by Bethel University
Bethel University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS) is offering all Carroll County residents one tuition-free course toward select associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
To qualify, prospective students must be accepted and enrolled into either the Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts (Liberal Arts, A.A.) or Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management (Business Management, B.S.) degree tracks and attend class in-person at Bethel’s campus in McKenzie. Those interested in the program must also have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
No entrance exams or fees are required, and prospective students will be entered into an expedited application process to be completed at the first class meeting on June 7. The on-site process includes application, on-site financial aid guidance and academic advisement.
Bethel recently announced a 25% tuition discount to City of McKenzie employees. Those employees who reside in Carroll County can still enroll in the first class for free and apply the 25% city employee tuition discount to future courses.
The free tuition offer has a value of over $1,000 and is aimed at prospective learners who may have been hesitant in the past to apply to college due to financial constraints.
“These degree programs have classes that meet one night per week on the McKenzie campus and are designed to be manageable for adult learners with work and family responsibilities. We encourage all Carroll County residents who have been hesitant about enrolling in college to use this opportunity to give college a try, risk free,” said CPS Vice President Kimberly Martin.
This innovative approach to support residents who desire an advance degree comes at a time of rising costs from consumer products to gasoline, but also with a keen eye toward growth—and plentiful job opportunities—in West Tennessee upon completion of Ford’s Blue Oval City and other development expected to follow.
The project will create more than 5,800 jobs in the immediate area and many more across the region once parts and materials suppliers set up shop in nearby counties in support of supply chains.
According to the State of Tennessee’s website, “the impact of the project will hit every community in West Tennessee and beyond.”
Bethel’s move to make education more affordable also comes at a time when tuition rates remain at all-time highs despite an across-the-board average decline when adjusted for inflation. According to an article at CNBC.com, tuition rates at four-year, private institutions rose by 2.1% during the 2021-22 academic year.