Often times, transferring from a community college to a bachelor's program can be a rocky process.

However, if you're willing to stay local, those problems may be avoidable.

On Friday, Gulf Coast Community College and FSU Panama City came together to announce their joint partnership.

They’re calling the new program Connect and it'll do just that, connecting GCCC students with FSU advisors early on, keeping them on track.

Also, it's allowing students to enjoy a seamless transfer of transcripts and financial aid.

Plus, if enrolled, both schools are waiving some basic fees, ultimately saving students money.

President of GCCC Dr. Jim Kerley said, "You hear a lot about rising tuition's and cut backs and not as many classes being offered. Well, this is a positive thing, a forward movement kind of thing where we work together to try and save money for students and that they are able to ease through the process and get an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degrees in a very, very efficient way."

Dean of FSU Panama City Dr. DePuy said, "We feel like we designed as a good a program as you possibly can for students."

The program is also allowing enrolled GCCC students to enjoy the benefits of FSU’s campus before even transferring.