NWTC student Bryce Van Hemelryk dreams of starting his own company one day. “It would be cool to own my own construction company,” said the Bay Port High School grad.
He enrolled and committed to play lacrosse at a four-year private college in Milwaukee.
As the fall semester draws near, Van Hemelryk and other soon-to-be college students are rethinking their plans and high-priced tuition costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Part of the reason I was going there was to play lacrosse and have the college experience,” said Van Hemelryk. “I was pretty confident that wasn’t going to happen.”
Two weeks ago, Van Hemelryk enrolled for the fall semester at NWTC. He plans to complete general education courses and transfer to a four-year university.
“My goal is to pay for college by myself,” he said. “With the uncertainty right now, it made more sense to stay home and save some money.”
“Students seek the best value for their education,” NWTC Vice President of College Advancement Dr. Aliesha Crowe said. “Two-year colleges like NWTC offer affordability and flexibility for those on their path to a bachelor’s degree.”
NWTC has credit transfer agreements with over 40 Colleges and Universities including the University of Wisconsin System, and with recently signed agreements, now offers transfer to the 16 Wisconsin Independent Colleges and Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Credits from NWTC count toward requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Every Associate Degree, including programs in Business, Health Sciences and Trades and Engineering, offer at least one transfer option.
General Studies Transfer Certificate students — in most cases— qualify as a sophomore at University of Wisconsin Green Bay or Oshkosh.
Students can save thousands by starting college at NWTC and transferring to a four-year university. Van Hemelryk will end up saving at least $30,000.
“It jumpstarts me more,” he said. “Hopefully when I come out of college, I can buy a house. My friends going to four years will have a big price tag when they graduate.”
“Providing students with the opportunity to save money and transfer represents our continued commitment to creating and delivering affordable, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.” Crowe said.