At a time when higher education continues to evolve, Tiffin University is strengthening its commitment to student access and success through collaborative academic pathways that connect institutions, reduce barriers and create meaningful opportunities for learners across Ohio. One of the clearest examples of this approach is DragonNext, a program that connects TU with community colleges to support students as they move from associate degree completion to a bachelor’s degree.
Launched in 2020, DragonNext has expanded steadily over the past six years and now includes 11 partner institutions, reflecting growing demand for streamlined, student-centered transfer pathways. Current partner institutions include: Terra State Community College, Edison State Community College, Owens Community College, Marion Technical College, Washington State College of Ohio, Zane State College, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Northwest State Community College, Lakeland Community College and Stark State College.
Through the program, students begin their studies at a participating community college and then transfer to Tiffin University with a clear academic plan already in place. This alignment between institutions helps eliminate guesswork in the transfer process, ensuring that credits apply directly toward degree requirements and that students stay on track to graduate.
The program is built to reduce both cost and time to degree completion. Students must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA to be eligible for admission, and they may choose to continue their studies either fully online or on TU’s main campus. Students attending the main campus are eligible for a $18,000 merit scholarship, while online students receive a $150 per credit hour tuition discount.
Beyond affordability, DragonNext emphasizes consistent support throughout the student journey. Advisors at both the community college and Tiffin University work together to guide students through the transfer process, while students also retain access to resources such as tutoring, libraries, career services, student activities and athletics.
By connecting institutions through shared academic pathways and coordinated student support, Tiffin University is helping more students move efficiently from one stage of their education to the next. DragonNext demonstrates how intentional collaboration across higher education can expand opportunity, improve completion outcomes and support student success from start to finish.
For more information on the DragonNext program, go to tiffin.edu/admissions/transfer-students/dragonnext.