Degree Partnership Program Advantages
Image by http://oregonstate.edu/partnerships/
In 1998, Oregon State University and Linn-Benton Community College developed the Degree Partnership Program (DPP) after recognizing the need for a more practical way for students to enroll in classes at both institutions while receiving adequate financial aid. The program allows for students to be dual-enrolled at OSU and an eligible community college and take classes at one or both locations.
There are a wide variety of benefits to participating in the program including, but not limited to: lower tuition costs and smaller class sizes at LBCC, a wider selection of classes, access to scholarships, financial aid and other resources from both institutions, and eligibility to live on the OSU campus. As expressed on OSU’s DPP website, new first-year students, current OSU students, transfer students, and international students are all able to take advantage of this program. The application process is different depending on your current enrollment status, so be sure to check out the website for more information on how to get started.
The Linn-Benton Loop offers students without a vehicle free transportation between OSU and LBCC’s campuses. This makes it especially convenient for residents of Corvallis or Albany to take advantage of the Degree Partnership Program.
When asked how the program benefited her, bus-rider Maddy Ladue said that because she is an out-of-state student, it is much more affordable for her to take some of her classes at LBCC. She also said that she appreciates the smaller class sizes. LaDue is a freshman student studying merchandising management, and if she chooses, she will be able to continue to take advantage of this program until she completes all lower-division courses for her degree.
“If a student knows they want to continue their education at OSU, they should enroll in DPP as soon as they are eligible! Students save money while staying on track with their OSU goals,” said Christine Acker, LBCC’s coordinator for the DPP.
Acker also suggests that if you want to learn more about the program, the best place to start is at the DPP website. Here you will find further information in the FAQ’s, a brief video about financial aid, and a link to the application.
OSU also has a webpage providing information on the Degree Partnership Program. If you have further questions, you can visit the Partnership Office in McKenzie Hall, room 111 on LBCC’s campus.
Story by Isabelle Morin
