Chadron and Wayne State Colleges are expanding the State College Guarantee Program to include new non-resident first-time freshmen and new transfer students, further enhancing opportunities for students from across the region to pursue and complete their degrees.
"Governor Ricketts and the Department of Economic Development recently launched "The Good Life is Calling" campaign, promoting the unmatched quality of life, affordable housing, and top-notch schools that Nebraska has to offer to recruit individuals and families to the State. Nebraska is also a great place to complete your degree. Chadron State and Wayne State Colleges are thrilled to expand their Guarantee Program to non-resident students," states Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System (NSCS).
As the most affordable four-year college in the region, Wayne State works hard each year to keep education affordable and accessible. This new extension of the tuition guarantee to nonresident freshmen provides another path for budget-conscious students and their families to attain an excellent four-year degree while avoiding student debt.
“A great education should not come with a heavy price tag,” said Marysz Rames, president of Wayne State. “As a first-generation college student myself, I understand the hesitation students and families have when weighing their choices for a degree. That is why programs like the tuition guarantee matter so much for the hard-working families we serve. We are excited that we are now able to extend these benefits to students from out of state.”
The Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee ensures that Pell-qualified resident and non-resident students can attend Chadron State or Wayne State College tuition-free. The program applies to new undergraduate and transfer students at the Colleges.
Qualified first-time freshman and transfer students pursuing an undergraduate degree will receive a combination of federal grants, state or private grants, college remissions, or College Foundation scholarships to fill any tuition gap left after the Pell Grant. The State College Guarantee does not cover additional costs such as room and board, books, and fees. However, the student's private or community scholarships will not be considered when providing support to cover tuition costs.
To qualify, students must:
Be designated as a first-time freshman or an incoming transfer at Chadron or Wayne State College;
Be admitted to Chadron State or Wayne State College;
Be Pell Grant eligible as determined by the FAFSA, which should be completed on or before April 1st to receive priority consideration; and
Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, including one or more on-campus classes.
The Guarantee is renewable for up to four years as long as the student remains Pell-eligible, in good academic standing, and continues as a full-time on-campus student.
The Nebraska State College Transfer Guarantee is a comprehensive program that removes academic and financial barriers for transfer students. The Guarantee promises students that up to 66 hours of transfer coursework will be accepted from accredited two-year institutions while also providing institutional support to assist students on their degree pathways. In addition, students who have completed an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree will automatically have all general studies requirements fully met. The State Colleges Transfer Guarantee ensures that Pell-qualified resident and non-resident students can attend Chadron State or Wayne State College tuition-free. This holistic approach will avoid unnecessary credit duplication and move students toward the right degree pathway to a successful future. This program reaffirms the State Colleges' commitment to increasing educational access and motivating non-residents and Nebraskans to choose the Good Life.
This is one more step taken by the colleges to remove barriers to completion following the Board of Trustees’ recent approval to extend the acceptance of Associate degrees to fully meet general studies requirements, along with up to 66 credits of transfer coursework, from all accredited two-year institutions. Previously, these transfer guarantees were solely provided to students transferring from Nebraska two-year institutions.
Eliminating obstacles in awarding transfer credit is vital for transfer students to continue and complete their four-year degrees. Expanding transfer credit opportunities for transfer students from all accredited two-year institutions allows these students to transfer in additional credits, complete their four-year degrees in less time, and incur less debt.
The Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges recently unanimously approved the revised Transfer of Credits and Degrees Policy (Board Policy 4430). The highlights of the revision are:
A total of 66 hours of coursework will be accepted from all accredited two-year institutions to be distributed among general education, major and minor programs, and general electives unless otherwise accepted by agreement.
An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree completed at an accredited post-secondary institution that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours of general studies coursework or its equivalent will fulfill all requirements of a general studies program established at a Nebraska State College.
