SSU and NSCC Partner to Create Seamless Pathways for Students

Signing the SSU/NSCC MOA, l-r, SSU President John Keenan, Commissioner Carlos Santiago, NSCC President Patricia Gentile

 

North Shore Community College (NSCC) President Patricia Gentile and Salem State University President John Keenan have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) greatly strengthening a long-standing partnership between the two institutions.

This expanded collaboration, titled the “Seamless Pathways Partnership,” is designed to create a seamless transfer pathway from NSCC to Salem State and significantly reduce the cost of a four-year degree. Some areas of expanded collaboration will include: removal of transfer credit barriers, deferred admissions to Salem State; offering NSCC students the opportunity to live in Salem State’s residence halls; collaboration on student activities such as clubs and sports; and connecting NSCC students with Salem State’s honors program, among others.

“This MOA is exciting as it will provide seamless transfer pathways from NSCC to SSU and options for dorm housing and extracurricular activities for NSCC students so that they can have a more full college experience,” said NSCC President Gentile. The partnership builds on years of articulation agreements between the two institutions.

The Seamless Pathways Partnership is designed to give students a more affordable option for achieving a four-year degree. The below table demonstrates the potential savings for a Massachusetts student who chooses to complete a bachelor’s degree by completing two years at NSCC before transferring to Salem State. 

*Data is from the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. 
Numbers do not include cost reductions that result from financial aid.