BEND, OR -- Central Oregon Community College and Oregon State University’s Cascades campus in Bend are expanding their partnership. Under a new agreement, COCC students interested in earning a Bachelor’s Degree can be jointly admitted to both schools, providing access to OSU-Cascades academic advisers and support. Officials say it's an effort to address concerns about COCC credits transferring to a four-year university.

Applying students must meet OSU admission requirements and pay tuition at each school based on their registration, but would be responsible for only one application fee. 

Currently, about 30% of the students at OSU-Cascades transfer from COCC. The agreement will be formally announced at Wednesday evening's COCC Board meeting.