New Bachelor’s Degree Pathway for HCC Students

Housatonic Community College (HCC) established an agreement that will help HCC graduates transfer to Jackson State University (JSU) in Mississippi. The agreement aims to provide a seamless transfer for students who enroll at JSU following the completion of their two-year degree at HCC.

Leaders of both colleges signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 3 at HCC in Bridgeport. The MOU allows HCC students to transfer credits and enroll at JSU at the in-state tuition rate.

Dr. Dwayne Smith, CEO of Housatonic Community College, stated, “Certainly, a priority is for Housatonic scholars to transfer to CT educational institutions. With that said, Jackson State University offers additional excellent, diverse educational opportunities that are affordable for our scholars.”

With open-access missions, low tuition and fees, and greater flexibility, community colleges such as HCC often serve a large number of underserved students, including significant shares of first-generation college students, ethnic minority students, and those from low-income families.

Agreements such as this one encourage community college students to enroll in four-year colleges, opening new doors to further their education and creating a pathway to higher economic mobility. According to the most recent institutional data, Housatonic students transfer to more than 100 schools annually. 

“I’m ecstatic about this new and burgeoning relationship. We’re very excited about this opportunity to partner with Housatonic where we can start a pipeline of bringing excellent students to Jackson State University,” said JSU President Thomas K. Hudson, JD.

Jackson State University, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is a comprehensive urban research university offering degrees at the baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels.

To learn more about Housatonic Community College visit Housatonic.edu. Visit jsums.edu to learn more about Jackson State University.