Community College

There are many reasons a community college might be the right #NextStep for you. Some common reasons students decide to attend a community college is: 

• Price: Community college is very affordable, especially when compared to many 4-year universities.

• Time to Explore: If you are unsure about what you want to do in the future, community college is a great, affordable way to explore some of your interest and see which one(s) you want to pursue.

• Academic flexibility/adjustment: Communities colleges are able to offer a lot of flexibility in their course-loads and timelines. Community college can also allow students to get adjusted to the college format of school before going into a four-year. 

• Professional Certifications: Depending on what you want to do in the future, community colleges can be the best way to obtain the necessary certifications for your field of interest. 

• Proximity to home: Many students who attend community colleges stay at home during their studies. This can be an easier transition for many. 

And more! 

Any college (2-year or 4-year)

• • Residency (RDS)

  • FAFSA

  • Transcript(s): High School and Community College if applicable 

  • Test Scores: SAT/ACT scores**

    1. 1. 1. • Many schools are not requiring test scores due to COVID-19

             • Although optional, they may be required for scholarships and honors programs 

Step 1: The Application 

• Go to CFNC.org and create an account if you do not already have one (be sure to use a personal email!) 

• Once logged in go to “Apply to College” 

  • Then “Application Hub” 

  • Then “Start An Application” and search for Central Piedmont Community College (be sure to fill out the undergraduate application)

• Be sure to refresh CFNC page and hit the “Request Transcript” button 

• Fill out the application 

  • Click here for help with the “Residency Determination” section

Step 2: The FAFSA (click here for help with FAFSA)

Ta da! You are done applying to CPCC. Now it is time to enroll! 

Bridge To Careers (called bank of America endowed in CPCC scholarship portal) 

• The Bank of America Bridge to Careers Initiative is designed to provide Black and Hispanic/Latino students with access to education and skills training that lead to high demand, meaningful careers in the Charlotte region. There is NO GPA requirement! 

• Students enrolled in a Bridge to Careers initiative are eligible for

  • Scholarships covering tuition, books, and fees

  • Structured advising support, career coaching, and career placement

  • Support services.

Bridge to Careers will prepare individuals for employment in the following career sectors:

• Information Technology

• Healthcare

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Transportation (automotive, logistics, heavy equipment, and CDL/truck driving)

• Construction 

Summer Bridge 

Summer Bridge is a six week program in which you enroll in classes at Central Piedmont over the summer to help you successfully transition from high school to college in a closed, structured, and supervised environment. 

The 2023 Summer Bridge session will run from June 19 July 28 at the Cato, Central, Levine, and Merancas campuses. Classes are held Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. 1:05 p.m; two additional mandatory activities are held from 12:45–2 p.m. (Online classes are available for students with 3.0 GPA or above) 

What is Summer Bridge all about? 

• Learn what will be expected of you in college

• Earn up to four hours of college credit

• Participate in activities designed to build your academic skills and create a sense of community

• Get a head start on college courses

• Achieve higher grade point averages

• Increase your self confidence

• Meet friends and engage in social activities

Apply here.

Opportunity Scholarship

The Opportunity Scholarship is a Minority based scholarship. The scholarship will cover the full cost of attendance to Central Piedmont tuition, books, and fees for two years. Recipients also receive a notebook computer to meet their digital needs. The selection for this scholarship is based on your demonstrated potential for success. This includes the following:

• North Carolina Residency

• Your school performance

• Current graduating senior with a minimum GPA of 2.6

• A letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor

Click here for additional scholarships (Fall 2023 scholarships open Nov. 14th, Priority Deadline is March 1st) 

Click here to review all programs at CPCC