Carter County Middle College Achieves State Ranking of Fourth

Carter County Middle College (CCMC) has achieved a significant milestone by ranking fourth in student enrollment among middle colleges in Tennessee. This program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to take full-time college courses at Northeast State Community College, offers students the opportunity to earn up to 62 college credits. These credits also satisfy the general education requirements for students planning to attend East Tennessee State University.

Currently, CCMC has 72 students enrolled, making it the largest program east of Nashville and the second-largest among rural middle college programs in the state. It is also recognized as the oldest and largest middle college in East Tennessee. According to Drew Gray, the director of CCMC, this unique educational pathway provides students with a crucial head start on their future careers.

“Students are able to enroll in the workforce two years earlier,” Gray explains. “This means they gain two extra years of salary while also saving on two years of tuition.”

Launched in 2021, CCMC was the first large-scale middle college program in East Tennessee. Since its inception, enrollment has surged dramatically. “It’s exploding like crazy,” Gray notes, highlighting a rapid increase in participation. In previous years, the college ranked fifth, sixth, and eighth, respectively, and this year’s class shows even greater promise.

To qualify for the program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Those achieving a GPA of 3.8 or higher are automatically accepted, while students with lower GPAs must complete a college readiness exam known as the ACCUPLACER.

Funding for the program comes from a combination of state support and local resources. Each student receives $2,000 from the state through the Middle College Grant, with Carter County covering additional expenses. “We’re the only middle college system to offer it for free,” Gray adds, emphasizing the unique financial benefits available to participants.

In anticipation of future growth, CCMC will soon relocate to the new Carter County Higher Education Center. This transition is expected to enhance the learning environment and accommodate the increasing number of students. An estimated 27 seniors are set to graduate this spring, reflecting the program’s success.

Gray encourages prospective students to take full advantage of this opportunity: “Take it seriously. What you’re doing in school right now matters.” His advocacy underscores the program’s potential to change lives and create pathways to success for students in Carter County and beyond.