As the father of a college student and a recent college grad, I can empathize with the stress that parents of college-aged children are experiencing during this unusual time. Should I send my child back to their four-year school this fall? Will it be safe by then? Will the money we spend on tuition be worth it? Will another wave of the virus hit this fall? As I mull over these questions, I’d like to propose an alternative for parents in this position: The visiting year. 
 
The visiting year, not to be confused with the gap year, offers students the chance to pay less for classes and stay on track for graduation. 
 
For soon-to-be college freshmen and sophomores, this could mean postponing their freshman or sophomore year at a university to enroll in general education classes at CFCC. This option gives time for the coronavirus to become more contained and keeps your student on track to graduate on time. 
 
Classes that Transfer
 
For a fraction of the cost you’d spend at a four-year school, your student can learn the same material at CFCC and have it count toward their four-year degree. In academic year 2018-19, 1,339 students earned transferable degrees from CFCC. With over 16 articulation agreements in place with North Carolina universities and additional partnerships with other colleges and universities, both private and independent, CFCC is well-equipped to transfer your student's credits. Moreover, the academic advising team at CFCC will work with your student directly to make sure every credit counts at the receiving school. 
 
“Community college has been the perfect start at higher education for three of my kids, two of whom are attending CFCC. It’s given them the chance to figure out what they want to study and ease into college without the pressures and culture shock of university life straight out of high school. And… not to mention, it's a more economical way to go! My son will start UNCW debt-free. Thanks, CFCC!”
— Aimee J.
 
Affordable
 
Substituting a year—or even a few classes— at a four-year school for a year at CFCC, will save you a considerable amount of money. In-state tuition for a full-time student at CFCC is just $2,116 a year (tuition and fees), less than half the cost of tuition at a four-year school. CFCC also offers a flexible payment plan that can help you break the cost up into scheduled payments. Scholarships, loans, and grants are also available. While in high school, my sons were able to dual-enroll in classes at CFCC, which saved us quite a bit of money when they moved on to ECU and NC State. This also allowed them to knock out a few transferable classes ahead of time, and lighten their academic load.
 
Convenient
 
Aside from the free admissions application, CFCC offers multiple session start dates of varying durations each semester and ongoing access to academic advisors dedicated to student success. This summer, students can begin classes May 26, June 15, or July 1, and this fall, the full term begins August 21, and shorter terms begin September 21, or October 19. Students can register up through the start of classes. Our academic advisors are available now to meet virtually to help ensure your student’s credits transfer and that they are on track to achieving their academic and career goals. 
 
Despite the pending uncertainty of the coronavirus and the effects it has had—and will have—on students’ college plans for fall, CFCC offers an affordable, convenient way for students to start their four-year degree and stay on track at their home college or university in a way that’s safe, dependable, and close to home. 
 
Make your student’s academic future a certainty by helping them start their fall semester at Cape Fear, close to home, with all the resources they need to succeed.
 
I invite you to consider CFCC. We’re here to answer all your questions, so please connect with us today. If you’re ready to get started with the enrollment process, visit cfcc.edu/admissions, or schedule a virtual appointment with an admissions team member. If you’re looking for more information about specific programs, financial aid, or resources available, visit our website or take advantage of our live chat tool. 


Jim Morton became President of Cape Fear Community College in April 2018. Prior to becoming President, Mr. Morton served as Executive Vice President and as Vice President of Business and Financial Services at CFCC. Cape Fear Community College is the 6th largest community college of the 58 community colleges in the North Carolina Community College System.