What is Bridge to Appalachian?
A one-year transfer program that provides a transfer pathway for students who were not admitted as first-year students, but show potential for post-secondary success as a transfer student.
Who can be in the Bridge program?
The Bridge program is only open to students who have applied to Appalachian, and only students who have been invited are eligible to sign up.
By doing the Bridge program are we committing to App?
No. App is committing to give the student admission if the student meet the requirements, but students do not have to choose App.
Do you have to declare a major to participate?
No. It does help to identify a potential program of study though because the transfer guides for Appalachian's academic programs can help students know what community college courses to take.
How will students be notified they are eligible to participate in the program?
Eligible students are identified at the time they apply for first-year admission. If a student is eligible the student will get an invitation when they receive official correspondence regarding their admission decision.
How will invited students confirm their participation?
The invitation does not mean automatic acceptance. Students have to sign up for the Bridge program by completing the registration form in their MyMountaineer Portal. After registering, students will need to apply to the North Carolina community college of their choice, meet with a Transfer Admissions and Engagement representative, and enroll for classes at the community college.
When is the decision deadline for the Bridge program?
May 15, 2026 or until the program fills.
Are there any fees for this program?
There are no participation fees for the program. However, students will have to pay a $65 fee to apply to the university as a transfer student and pay to have their official transcripts sent. Students will be required to pay community college tuition and fees.
Why should a student participate?
- Guaranteed transfer admission when transfer admission criteria are met (2.25 GPA; 24 transfer credit hours)
- Individualized advising for each student
- Assistance with application process
- Student events & webinars
What are the student's responsibilities as a Bridge student?
- Attend a North Carolina community college the fall and spring semesters after high school graduation
- Meet with your assigned Appalachian representative regularly
- Complete at least 24 transfer hours & achieve a 2.25 cumulative GPA
- If the student has taken dual enrollment or early college courses previously they will need to complete 24 NEW hours while at the community college
- Participate in App campus-sponsored events for Bridge students as allowed throughout the year while at the community college
- Apply as a transfer student using the transfer application
- Attending a Transfer Pre-Orientation Program (T-POP) in the spring semester is encouraged but optional
Who will advise Bridge students?
- A member of our Transfer Admissions & Engagement team will schedule virtual group advising appointments with Bridge students before fall and spring registration at the community college.
What services will students be provided?
- Virtual advising meetings each semester before community college registration
- Application assistance
- Admitted student information sessions
Where will Bridge students live?
- While attending the community college, students will need to find housing either with their parents or another option that fits their situation.
- Bridge students WILL NOT live on campus while attending the community college
- Bridge students WILL NOT be guaranteed housing in the transfer residence hall.
- Bridge students will need to apply for on campus housing like any other new transfer student
When we attend App do we have to live on campus?
No, and on campus housing is not guaranteed. We have one transfer-specific residence hall, Mountain Laurel Hall. We also have one floor for transfer students in Mountaineer Hall. Students are also welcome to live off campus.
Are Bridge students able to complete an associate’s degree?
No, because Bridge students transfer out of the community college after one year. However, if a student has taken dual enrollment courses previously and is on track to complete a transfer degree (AA/AS) while participating in Bridge, the degree will be accepted to meet all general education requirements (assuming grades of C or better are achieved). If after they begin classes, a Bridge student wishes to stay at the community college and complete an associate degree, they are welcome to and they will be reviewed as a traditional transfer student once the degree is completed.
If a Bridge student will have 24 credits by Spring 2026 can they apply for spring admission then or do they have to wait until fall?
Since Bridge is intended as a yearlong program, the student will attend the community college for one year (fall and spring semesters) and transfer for the following fall. Classes can be taken online or in person at the community college. Students are welcome to take summer courses at the community college, but cannot transfer to App until the fall.
What class designation (freshman, sophomore, etc...) will I be when I transfer through Bridge?
Under 30 credit hours is considered a freshman, but that doesn't necessarily mean your bachelor's will take longer to achieve. If you accumulate more than 30 transfer hours or have previous transfer credit from an early college or dual enrollment program you will be coded with the appropriate class designation (sophomore, junior, etc...).
How many years will my bachelor's take after I transfer to App?
The time it takes you to achieve your degree depends on how you set up your course plan each semester and what/how many credits you transfer in.
What are the required classes for the 24 credit hours?
App does not have specific requirements. You will be completing general education courses which you will work with a Transfer Admissions and Engagement representative to choose.
Will we have help picking the specific courses that will transfer to App?
Yes, your community college advisor and the App transfer advisors are here to help you with that. You will set up advising meetings with your advisors at your convenience- preferably before or close to the start of registration. You'll want to meet with your advisors at least twice a semester to make sure you are on track, but you can schedule as many meetings as you need. In addition, App has an online database you can use that shows how your courses transfer. You can also find transfer guides for each of our majors.
Am I considered an App student while I take my 24 credit hours?
You are not considered an App student until you are officially attending App.
Can Bridge students use the facilities at App and attend events?
Any public facility such as the library is open to you. Similarly, you can attend any events open to the public or that you are invited to.
If a student does not attend a North Carolina community college are they still eligible to participate in Bridge?
No, the program is intended as a transfer pathway from a North Carolina community college to App.
How does admission to the community college work?
You will need to apply to the community college of your choice, if you have not already done so. Unless you are applying for a limited admissions program such as nursing, community colleges accept students up until the first day of classes. However, the longer you wait to apply and enroll the less of a course selection you will have. Let your community college advisor know you are in the Bridge to App program. When you apply to the community college, you will use the community college's regular application process. Please use the North Carolina community college website to find the community college near you.
Will I need to reapply to App?
Yes, you will need to apply as a transfer student using the transfer admission application. You will also need to reapply to any programs such as ACCESS or TRIO, and scholarships. First year scholarships will no longer apply to you. Your transfer admission application will serve as your application for transfer student scholarships.
Does financial aid still apply to me?
Yes, if you have completed the FAFSA you will need to change your school code to your community college.