunities for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Students apply through OSU-Cascades and can choose to grab classes at both COCC and OSU-Cascades, or begin at COCC and transition to OSU-Cascades for their final two years. This flexibility allows students to benefit from COCC’s lower tuition rates early in their academic journey.
Emily Schwertfeger, a student pursuing a psychology degree at OSU through the DPP, highlights the program’s convenience. She appreciates the smooth transition and the ability to live in Bend while attending both institutions. Angela Ogden, a biology major, found the DPP allowed her to continue her momentum toward a degree without interruption.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Beyond tuition savings, the DPP provides access to financial aid from both COCC and OSU. The COCC Foundation offers scholarships, with the current award amount being $5,250. This year, approximately 400 COCC students received COCC Foundation scholarships.
Expanding Degree Options
OSU-Cascades currently offers 24 bachelor’s degree options available through the DPP. Students can explore a wide range of fields, including accountancy, biology, business administration, computer science, and psychology. The program’s flexibility extends to course offerings, with students able to access classes at both COCC and OSU’s Ecampus.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Transfer Programs
The success of the COCC-OSU-Cascades DPP reflects a broader trend in higher education: the increasing importance of transfer pathways. More students are beginning their college careers at community colleges before transferring to four-year institutions. This trend is driven by factors such as affordability, accessibility, and the desire for a more gradual transition to university-level coursework.
COCC hosts annual Oregon Transfer Days, providing students with the opportunity to meet with representatives from 19 different universities, including the University of Oregon and Oregon Institute of Technology. These events help students navigate the transfer process and ensure a smooth transition of credits.
Pro Tip:
Start planning your transfer early! Attend transfer events, meet with academic advisors, and research the requirements of your target university.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Degree Partnership Program? The DPP is an academic collaboration between COCC and OSU-Cascades that optimizes the path for students seeking a bachelor’s degree.
- How do I apply for the DPP? Students apply through OSU-Cascades and simply opt-in to the program.
- What are the financial benefits of the DPP? Students can save money on tuition by taking classes at COCC and have access to financial aid from both institutions.
- Where can I find more information about the DPP? Visit cocc.edu/departments/admissions/getting-started/dpp.
Don’t miss the spring term admissions deadline for COCC: March 20. Explore scholarship opportunities at cocc.edu/scholarship.
Ready to take the next step? Visit the COCC website to learn more about the DPP and start your application today!
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