Columbia Southern University (CSU) has partnered with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) to expand online higher education access for Gulf Coast students through a new articulation agreement and tuition-saving benefits.

The agreement allows MGCCC students to transfer academic credits toward a fully online bachelor's degree program at CSU streamlining the path from associate to bachelor's degrees per a news release.

As part of the collaboration, the two institutions also established a Learning Partnership. Through the program, MGCCC graduates and their immediate families receive a 10% tuition discount and are eligible to apply for the Learning Partner Scholarship, awarded multiple times throughout the year.

"We are thrilled to partner with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College," CSU president Dr. Ken Styron said in the release. "This partnership creates more opportunities for MGCCC students to pursue higher education, and as a result, more opportunities for communities along the Gulf Coast. It's a win-win."

Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president, echoed the sentiment.

"At Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, we are committed to creating clear and accessible pathways to higher education for our students," Graham said. "This partnership with Columbia Southern University enhances those opportunities by providing our graduates and their families with flexible, affordable options to continue their academic journeys. We are proud to collaborate with an institution that shares our dedication to student success and community impact."

Both institutions are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and emphasize accessible, student-centered education.

CSU, founded in 1993, is a leader in online education and offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in areas such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration, military studies and occupational safety and health. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050.

MGCCC serves George, Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties with a mission to meet educational and community needs through traditional and technological formats. The college provides workforce pathways, certificates, diplomas and associate transfer and applied degrees while promoting lifelong learning, service learning and leadership development. To learn more, visit www.MGCCC.edu.