Stay and Learn Local

Catawba's Stay Local Program provides fantastic opportunities for students in Rowan, Davie, Davidson, Iredell, Catawba, Cabarrus, and Stanly Counties.

Offering significant scholarship funds, free access to events, and even tuition free classes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re still in high school or looking to transfer from another institution, our Stay Local initiative will help make the transition to Catawba College a seamless process. Learn all about what the program has to offer below!

Our Commitment to Local Students

Our Commitment to Local Students

To take advantage of these amazing opportunities, fill out an application now or request more information:

Scholarships and Grants for Local First-Year Students

First-Year Students from Rowan, Davie, Davidson, Iredell, Catawba, Cabarrus, and Stanly Counties will be guaranteed at least 50% of the tuition and fees in scholarships and grants provided they have a 3.5 cumulative GPA (Weighted) High School GPA.

Scholarships and Grants for Local Transfer Students

Transfer Students from Rowan and Davie County transferring from another four-year or two-year institution will be guaranteed at least 50% of the tuition and fees provided they are transferring in more than 24 credit-hours and have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.

Room and Board Scholarships

First-Year Students from Rowan and Davie County wishing to live on campus will be able to apply and be accepted into the Woodson Scholars Program (funding provided by the Woodson Foundation) to receive additional scholarship towards room and board – up to $500 a year, renewable for four years, applicants will need to apply by January 15th each year.

Admission to Home Athletic Events

Students from Davidson County Community College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will be able to attend all home Catawba College athletic events with their current College student ID for no charge (unless our students would also be charged such as conference and NCAA tournaments).

Tickets to All Theatre and Music Events

Students from Davidson County Community College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College can request and receive a complimentary ticket to all Catawba College theatre and music performances.

Join the Band

Students from Davidson County Community College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College are able to be a member of and perform with the Catawba College Marching Band and Pep Band Program.

One Tuition-Free Class

Students from Rowan, Davie, Davidson, Iredell, Catawba, Cabarrus, and Stanly Counties enrolled full-time can take one class from Catawba tuition free.

Earn College Credits while in High School

Qualified high school juniors and seniors in Rowan, Davie, Davidson, Iredell, Catawba, Cabarrus, and Stanly Counties are afforded an opportunity to pursue courses at Catawba College while still in high school. Credit earned in this program will be counted toward hours needed for graduation at Catawba. Acceptance of these credits by other institutions is at the discretion of those officials. A written recommendation from the guidance counselor with an official high school transcript of all high school academic work to date, as well as at least one set of standardized test scores (either SAT, ACT, PSAT or PLAN) are required of these candidates. Those admitted into this program can take one course tuition-free each fall and spring (not to exceed four tuition-free courses in total). Students may exceed one course per semester at their expense, and Joint Enrollment registration is subject to availability.

A Tuition-Free College Course for Local Latinas

The Unanue Scholars Program invites Latinas in Rowan County in the 11th grade to take a tuition-free college course that will allow them to explore—in the comforting context of an all-female class—their own culture while receiving instruction in academic skills crucial for college. Students are paired with well-trained mentors chosen from Catawba’s Latina population. Through group meals and field trips designed to advance social capital, the mentors will serve as role models and offer advice on the realities of campus life.

RCCC "Learn Local, Grow Local" Program

Catawba College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College have partnered for the Learn Local, Grow Local program that will provide graduates from Rowan-Cabarrus guaranteed admission to Catawba College and transfer with junior standing into more than 30 different programs. Additionally, Catawba College guarantees daytime students at least 50 percent tuition and fees in scholarships and grants to RCCC graduates with at least a 3.5 GPA.