Northern Arizona University is making it easier for community college students to earn a bachelor's degree.
Students applying for admission to Yavapai College can apply to NAU at the same time with no additional application fee. YC2NAU is a unique program designed to provide a seamless transition from Yavapai College to NAU.
Students taking advantage of the YC2NAU program can access services at both institutions, including academic advisors, libraries, and events.
YC2NAU includes a free online first-year-experience course that helps students navigate university resources and systems. It also transfers credits from one school to the other.
According to Susan Johnstad, NAU assistant vice president and campus executive officer for the Yavapai campus at the Prescott Valley library, the YC2NAU program allows students more control and awareness of their educational plan.
Also known as the 90/30 plan, YC2NAU lets degree-seeking students earn the majority of their credits at YC before transferring to NAU. Students save on tuition costs by receiving most of their credits at YC.
"It is a cost-effective way to pursue a bachelor's degree," Johnstad said.
Toni Golden recently received a management certificate from YC. She needs four more credits to earn an associate's degree, and plans to earn a bachelor's degree in public management through the 90/30 plan.
"I can finish my B.A. without going to Flagstaff," Golden said.
During her third year at YC, Golden took online classes. She plans to take her NAU classes online.
Lyn Constable already has an associate's degree in computer science. She is interested in the 90/30 program to earn a bachelor's degree in public administration.
Johnstad said the 90/30 program makes the best use of the credits students may already have. Students can apply a variety of credits to the 90/30 program, including those they earned toward a different major, a certificate program or other programs.
Currently, students can take advantage of the 90/30 program to take online NAU classes to earn degrees in administration of justice, fire science, business management and technology management.
Patrick Hernandez is already a dual-enrollment student. He is pursuing a degree because he wants the education to back up his work experience.
"The education, the degree, was the piece of the puzzle I was missing," said Hernandez, who is working toward a bachelor's degree in business management.
"I signed up for the 90/30 program because of the convenience. I can stay in Prescott and work full-time. Also, I can be with my family while I am pursuing my education."
Once upon a time, NAU was associated with teacher education, but Johnstad said, "It has progressed beyond that. There are a lot of people, government and military, who have a lot of training. They can now apply those credits to a degree and move up reaching their leadership goals."
More information about the YC2NAU program is available at www.yc2nau.info.
