GTCC students with 45 credits toward an eligible associate degree and a 2.5 GPA can now be admitted to UNCG early. What the new agreement offers and who qualifies.

Students at Guilford Technical Community College can now get admission to UNC Greensboro guaranteed while they are still finishing their associate degree.

The two schools signed a memorandum of understanding at UNCG last week. UNCG announced it in an Oct. 21 release. Beth Pitonzo, GTCC’s senior vice president for college and workforce instruction, and UNCG Provost Alan Boyette signed it.

Who qualifies

The release sets two conditions. A GTCC student must have:

  • at least 45 credit hours toward an associate in arts, associate in science or associate in applied science
  • a GPA of at least 2.5

Admission is then guaranteed once the student completes an eligible associate degree with the required GPA, the release said.

That GPA bar is higher than UNCG’s general one. The university’s transfer requirements page asks other transfer applicants for an overall and transferable GPA of 2.0.

What students get

The release lists three kinds of support:

  • simpler credit transfer, with transcripts shared between the two schools
  • personal academic advising aimed at internships, jobs and careers
  • financial aid guidance

“Hundreds of GTCC students transfer to UNCG each year,” Boyette said. “This agreement builds on that success by allowing us to offer admission earlier, while students are still completing their associate degrees.”

“We’re hopeful this agreement will enhance the transfer process with this direct admissions program providing a smooth transition for students from GTCC to UNCG,” Pitonzo said.

The release does not say when students can first sign up or how to apply.

What it means for you

  • If you or your student is at GTCC and plans to finish at UNCG, the 45-hour mark is the point to act. Ask a GTCC advisor about the direct admission program before then.
  • Keep the GPA at 2.5 or higher. Under the agreement, that is the line for the guarantee.
  • Associate in applied science students qualify as well as arts and science students, under the release.
  • For local schools, districts and colleges, see our Greensboro schools page.