New Bristol Community College and Rhode Island College transfer agreement simplifies the path to a bachelor’s degree

Bristol Community College and Rhode Island College (RIC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement that creates an efficient and cost-saving pathway for students transferring from Bristol to RIC to complete their bachelor's degree.

The MOU agreement, which will go into effect in Fall 2022, was celebrated at Rhode Island College on Monday, April 25, 2022, with a ceremonial signing by Dr. Frank D. Sánchez, President, Rhode Island College; Dr. Laura L. Douglas, President, Bristol Community College and a brief speaking program featuring representatives from each institution.

“This collaboration is an excellent extension of Bristol Community College and Rhode Island College’s shared mission of furthering access to higher education,” said Dr. Laura L. Douglas, President, Bristol Community College. “This cost-saving pathway will also combine the support and resources of both institutions, simplifying the transition to earn a bachelor's degree, while aiding student success.

“Both of our institutions are committed to putting educational and career success within reach for more students,” said Dr. Frank D. Sánchez, President, Rhode Island College. “This agreement creates a clear and affordable pathway from the quality programs at Bristol Community College to the social mobility made possible with a four-year degree from Rhode Island College.”

The innovative transfer agreement will establish “2+2 programs,” in a variety of subjects, enabling students to attend Bristol for two years and complete an associate degree before seamlessly transferring all their college credits to RIC, where they will complete their bachelor's degree within a combined total of 4 years. The institutions have established “2+2 programs” in the subjects of dental hygiene, communication, psychology, and theatre, while equivalent programs in biology, environmental studies, secondary education and social work are in development.

Students who begin at Bristol, before transferring to RIC to complete their degree, will experience significant cost savings in tuition and fees, compared to beginning at a four-year institution. Students from Northeast states, such as Massachusetts, qualify for the “Northeast Neighbors” special tuition rate that is comparable, or in some cases more affordable, to a student’s in-state college or university tuition.