UNC Asheville and GTCC announce new Direct-Entry MOU

UNC Asheville and Guilford Technical Community College have signed a new MOU establishing a guaranteed transfer pathway for GTCC students pursuing a bachelor's degree. The agreement's Direct-Entry Admission Program guarantees UNC Asheville admission to GTCC students who complete an associate degree with a 2.0 GPA or higher, with credits fully honored under the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. Eligible students can enroll for free through a brief online form, gaining early access to financial aid, registration, and orientation support.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — June 16, 2026 — UNC Asheville and Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) today announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that creates a streamlined, guaranteed pathway for GTCC students to transfer to and succeed at UNC Asheville. The first of its kind between the two institutions – the agreement guarantees admission, honors transfer credits, and saves students time and money on their path to a bachelor’s degree.

At the heart of the MOU is the Direct-Entry Admission Program, which guarantees UNC Asheville admission to GTCC students who complete an associate degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. The agreement is built on the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA), ensuring that credits earned at GTCC are fully recognized and honored at UNC Asheville. Students don’t lose the progress they’ve worked hard to achieve; the result is a faster, more affordable route to earning a bachelor’s degree from one of the premier public liberal arts and sciences universities in the Southeast.

Eligible students can begin the simple sign-up process – at no cost– by completing a brief online form through a UNC Asheville Admission Counselor. Once enrolled in the program, students gain early access to financial aid, registration, and orientation communications, placing them ahead of the curve as they prepare for the next step in their academic journey.

“Our partnership with GTCC reflects UNC Asheville’s deep commitment to expanding access and opportunity for students across North Carolina,” said UNC Asheville Chancellor Dr. Kimberly van Noort. “When we remove barriers between our institutions, honoring the credits students have earned, simplifying the transfer process, and guaranteeing a path forward, we send a powerful message: your hard work matters, and a world-class liberal arts and sciences education is well within your reach.”

“This partnership reflects GTCC’s commitment to helping students reach their educational goals while saving money,” said GTCC President Anthony Clarke, Ph.D. “Through the direct-entry admission program, students can map a clear, efficient route from an associate degree at GTCC to a bachelor’s degree at UNC Asheville, with guaranteed admission and transfer credits. We’re excited to extend our transfer offerings to the western part of the state.”

About UNC Asheville

Founded in 1927, UNC Asheville is a proud member of the University of North Carolina System. With award-winning faculty, small class sizes, and 90+ academic programs in the natural sciences, human sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences, the University is recognized for its robust paid internship programs to prepare students to immediately enter the workforce. In the US News & World Report 2025 edition of Best Colleges, UNC Asheville is ranked No. #9 in Top Public Schools, and No. #7 in Princeton Review’s 2025 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: www.unca.edu.

About GTCC

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves over 30,000 students annually from six campuses and a Small Business Center. For more information, visit gtcc.edu.