This opportunity is available to Gaston students pursuing an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree, provided they have fewer than 30 transferable credits and at least one academic year remaining at Â鶹ÊÓƵ at the time of application, and they are interested in pursuing one of the eligible NC State degree programs.

“Â鶹ÊÓƵ is excited to announce this new guaranteed admission partnership with NC State University through the Wolfpack Connect program,” said Christine Ziemba-Tolbert, Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences, Transfer Program Liaison and Academic Studies Lead.

“While we’re already proud participants in NC State’s C3 program, Wolfpack Connect opens the door even wider, allowing more of our students to pursue a seamless transfer to one of over 100 eligible bachelor’s degree programs at NC State.”

“This partnership reflects Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s ongoing commitment to creating accessible and strategic transfer pathways that support student success and academic achievement,” Ziemba-Tolbert added.

Enrollment for the Wolfpack Connect program will begin in late January 2026. Students interested in applying can find more information at .

Through this partnership, Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduates will be guaranteed admission to WCU. The WCU Connect program is designed for traditional associate degree transfers and is available to all associate degree-seeking students interested in transitioning to a four-year institution. 

“What makes this partnership truly special is its inclusivity. It’s open to all associate degree-completing students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ,” said Christine Ziemba-Tolbert, Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences and Transfer Program Liaison. “Western Carolina University has long been a top transfer destination for Â鶹ÊÓƵ students, with many successfully completing their bachelor’s degrees there.”

WCU’s participation in the NC Promise program also helps Gaston students keep tuition affordable, since it is reduced to $500 per semester for in-state students. “This partnership is a life-changing opportunity for students to complete their bachelor’s degree in a financially manageable way,” Ziemba-Tolbert added.

To qualify, students must be high school graduates, be enrolled in an associate degree program at Gaston, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA at Â鶹ÊÓƵ at the time of their WCU Connect application and a minimum GPA of 2.2 in their last term at Gaston.

Students transferring with a cumulative collegiate GPA of 3.5 or higher will also be invited to join WCU’s Brinson Honors College, which offers a guaranteed transfer of up to 12 hours of honors-level credit and enhanced opportunities for academic distinction and leadership. 

Additionally, students opting into WCU Connect while still enrolled at Â鶹ÊÓƵ will gain access to early benefits. These include major-specific academic advising, a personal WCU admission counselor, access to Hunter Library textbook rentals and study spaces, admission to select athletic events, priority orientation registration, a 10 percent discount at the WCU Bookstore, and an exclusive WCU Connect Card, which can be issued up to one year prior to transfer.

Students interested in this opportunity can find more information and details at gaston.edu/arts-and-sciences/university-transfer/co-admission-agreements/western-carolina-wcu-connect/.