Tri-County Community College (TCCC) has joined Western Carolina University’s (WCU) Western North Carolina Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (WNC RIBN) Program, creating a new opportunity for students in the TCCC service area to earn both an associate degree in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The first TCCC RIBN cohort is scheduled to begin in Fall 2027, providing aspiring nurses with an accessible, affordable option to advance their education while preparing to meet the growing demand for highly educated registered nurses throughout Western North Carolina.
The WNC RIBN program offers students a seamless, four-year model that combines community college and university education. Students are dually admitted and enrolled at WCU and a participating community college, allowing them to complete the first three years primarily at the community college while simultaneously beginning WCU coursework online. After successfully completing the first three years, students transition into their fourth year through WCU, with coursework continuing to be offered online and at WCU’s Biltmore Park instructional site.
One of the most significant advantages of the RIBN model is that students can enter the nursing workforce as registered nurses at the beginning of their fourth year. This allows students to begin earning an income and gaining valuable professional experience while completing the final year of their BSN.
“Expanding access to nursing education and strengthening opportunities for students to enter and advance in the health care workforce is a priority for Tri-County Community College,” said Dr. Donna-Tipton Rogers, TCCC President. “We are absolutely thrilled to join the WNC RIBN Program because it gives our students the opportunity to begin their education close to home, earn an associate degree and enter the nursing profession, while continuing toward a bachelor’s degree. The combination of affordability, accessibility and the ability to gain professional experience while completing the BSN is a tremendous benefit for our students and for the communities we serve. This partnership with Western Carolina University strengthens our shared commitment to preparing highly educated nurses who are ready to serve the health care needs of Western North Carolina.”
The WNC RIBN is designed to make baccalaureate nursing education more accessible and affordable. WCU currently estimates a total cost of attendance of $19,350 for the RIBN program, although costs may vary based on community college expenses and when WCU courses are taken. WCU tuition is also eligible for the benefits of North Carolina’s NC Promise program.
Students interested in the Fall 2027 TCCC RIBN cohort will first apply to TCCC’s Nursing program. Following acceptance by TCCC, students will complete WCU’s application processes. Applicants must meet admission requirements for both institutions.
WCU’s RIBN admission requirements include:
The WCU RIBN application deadline is March 1 each year. TCCC will accept applications for the Fall 2027 cohort from October 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027.
Admission requirements for TCCC Nursing can be found online at tricountycc.edu under Programs of Study.
For more information about the WNC RIBN Program, visit www.wcu.edu.
