2 to 4-Year college transfer

Community college is affordable and accessible, so it is a fantastic option for many students who wish to continue their education beyond high school, including those who ultimately wish to graduate from a four-year college or university. Community college admission is open to anyone with a high school diploma or equivlanet, regardless of GPA or performance in high school. 

CPCC (Central Piedmont Community College) is the most popular community college choice for Garinger High School students because it is our local community college, has many campuses around Charlotte and is very affordable. (If you are interested in other community colleges or for a program that is not offered at CPCC, use the map at the bottom of this page to explore options or speak with your School Counselor.)

College Transfer Pograms - Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university must choose one of a handful of programs of study to ensure that the most credits will transfer to the four-year college. This is extremely important so that students do not lose credits in the transfer process. Do your research beforehand so you are making the best use of your energy, money and time. 

• Associate in Arts - For those with humanities, social sciences, business, or professional school transfer and career plans. Click here for information specific to Dance or Teaching.

• Associate in Engineering - For those with civil, electrical, mechanical or other engineering field transfer and career plans.

• Associate in Fine Arts - For those with plans to transfer to other drama/theatre, music, or visual arts programs and pursue related careers.

• Associate in Science - For those planning transfer or careers in biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, or professional programs that require strong mathematics and science knowledge. Click here for information on transfer pathways for future teachers. 

What are reasons that some students start out at a community college?

• Affordability, financial aid, scholarship opportunities
• Flexibility to live at home with elements of traditional college
• School-life balance as online options allow for full-time work 
• Exploring options as you figure out what you want to do before the full expense of a four-year college
• Transfer agreements with the four-year colleges lets you get basic requirements done
• Personalized attention helps you improve your skills & grades for college transfer

During high school, you can start community college through the Career and College Promise Program (CCP).* CCP allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit for free. Start planning for your CCP classes during registration in 10th & 11th grades. A student who works hard and plans ahead can potentially earn a two-year college degree in their final two years of high school! This is pretty rare, but lots of high school students earn tons of credits that help them and their families save money on a college education. 

After high school is when most students attend community college. If you plan to graduate in June and want to start college when you would normally have gone back to high school (fall semester), you should apply in the middle of your senior year of high school (October - March). 

Transferring to a 4-year college can occur after one full semester, but they will still look at your high school GPA if you transfer that soon. After one full year of full-time study at a community college, the 4-year college will typically no longer need to see your high school transcript. 

*See Mr. Summerour or your School Counselor if you want to learn more about this option.

Applying to attend the community college is a snap if you follow these steps. TIP: Use your personal email not your school email when setting up accounts & filling out your applications.

1. View this video to learn how to apply to college through CFNC.

2. Log into (or create) your CFNC Account - www.cfnc.org & choose Apply to College.

3. Navigate to the Application Hub (gold button on right side of page).

4. Select your college by typing the name of it where indicated.

5. Complete your community college application (submit October - March of senior year).

6. IMPORTANT: Be sure to choose one of these transfer programs or your credits may not transfer up to the 4-year college.

   • 1. • Associate in Arts

        • Associate in Engineering

        • Associate in Fine Arts (drama/theatre, music, or visual arts) 

        • Associate in Science

7. When prompted at the end of your application, choose to send your transcript thru CFNC.

8. View this video to learn how to tell your counselor (through Naviance) you applied. 

9. Log into Naviance (see slides below) & tell us you "applied directly to institution."

10. If you didn't send your transcript thru CFNC, request it in Naviance when you do step 8.

11. View this video on completing the RDS process. 

12. Find RDS (Residency Determination Services) on the CFNC website & choose Get Started Now.

13. Write down your RDS number & keep it in a safe place.

14. Watch this video on how to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

15. Navigate to the Pay for College tab on the CFNC homepage & explore the info there.

16. Click on FAFSA & complete the three steps you see (start Oct 1 of senior year).

17. Monitor your personal email for information from the college & FAFSA & take action as needed.

• CPCC Transfer Resources

• Community College/UNC Comprehensive Articulation Agreement

• Transfer to UNC System