In a significant move to enhance educational opportunities, Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) graduates are now eligible to enroll at Misericordia University without having to fulfill core curriculum requirements. This initiative is aimed at bolstering both affordability and accessibility for students, as emphasized by the leaders of the two institutions during the signing of the agreement on Thursday morning.
The mascots of both schools, Blaze from LCCC and Archie from Misericordia, shared a celebratory moment as the new program was unveiled. LCCC President John Yudichak remarked, “When higher education institutions work together, as we are today, students benefit and the community benefits.” He highlighted the importance of collaboration in making degree pathways more affordable, thus strengthening the local workforce and providing students with greater opportunities.
With this initiative, students who earn an associate degree from LCCC can seamlessly transition to Misericordia University, focusing directly on their major courses. This arrangement significantly reduces both the time and financial burden associated with completing a bachelor’s degree.
Misericordia President Daniel J. Myers stated, “What we are announcing this morning isn’t just another agreement. It’s a bold commitment to access, affordability and opportunity.” He emphasized that students transitioning from LCCC to Misericordia are “not starting over. They are building upward.”
In the past half-decade, approximately 1,400 students from LCCC have continued their studies at Misericordia. The new “Accelerate Your Degree” articulation agreement is designed to minimize obstacles, ensuring students save both time and money in their pursuit of a four-year degree, according to Yudichak.
LCCC’s tuition fees range from $3,675 per semester for Luzerne County residents to $8,655 for out-of-state students. At Misericordia, the annual tuition is $41,000, though 99% of students benefit from financial aid.
Madison Hayes, an LCCC student set to graduate soon, plans to enroll in Misericordia’s psychology program this fall. She praised the streamlined transfer process and celebrated her acceptance with her family, especially after receiving a scholarship. Hayes aspires to work with individuals dealing with addictions and expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I hope to see some Trailblazers trailing on over to Misericordia.”
