Start at ACTC for University Transfer
At ACTC, students can prepare for transfer into nearly 200 bachelor degree programs offered by four-year colleges and universities throughout the region.
Nationally, nearly half of all U.S. undergraduates are at community colleges – and two-thirds plan to eventually transfer for a bachelor’s degree. The numbers are similar for Kentucky. Starting at ACTC offers many advantages.
Saving money for the same education is one advantage. Tuition at ACTC is considerably less than at universities and four-year colleges in the region. Those eligible for financial aid often find that Federal Pell grants and other aid can cover all or most of their tuition expenses. Staying at home also can cost much less than dorm fees or housing near campus.
The general education classes at ACTC are the same as those required at four-year institutions. Since ACTC is accredited by the recognized regional accreditation commission, your classes will transfer to nearly every college and university in the country.
With smaller classes than larger institutions, ACTC provides more opportunities for class participation and assistance from the professor.
Another advantage is quality instruction. ACTC’s instructors are paid to teach, not to do research. They are available for one-on-one discussions and to help understand class assignments.
Being on small campuses also helps with the transition to college, with people who know your name and a variety of easy-to-find services. These services include tutoring, student support services, and math and English labs staffed by faculty.
And finally, ACTC is close to home, which is an advantage to many students who want to stay close to family and job responsibilities.
Specific transfer programs with area universities, commonly called 2+2 programs, allow students to complete an associate degree in a field and transfer smoothly into a bachelor’s degree program in that field at that specific university. Students follow a curriculum plan that lists the courses to take at ACTC.
ACTC has 2+2 transfer programs with Marshall University in Business Administration with six options, Biology, Chemistry, Early Childhood Education, Forensic Chemistry and Journalism with nine options. There is also 2+4 transfer program with the MU School of Pharmacy for a PharmD.
Transfer programs with Morehead State University are offered in Business Administration with three options, Nursing-BSN Completion Track, Social Work, Space Science and a Technology Management “completer” program for technology-related fields.
Transfer programs with Shawnee State University are available in Biology, Business Administration with three options, Chemistry, Education with four licensure options, Plastics Engineering Technology, Sport Studies with three options, History, Psychology, Sociology, International Relations, Computer Engineering Technology and Environmental Engineering Technology.
A transfer program with Ohio Valley University in West Virginia in available in Business Administration with a major in Organizational Management.
Many courses transfer to Ohio University, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and other universities chosen by ACTC students.
ACTC graduates can also complete bachelor’s and masters’ degrees at the College Drive Campus in Ashland through classes offered by Morehead State University-Ashland and Lindsey Wilson College.
To start a transfer program at ACTC this fall, apply by August 1. Applications are on the web at ashland.kctcs.edu and may be submitted online.
A Student Transfer Guide on ACTC’s website under Academics gives an overview of transfer options and resources. ACTC’s Advising Office can help students select the right courses for transfer to their chosen university and can be contacted at 606.326.2040 or e-mail: as_advisors@kctcs.edu. Students definitely planning to transfer to Morehead State University can contact the ACTC/MSU Advisor at: hperkey0001@kctcs.edu.
Transfer Students Have Many Options
ACTC students may transfer to any Kentucky public university through the KY General Education Transfer Agreement. As part of the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, ACTC students may also transfer through statewide reciprocity agreements in many fields.
Students who earn Associate Degrees may transfer 60 credit hours, or more, and enter their transfer institution as a junior. General education courses may also be transferred individually or as a general education block of 33 credit hours. For details on general education transfer, go to: http://gohigherky.org.
As part of the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, ACTC students may also transfer to specific degree programs at Campbellsville University, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, the University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Regis University in Colorado and Indiana Wesleyan University.
Many Transfer Scholarships Are Offered
A variety of scholarships are available for students from ACTC and other KCTCS colleges who transfer to colleges and universities in the region. Information is available at Ashland.kctcs.edu under Academics, Transfer Guide.
Transfer scholarship agreements are in place with Berea College, Capella University, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, Kentucky Wesleyan University, Midway College, Morehead University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, Regis University, Thomas Moore College, Transylvania University, Union College, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Pikeville, University of the CumberlandsandWestern Kentucky University.
Transfer scholarships are also offered by private foundations and organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa.
ACTC Twin Graduates Receive Transfer Scholarships
ACTC graduates Kathryn and Susan Barber have received Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarships from the University of Kentucky for the 2016-2017 academic year. These scholarships will cover tuition and fees for up to two years.
The twins graduated from ACTC in May with High Distinction, and both are starting in the UK Mechanical Engineering Program this fall. While at ACTC, they were involved in Phi Theta Kappa, the Student Government Association (SGA) and other activities.
“ACTC was a fantastic part of my education,” Kathryn said. “The opportunity to participate in many campus activities as SGA President was awesome.” She hopes to become an Imagineer at Walt Disney World
“ACTC has been the cornerstone to my education,” said Susan. “The people here encouraged me to be more than I ever thought possible.” She would eventually like to work at NASA.
Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, offers over $87 million in scholarships for student members who are seeking Associate’s, Bachelors and Master’s degrees.
ACTC Open House is July 14
Ashland Community and Technical College will hold an Open House and Enrollment Event Thursday, July 14, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the College Drive Campus in Ashland.
The “Why Wait? Go2ACTC” event will include information about programs, financial aid, online classes and transfer options. Advising, admission and financial aid representatives will be available to talk about career options, the application process and ways to pay for college.
The Open House will include campus tours, refreshments and giveaways. The first 75 student prospects will receive a free movie ticket to KYOVA 10 Theatre.
High school students and their parents, recent high school graduates and adults considering college for advancement are invited to come and learn about dozens of programs to help them prepare for high skill careers or for university transfer as a junior.
Visitors can meet with faculty and students to learn more about classes and the college experience at ACTC. Registration for fall is ongoing, and the Open House will help prospective students learn how to get enrolled. August 1 is the fall application deadline.