Nebraska Promise for NCTA

April 21, 2020

NCTA Dean’s Message

By Interim Dean Kelly Bruns, Ph.D.

Promising news!

Have you heard about the University of Nebraska’s pledge to education called Nebraska Promise?

During these challenging economic times for Nebraska’s families and students of all ages, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture received welcome news on Friday.

If eligible for financial aid, the returning, transfer and new students taking classes at NCTA and any NU campus in Kearney, Lincoln or Omaha will pay no tuition this fall.

The tuition-free commitment was announced by University of Nebraska President Ted Carter.

Nebraska Promise will guarantee that full-time resident undergraduates whose families have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less or who quality for the federal Pell Grant can attend any NU campus, including NCTA in Curtis, and pay no tuition.

Nebraska Promise criteria:

• Must be a Nebraska resident
• Take at least 12 credit hours each semester
• Family income of $60,000 or less (adjusted gross income) or be Pell Grant eligible
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA

We’re “all in” with this news at NCTA. We believe in the value of accessible and affordable education, and absolutely in our NCTA Aggie students, faculty and staff.

NCTA is unique, and a one-of-a-kind campus within the NU system.

You might recall that Ted and Lynda Carter met with our NCTA campus community last November, on a Sunday afternoon in the NCTA Education Center.

Admiral Carter was being considered for the highest NU leadership post and was introduced to us by University Regents Bob Phares and Jim Pillen. He became the eighth NU president in January.

Three months into his presidency, in mid-March, Nebraskans were faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were headed into spring break and as classes resumed on March 23, it was by remote education.

The NCTA Aggie students and faculty have met the challenge head-on, and on May 7, the Class of 2020 will be saluted in a pre-recorded, virtual commencement ceremony.

Nebraska Promise for NCTA

President Carter’s commitment to NCTA has been unwavering these past four months, as has been the leadership of University Vice President Mike Boehm who is directly responsible for NCTA.

“Accessibility for the people of Nebraska has been core to the mission of our University for more than 150 years,” President Carter said in his announcement.

“We understand that in these uncertain times, many Nebraskans are rethinking every dollar. We want students and families to know that their University is here for them, that we want them as part of our family, and that we’re doing everything we can to keep the promise of a college education within reach, no matter what their circumstance.”

A key component for Aggie students and their families is completion of FAFSA – the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

To accommodate Nebraska families, NU extended the FAFSA application period to June 1. See https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

The process to become an NCTA student is outlined at our web site, ncta.unl.edu: 

• Prospective first-time or transfer students submit an application online and can find all of the details in six steps at https://ncta.unl.edu/apply-now
• Once a student receives their acceptance letter, they make decisions on housing, financial aid and scholarships, academic programs and more.
• Students can visit campus through a virtual tour or attend New Student Enrollment days.

Students and families with questions regarding the “Nebraska Promise” or NCTA programs can contact our admissions office at 308-367-5267.

Campus Event changes

In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, several activities have been canceled including Nebraska Extension or NCTA events through May 31.

May 7 – NCTA Virtual Graduation, 2 p.m. CT, see details at https://ncta.unl.edu/spring-commencement-2020

May 27-28 – Livestock Judging Camp and Animal Science Field Day - canceled

June 8-12 – Youth Range Camp 2020 – canceled

Watch ncta.unl.edu for details on other events.

NCTA is devoted to a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, and related industries. The college provides open access to innovative technical education resulting in associate degrees, certificates, and other credentials.