Texas Southmost College and National University Announce Partnership Expanding Affordable Pathways to Advanced Degrees

National University (NU), a Veteran-founded nonprofit university serving nontraditional, working and military learners, and Texas Southmost College (TSC), a comprehensive community college offering both academic and technical education programs, today announced a new partnership to expand access to affordable and flexible bachelor’s and graduate degree pathways for TSC students, employees, and recent alumni.

The signing ceremony, held today at the TSC Performing Arts Center, formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions aimed at improving access, affordability, and student success. The collaboration will strengthen transfer opportunities, support workforce development, and provide flexible online and hybrid learning options designed to help busy students and professionals advance their education and careers.

NU and TSC were recently recognized by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for their “Opportunity Colleges and Universities – Higher Access, Higher Earnings” designation, underscoring their shared commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that leads to upward mobility and career success.

“National University and Texas Southmost College share a deep commitment to expanding opportunity through education,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University. “Together, we’re creating seamless pathways for students, alumni, and employees to pursue bachelor’s and graduate degrees that fit into their busy lives—empowering more learners to achieve their goals and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.”

Through this partnership, TSC students and employees will receive significant tuition discounts when continuing their education at National University, along with dedicated transfer support to guide them through every step of their academic journey:

• 25 percent tuition discount for TSC students who have completed a transferable associate degree and wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree
• 15 percent tuition discount for recent TSC alumni who have completed a transferable associate degree within the last five years and wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree
• 25 percent tuition discount for TSC employees pursuing most bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• 15 percent tuition discount for TSC employees pursuing doctoral programs, including the Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) designed to support faculty and staff who are all but dissertation (ABD) in completing their doctoral degrees.

Texas Southmost College, serving the southernmost region of Texas, offers affordable, high-quality associate degree and certificate programs designed to strengthen the local workforce and expand access to higher education.

“Texas Southmost College is partnering with National University in expanding opportunities for our students, alumni, employees and communities,” said TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez. “This partnership creates clear transfer pathways, offers meaningful tuition benefits and empowers our community to continue their educational journeys with confidence. Together, TSC and National University are forging another new pathway in higher education and providing educational opportunities that will lead to brighter futures and stronger communities.”

“National University is excited to expand our presence and outreach in the state of Texas as we look for new opportunities and partnerships to remove barriers, provide seamless transfer pathways, and expand access to make higher education a reality for nontraditional students,” said Dr. Gerardo de los Santos, vice president of community college relations at National University and inductee into the American Association of Community Colleges Leadership Hall of Fame. “We look forward to partnering with Texas Southmost College to create accessible and equitable pathways for community college students, recent alumni and employees to continue their educational journey at NU.”

As the home of the ANDers™—students balancing careers, military service, families, and other commitments—National University champions nontraditional learners. By combining NU’s flexible Whole Human Education™ model with TSC’s commitment to high-quality, accessible education, this partnership opens new pathways for student success across the region.