Discover your Pathway to Greater Opportunities
The Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program (C-STEP) offers high-achieving students from low- to moderate-income families an opportunity to continue their education at UNC-Chapel Hill. It’s a unique, exciting way for students to raise their education to a higher level, making the journey more affordable and achievable.
Open to high school seniors and current GTCC students, C-STEP guarantees admission to UNC-Chapel Hill for students who enroll in the program and then earn an associate degree from GTCC with at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA. For the first two years of college, students attend GTCC. Once they graduate with an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), or Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree, students transfer to UNC-Chapel Hill for an additional two years of study to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Learn more and apply
C-STEP Advantages
- Support from C-STEP mentors at GTCC to answer questions and share advice
- Network of other C-STEP students and opportunities to shadow current UNC-Chapel Hill students on campus
- A commitment to make every effort to meet the full demonstrated financial need of all students eligible for federal financial aid
- Potential eligibility for the Carolina Covenant, a program to ensure students graduate from Carolina debt-free
C-STEP Requirements
- Enrollment in 12 to 15 credit hours per semester
- 3.2 cumulative GPA or greater
- Participation in C-STEP group meetings and trips
- Completion of an Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, or Associate in Science degree at GTCC
Who can Apply?
- Current GTCC students with no more than 30 credit hours completed including the semester of application
- Current high school seniors with no more than 30 hours of dual enrollment credit at graduation can apply in the spring semester.
UNC-Chapel Hill reviews candidates comprehensively. It considers, along with other criteria, demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles, first generation college status, diversity, employment history and family responsibilities.
