BOSTON (AP) – The University of Massachusetts flagship Amherst campus is making it easier for graduates of the state’s two-year community colleges to attend — and afford — the four-year school.

Under a program scheduled to be announced Wednesday by Gov. Deval Patrick and UMass-Amherst Chancellor Robert Holub, community college students with a 3.0 or better grade point average will be guaranteed admission and will not have to pay tuition. Students with a GPA of 2.5 or better will be guaranteed admission, and priority for course registration, financial aid and on-campus housing. They will also be eligible for special advising services.

Patrick says better educational opportunities are critical for moving the state forward.

The governor says the goal is to offer similar programs at UMass campuses in Lowell, Dartmouth and Boston.

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