Central Piedmont Opens Another Direct Path to Bachelor’s Degree with UNC Asheville Transfer Partnership

Central Piedmont and UNC Asheville have announced a new guaranteed admission partnership that streamlines the transfer process and creates a clear, confident pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — August 4, 2026 — Earning a bachelor’s degree just became more accessible for Central Piedmont Community College students. Central Piedmont and UNC Asheville have announced a new guaranteed admission partnership that streamlines the transfer process and creates a clear, confident pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree.

The new Bulldog Promise Program guarantees admission for eligible Central Piedmont students who complete an associate degree and fulfill program requirements.

Through the partnership, students can begin building connections with UNC Asheville long before they transfer, gaining access to:

• Transfer information and planning resources
• Admissions communications
• Orientation opportunities
• Academic advising
• Financial aid guidance and support before transferring

The partnership is designed to reduce uncertainty, make the transfer process more predictable and achievable, and simplify the transition for a wide range of students, including first-generation college students, adult learners and others pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

“At Central Piedmont, we are committed to helping students achieve their educational and career goals while minimizing barriers along the way,” said Dr. Heather Hill, provost and chief academic officer at Central Piedmont. “Students are more likely to achieve their educational goals when they can clearly see the path ahead. The Bulldog Promise Program removes uncertainty from the transfer process and provides the guidance, support and assurance students need to move confidently from Central Piedmont to UNC Asheville on their journey to a bachelor’s degree.”

“UNC Asheville is proud to partner with Central Piedmont Community College to make the path to a bachelor’s degree as clear and attainable as possible,” said Kimberly van Noort, chancellor of UNC Asheville. “The Bulldog Promise Program reflects our shared commitment to student success — giving transfer students the personalized support they need well before they ever set foot on our campus. By building on the strong foundation students gain at Central Piedmont, this partnership helps them save both time and money on their way to a bachelor’s degree, positioning them to land the job of their dreams upon graduation. We want every Central Piedmont student to know we are fully committed to their success from day one.”

The agreement marks Central Piedmont’s 20th guaranteed admission partnership and expands the college’s growing network of transfer opportunities with four-year institutions. Central Piedmont currently maintains partnerships with more than 40 colleges and universities through statewide transfer agreements, guaranteed admission programs, honors agreements and other transfer opportunities.

About Central Piedmont

Central Piedmont Community College is highly accessible and convenient to people of all ages who seek a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform their lives and strengthen the economic, social and cultural environment of Mecklenburg County. Central Piedmont is also a smart investment. At a fraction of the cost, students learn by doing, receiving a combination of technical and soft-skills training from quality faculty who prepare them to enter the workforce and make a difference in their family, business, community and world. Founded in 1963, Central Piedmont Community College has eight locations throughout Mecklenburg County, offering nearly 300 degree, diploma and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. For more information, visit cpcc.edu, or connect with the college on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About UNC Asheville

UNC Asheville is North Carolina’s public liberal arts and sciences university of the  future, marked by technology-driven solutions, hands-on learning, a  student-centered focus and career and professional readiness. With  award-winning faculty, small class sizes, and 60+ academic programs, including  a dual degree in Engineering/Mechatronics with NC State, the University provides free tuition and fees through its Access Asheville program as well as merit scholarships to all first-year students. In the US News & World Report 2026  edition of Best Colleges, UNC Asheville is ranked No. #10 in Top Public  Schools, and No. #12 in Princeton Review’s 2026 Top 50 Guide to Green Colleges.  Known as the Bulldogs, UNC Asheville student-athletes compete in 16  NCAA Division I Teams in the Big South Conference. For more information, please  visit: unca.edu.