Texas Tech is joining with several other schools to partner with Collin College and offer local students more opportunities for getting a bachelor’s degree at the Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney.

“The tech center at Collin College has agreements with a number of different schools such as A&M Commerce, UNT, and other ones in that area. I think it is great that Texas Tech joins the articulation agreement,” college counselor Randy Trevino said. “It’s really good for Texas Tech to expand their base here in the Dallas area, but also for the students here. The ones who are starting at Collin College can take classes whether they are through correspondents, or otherwise. The most likely student to take would typically be more of a working professional or maybe someone who is less of a traditional type student.”

Through the CEHC, Collin College will now offer three new bachelor degrees (human science, general studies, and university studies) available to any student.

“We established the center in 2010 so local students could earn university degrees while remaining close to home,” chair of the Collin College board Mac Hendricks said to the Dallas Morning News . “Texas Tech provides outstanding higher education, and this alliance demonstrates a commitment by both of our institutions to provide exceptional opportunities for our community.”

The program is expected to attract many students looking for an alternative solution to going away for college.

“I think many students that will be attending college soon will be intrigued by this new program because it is so close to their homes and families,” sophomore Betsy Zanders said.

More degrees are expected to be added in the future and the program is expected to be expanded.

“Since Texas Tech is the main college providing these degrees, many students will look to attend that school when they have finished this program” senior Jared Otte said.