WSU Tri-Cities, CBC sign new agreement establishing seamless college pathway

New agreement helps students save on costs

By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities signed a new agreement on Monday, Nov. 16, that creates a seamless pathway for students to complete their first two years at CBC and transfer to WSU Tri-Cities, which saves students costs.

Students significantly save on costs, as students in the program do not pay for the transfer application to attend WSU Tri-Cities, do not pay for the cost of their transcripts to transfer, and tuition is also frozen from their first semester enrolled at WSU Tri-Cities. In other words, if tuition rates increase anytime while enrolled at WSU Tri-Cities, students continue to pay the tuition rate from their first semester at WSU Tri-Cities.

Students also benefit from one-on-one support throughout their educational journey from both CBC and WSU Tri-Cities from their first term in the program. They work directly with academic advisors from both institutions to solidify complete programs of study. This helps to ensure that students complete their degree programs on-time and reduce the likelihood of taking courses unnecessarily that won’t directly transfer.

Close partnership a win for all students

WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes said she is excited to sign a new agreement with CBC, as it helps reduce the complications and cost to students who wish to first attend a community college and then transfer to a four-year university.

“Our two institutions work together to create seamless pathways so that students can get the most out of their educational experience and graduate on-track, on-time and career-ready,” she said. “With WSU Tri-Cities serving freshman, transfer, first-generation, low-income and non-traditional students, we are opening more doors to meet students where they are, today.”

Woods said CBC is also excited to strengthen its partnership with WSU Tri-Cities.

“Many of CBC’s graduates choose to become Cougs, while staying right here in the Tri-Cities,” she said. “This agreement smooths that transition. Whether a student chooses to pursue a four-year degree at CBC, WSU Tri-Cities, or any other institution, we are committed to helping each student find their best path forward.”

Students see direct benefits

Dawn Hughes, CBC alumna and current WSU Tri-Cities education student

Dawn Hughes, a current WSU Tri-Cities education student and alumna of Columbia Basin College, said transferring from CBC to WSU Tri-Cities provided a great local and affordable option that was a best fit for both her and her family.

“I moved to Tri-Cities in 2006 and was raising a family,” she said. “When I decided to go back to school, it fit our budget and our busy schedule. It was also convenient because I could take classes in-person, locally.”

Hughes said she received tremendous support from both her instructors at CBC and WSU Tri-Cities. When she started school, her sister was diagnosed with cancer. She served as her sister’s bone marrow transplant and was going to have to miss some school.

“My professors were so supportive through that,” she said. “Professors from both programs are that way. They want you to succeed.”

Apply to Bridges

Applications are open now for the Bridges Program. For more information and to apply, visit tricities.wsu.edu/bridges. To qualify for the Bridges Program, students must apply in their first year at CBC and complete the “Declaration of Intent” form. Have questions or want to meet with someone about your options? Email tricities.bridges@wsu.edu.

For more information about CBC, visit columbiabasin.edu. For more information about WSU Tri-Cities, visit tricities.wsu.edu.