Merced College students now have a new, affordable path to earning bachelor’s degrees online, thanks to a new partnership with Arizona State University.
Beginning this fall, eligible students and alumni can save 22% on tuition with the California Community College Achievement Plan, a partnership between ASU and select California Community Colleges, including Merced College. The plan is a dedicated transfer grant for students who enroll in an online bachelor’s degree program through ASU Online.
“Our university is committed to enhancing access to high-quality education for all students capable of college-level work,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “Providing top online learning opportunities and making ASU’s world-class faculty available to the enthusiastic learners in our neighboring state will prepare more skilled graduates, strengthen our shared region, and support a better future.”
With no income requirements or special applications needed to receive the special tuition, the pilot program helps break financial barriers and creates an accessible, seamless transfer pathway for Merced College students to complete a degree. Merced College also offers a streamlined transfer process to Arizona State through MyPath2ASU.
“Merced College is proud to strengthen our collaboration with Arizona State University, united by a commitment to innovation and student success,” Merced College President Chris Vitelli said. “Through MyPath2ASU and the ASU Online tuition discount, we’re expanding options, reducing barriers, and empowering students to complete their degrees in ways that fit their lives—while building skills that will strengthen the Central Valley for years to come.”
Located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley in a largely agricultural region, Merced College’s mission is to transform lives through education and to serve as an open-access institution committed to equity, excellence and opportunity.
This partnership with ASU expands transfer opportunities for their students, particularly those seeking the flexibility of online learning, by giving them access to a world-class university at a competitive cost, reflecting their commitment to innovating ways to meet students where they are with the opportunities they need.
Many students choose Merced College because they want to strengthen their ties to the Central Valley while preparing for professional success. As a rural community college, the college is focused not only on helping students reach their academic goals, but also on empowering them to build strong, vibrant futures in the Central Valley and beyond.
The skills and credentials they earn through ASU Online will help them advance in local industries such as healthcare, education, business, and public service.
“At Merced College, we believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t always within reach,” Vitelli said. “Our partnership with Arizona State University expands access through affordable, seamless transfer pathways—especially for students from rural and underserved communities like ours. Together, we’re opening doors for students to achieve their goals, apply their skills locally, and help shape the Central Valley’s future.”
Like Merced College, Arizona State is reimagining what higher education can be—accessible, innovative and designed for impact—and ASU Online is at the forefront of digital learning. Students can choose from more than 180 online undergraduate degrees, offering Merced College transfer students access to ASU’s on-campus faculty, instruction and curriculum, without the need to relocate.
Online students also gain access to resources, mentorship and a success coach—providing one-to-one coaching to guide students through balancing life, work and school—helping each student build long-term success.
ASU Online has a long-standing presence in California, with more than 15,000 students currently enrolled online, thriving in their communities and making meaningful contributions to the state’s economy.
“Merced College’s partnership with Arizona State University marks a transformative moment for the college and the community we serve,” said Mike McCandless, Vice President of Student Services. “By offering access to a prestigious institution known for innovation and academic excellence, we’re opening doors for students to pursue high-quality, affordable education while remaining in Merced. It’s creating a real opportunity for our students and ensuring every student has a pathway to success.”