Rowan-Cabarrus Highlights Affordable Starts and Strong Transfer Pathways During College Application Week
College Application Week encourages students across North Carolina to take the first step toward higher education. At Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, that opportunity is available year-round through free applications, affordable education and support to help students prepare for a career or transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Rowan-Cabarrus will recognize College Application Week, Oct. 19-25, as part of the statewide initiative coordinated by the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC). As part of the North Carolina Community College System, Rowan-Cabarrus embraces an open-door admission policy that provides broad access to higher education. While participating colleges and universities waive application fees during the week, Rowan-Cabarrus never charges a fee to apply.
At only $76 per credit hour for in-state tuition, Rowan-Cabarrus offers an affordable starting point for students pursuing a career credential or a degree. Fees, books and other costs are additional. Financial aid can help eligible students manage educational expenses, and scholarships are also available through the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation.
Rowan-Cabarrus recorded 3,385 applications for curriculum programs during the fall enrollment period from June 1 through Oct. 12, 2026, compared with 2,797 during the same period in 2023. That represents 588 additional applications, a 21% increase over three years. These applications are for new students and students seeking readmission and do not include currently enrolled students, who do not need to submit a new application each semester.
Students can receive help with admissions, residency determination, financial aid and academic planning by calling 704-216-7222 or visiting the Navigation Station at North Campus in Salisbury or South Campus in Concord. No appointment is needed for in-person assistance. Online support is also available at www.rccc.edu/support. The College also hosts on-campus events before each semester to provide additional enrollment support. Students and families can follow Rowan-Cabarrus on social media and watch for upcoming announcements with event dates and times.
“College Application Week is a reminder that higher education should be accessible to every student who wants to pursue it. Rowan-Cabarrus is the best first choice for students who want to prepare for a career or begin their path to a bachelor’s degree close to home,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. “We help students and families understand their options and take that first step. Our commitment continues beyond enrollment with personal guidance, resources and support to help students reach graduation, transfer or a meaningful career.”
The College offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, along with college transfer programs. Online, hybrid and in-person learning options give students flexibility as they balance education with work and family responsibilities.
October is also recognized as Transfer Month, an opportunity to highlight how students can begin at Rowan-Cabarrus and continue toward a bachelor’s degree. The College offers 18 enhanced transfer agreements that connect students to more than 60 bachelor’s degree options.
These partnerships give students more reasons to choose Rowan-Cabarrus first. Depending on the institution and agreement, qualifying students may receive guaranteed admission, tuition caps, scholarship opportunities, free transfer applications and academic advising from both colleges. These benefits can help students manage costs and plan their education with greater confidence.
These enhanced partnerships build on the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement with the University of North Carolina System and the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement with participating North Carolina independent colleges and universities. Students can work with academic advisors to identify transferable courses, understand admission requirements and develop an academic plan aligned with their intended bachelor’s degree.
Two local partnerships give students the opportunity to complete their associate and bachelor’s degrees in Rowan County.
Through the Learn Local, Grow Local agreement with Catawba College, eligible Rowan-Cabarrus graduates can enter as juniors in more than 30 academic programs. Qualifying students receive guaranteed admission, academic advising and additional support as they work toward a bachelor’s degree close to home.
The Streamline to Success partnership with Livingstone College supports Rowan-Cabarrus graduates who plan to become teachers. The agreement provides guaranteed admission for qualifying students, free transfer applications and financial assistance based on students’ grade point averages.
Both partnerships demonstrate the Rowan Education Collaborative’s work to increase educational attainment and connect education with local workforce needs. The Rowan Education Collaborative includes Rowan County Commissioners, the Rowan Economic Development Commission, Rowan-Salisbury Schools, Catawba College, Livingstone College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
Students interested in beginning their education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College can get started year-round without an application fee at www.rccc.edu/start.
Additional information about enhanced transfer agreements and pathways to four-year institutions is available at www.rccc.edu/transfer. Visit www.cfnc.org for details on College Application Week and participating institutions.
