Each year, Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC) sends students to universities like East Carolina University, UNC-Wilmington, NC State University, Elizabeth City State University and UNC-Chapel Hill, where they achieve some of the highest success rates in the state.

According to the North Carolina Community College System, Beaufort CCC transfer students in the 2021-22 academic year outperformed those from all but six other community colleges in the state. These rankings evaluated students who transferred with 30 or more credit hours and measured whether they remained enrolled or graduated from their university within a year. Among students who graduated from Beaufort CCC with a full associate degree, 96.3% were still enrolled at their universities a year later.

At Beaufort CCC, small class sizes (with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio compared to 17:1 at East Carolina University, according to U.S. News) foster close relationships between students and instructors. This leads to higher academic engagement, increased participation, more individualized attention, and detailed feedback.

Even in online courses, where personalized attention can be more challenging, Beaufort CCC ensures quality through instructor training in online teaching, noted a BCCC news release. Six faculty members have received awards for their innovative online course designs.

Many students from Beaufort CCC’s service area (Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties) may qualify for the Beaufort Promise Scholarship, which, alongside the federal Pell Grant, covers tuition and fees without requiring repayment. For students outside the service area, the Next NC Scholarship provides additional financial assistance. The college also connects students with private scholarships to help cover textbook costs.

Amanda Steven, dean of Arts & Sciences at Beaufort CCC, attributes the college’s success to its dedicated faculty. “Our instructors are experts in their fields,” she said. “They prepare students for the diverse coursework they’ll encounter at universities and promote academic confidence, versatility, and perseverance.”

“To ensure credits transfer seamlessly, Beaufort CCC focuses on offering courses aligned with widely accepted general education requirements,” stated the release. “This approach helps students stay on track, saving time and money by avoiding non-transferrable courses.

“Earning a bachelor’s degree remains one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty,” the release continued. “According to the National Center for Education Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn 35% more than those with only an associate degree.”

Through programs like Career & College Promise (CCP), high school students can take college courses for free, earning college credits even before graduation. While it was rare five years ago for CCP students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree, this achievement is becoming increasingly common. “These students are well-positioned for transfer success and substantial financial savings,” stated the release.

Students who attend Beaufort CCC after high school enjoy similar opportunities. Many local residents qualify for the Beaufort Promise Scholarship, allowing them to attend without paying tuition or fees. This helps students save money while preparing academically for their time at a university.

“Students succeed because of the dedication of our faculty and the extra steps they take to prepare students for life – and education – beyond Beaufort,” Steven said.

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