Enrollment is growing rapidly in an innovative program that clears the path to a college degree for students at community colleges and in rural areas of Arizona.<\/p>\n
Northern Arizona University\u2019s\u00a02NAU joint admission program<\/a>\u00a0began just four years ago with a handful of students, and today nearly 1,900 students are participating. That number includes nearly 600 students from four rural community colleges, making up about one-third of the total participation from 17 community colleges across the state.<\/p>\n \u201cThese students clearly see the benefits of beginning their college careers closer to home in an environment that is supportive and affordable,\u201d said\u00a0Fred Hurst<\/strong>, senior vice president of Extended Campuses at NAU. \u201cThe 2NAU approach serves students and the state by making a four-year degree more attainable.\u201d<\/p>\n 2NAU students are jointly admitted to a community college and NAU. Students receive intensive guidance from both institutions in exploring and preparing for career options while completing their community college curriculum. Students save money by completing their first two years at the community college tuition rate.<\/p>\n In addition, 2NAU students receive a waived NAU application fee, an NAU ID card, email address, Cline Library privileges and more. Students who complete their associate’s degree with a 3.5 GPA or better qualify for an NAU scholarship for up to $4,000.<\/p>\n NAU President\u00a0John Haeger\u00a0<\/strong>said the popularity of the program, which began as a partnership with Coconino Community College in Flagstaff, will help provide the state with an important resource.<\/p>\n \u201cWe launched 2NAU as part of our commitment to making college more accessible and affordable,\u201d Haeger said. \u201cAs Arizona begins to recover from the profound economic challenges of the past few years, it\u2019s more important than ever to increase the number of college-educated workers.\u201d<\/p>\n