By Rob Buffum

Did I just read that right?

A four year degree program at a community college?

Starting this fall students can get their bachelor’s degree from Drexel University without ever leaving the Marple Campus of Delaware County Community College.

Through a partnership signed last fall, students will be able to complete their bachelor’s degree in the “Drexel University at DCCC” program, according to DCCC’s website.

“This is an opportunity for people who want a Drexel education,” said Tina Heuges, director of recruitment and marketing for Drexel University at DCCC. “It is a chance to go to Drexel University, without ever stepping foot in Philadelphia.”

The program offers students in select degree programs a Drexel education at a substantial discount, while taking classes at DCCC, according to a flyer from Drexel.

Tuition is modestly priced at $28,000 a year, according to Drexel’s website. Theregular tuition for Drexel is approximately $44,000 a year.

The program is being offered for students interested in business administration, computing and security technology, health sciences, health sciences administration and the AS to BS joint degree in nursing. It is open to any student with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA, according to a brochure from Drexel.

“Members of Phi Theta Kappa are encouraged to apply,” said Heuges. “Drexel is also very veteran friendly, being a Yellow Ribbon School.”

The Yellow Ribbon program was started by Veterans Affairs to give outstanding schools extra funding for veterans so that their tuition can be paid, according to the VA website.

Students also have access to Drexel’s co-op program.

The co-op experience gives students real world experience related to their degree. This type of education was pioneered by Drexel in 1919, and it is still recognized as the standard worldwide, according to Drexel’s website.

Unlike an internship which may be unpaid and part time, a co-op usually lasts a semester, is a paid position, and gives students college credit for the intensive experience. Students who participate in co-ops often start at higher salaries than students who took part in only internships, according to campus-to-career.com

Students interested in Drexel University at DCCC should attend one of the information sessions held every Tuesday during Q-time in Room 2334 on Marple campus.