Bears to Bucs

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.

Request more information

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 
  • Have earned 29 or fewer college-level semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher (2.75 GPA if pursuing an A.S.T. degree) 
  • 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 I have an advisor at ETSU before I transfer?

  Yes. One of the biggest advantages of Bears to Bucs is that you'll receive advising from both NESCC and ETSU throughout your time at Northeast State. You won't be starting from scratch when you transfer since you'll already have relationships built with university staff who know your goals.
• 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.