Bears to Bucs

A Guaranteed Admissions Program

Your Direct Path to ETSU Starts Here

Bears to Bucs is a guaranteed admissions program that takes the stress out of transferring.

Start your journey at Northeast State Community College, build your foundation, earn an associate degree, and seamlessly continue at East Tennessee State University.

You'll have access to ETSU resources, campus events, and a support network before you ever set foot on campus full time.

ETSU's mascot Bucky pointing at the screen with text that reads "Bears to Bucs"

Your ETSU Experience Starts Now

 

Guaranteed admission to ETSU

 

ETSU student ID while at Northeast State

 

Free access to ETSU athletic events 

 

Discounted tickets to SGA concerts

 

Campus visits with lunch and support resources

 

Access to Sherrod Library resources 

How to Apply


Northeast State Community College students who plan to graduate and transfer to ETSU beginning Spring 2028 or later are elligible to sign-up for the program. 
 
Please note: Students planning to start at ETSU during the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, or Fall 2027 terms should fill out the normal ETSU Transfer Application.

1. Complete enrollment form for Northeast State Community College. 

2. Complete enrollment form for East Tennessee State University.

    • Create an account.
    • Start a new application.
    • Select Undergraduate.
    • Select the “Undergraduate Guaranteed Admissions (Bears to Bucs)" option for the “Entering college as a(n)…” question.
    • Complete the rest of the form and submit.

3. Review the email that provides next steps and confirmation of enrollment in the program.

If you have questions, contact either Northeast State or ETSU.

  Contact ETSU  

  Contact NESCC Advising  

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the requirements to participate?
    To be eligible, you must: 
    • Plan to pursue both an associate and a bachelor's degree 
    • Meet current admission criteria for Tennessee community colleges 
    • Be enrolled under the 2004 or later catalog 
  • Is this a binding commitment?
    No. Joining Bears to Bucs is non-binding on your end. You’re not locked into attending ETSU. Joining the program simply means that when you’re ready to transfer, your spot is guaranteed as long as you’ve met the program requirements. 
  • What do I need to do to transfer to ETSU after finishing at NESCC?
    Once you complete your associate degree (A.A., A.F.A., A.S., or A.S.T.) and meet all program requirements, you'll reaffirm your information from your original application and you're in. You'll also need to complete ETSU orientation before registering for classes.
  • Is my admission to ETSU guaranteed for any major I choose?
    Guaranteed admission means you are accepted to ETSU as a university. It does not guarantee acceptance into a specific academic program or major. Some disciplines have additional requirements. Your advisors at both NESCC and ETSU can help you plan for any major-specific steps.
  • Will my credits from NESCC transfer to ETSU?
    ETSU will post your NESCC coursework as transfer credit. The exact credit transfers and how they apply to your degree depend on your major, program, and a variety of other factors. Your advisors at both schools will help you plan and understand how your coursework transfers.

Resources