Growing number of students enrolling in the Degree Partnership Program

At a Glance:
What: The Degree Partnership program
Where:OSU, LBCC, and other Oregon community colleges.
Who: Linn-Benton and Oregon State students looking for alternatives to saving money, getting into more classes, and access to double the resources.
How: Apply online or at either school
More info: Contact LBCC admissions at (541 )917-4811 or OSU admissions at (541) 737-4411, or check out LBBC's Degree Parntership Program webpage and OSU's Degree Partnership Program webpage.

Class sizes at Linn-Benton are growing due to the amount of students enrolling in the LBCC/OSU degree partnership program. Formally known as duel enrollment, the degree partnership program (DPP) allows a wider variety of opportunities for students. Saving money, achieving more credits for OSU admission requirements, and access to more resources are just a few reasons students are enrolling in the program.

With an increase of 1,148 students over the last six years, the number of students registered for classes at Linn-Benton in the DPP skyrocketed from 1,318 students in fall of 2003 to 2,466 in fall of 2008. “We expect the numbers to be even larger than last year,” according to OSU Associate Director of Admissions Communications, Blake Vawter. Students are also able to do a three-way partnership program between OSU, LBCC and any other Oregon community college. “We are seeing more students that are in DPP via LBCC/Chemeketa CC/OSU and LBCC/Lane CC/OSU,” said Vawter, “This usually occurs because it allows students different course offerings within a commutable area”.

Participating in the Degree partnership program allows more flexibility in registering for classes, as well as access to double the resources. “At LBCC I was able to get into a popular class that was full at Oregon State,” said sophomore student Carissa Cunningham. Currently registered in two classes at Linn-Benton and two classes at Oregon State, Cunningham is working towards a degree in Human development and family sciences. “This program offers the best of both worlds,” She said, “It’s a great way to save money, and guarantee that I get into the classes I need for my major”. You can take up to 10 credits a term at a cheaper price and more intimate size at LBCC, while benefiting from the many campus amenities and student involvement at OSU.

“This was also the only way OSU would take me as a transfer student,” Cunningham said, “Otherwise I didn’t have enough credits”. Students who do not yet meet the OSU admission requirements are able to enroll in LBCC to finish 24 credits and apply as a transfer student. Recent High School graduates can receive an easier transition into a big University through the DPP. “Some students feel intimidated by a large research university like OSU.” Said Blake Vawter, “Via DPP they can take a class or two and see what it is like while they take the majority of classes at LBCC. When they are ready, the transition to OSU is less of a shock”. Whether you are a transfer student or a first time freshman there is only one application process for the program, which has to be done at least three weeks before the start of each term. Students can apply at either school or online.

From getting help at LBCC’s learning center to enjoying OSU sporting events for student prices, the possibilities for success are endless with the Degree Partnership Program. For more information on the program visit LBBC's Degree Parntership Program webpage or the official website, OSU's Degree Partnership Program webpage. You may also contact LBCC admissions at (541 )917-4811 or OSU admissions at (541) 737-4411.