Start Your Path to a Degree with Early College Enrollment
An Early College program is one of the best ways for high school students to get a head start on their academic and professional goals. One Colorado study found that students who took courses through these programs were 23% more likely to enroll in college than their classmates who didn’t.1 They also do better once they get there.2 What other benefits of an Early College Program are there? Read on to discover how you can get a head start.
What is Early College?
Early College is a chance for junior and senior high school students to take college courses and earn college credits as they work toward their high school diploma. These accredited dual enrollment programs (also known as concurrent enrollment) allow high school students to study at a college or university. Beginning college with credits in hand will give you a strong advantage in your academic and professional career. At Regent, you can enjoy a reduced tuition rate of $75 per credit hour.
Some programs offer only in-person or online classes. However, Regent’s early college program provides courses both on-campus and online depending on the class. Students enrolling in the Early College Program at Regent University can choose the classes based on availability and according to the course catalog.
Regent’s Early College courses may be included on your high school transcript as part of your high school curriculum. When applying to another university or college, you must provide that school with an official transcript from Regent. Since Regent is nationally accredited, the credits should transfer as long as you earn a “B” or above.
Benefits of Early College
With the Early College experience, you can learn from nationally-recognized professors teaching college-level classes while you’re still in high school. At Regent, courses from a Christian perspective will help you engage the ever-changing culture with a Christ-centered approach.
Save time
With an Early College program, high school students can save time by completing courses before enrolling as full-time students. The sooner you begin building a transcript of college credits, the closer you are to achieving a college degree. This leaves more time later for student life on campus, internships, or any other exciting things outside of the classroom.
Save money
You can also save money with reduced pricing and reimbursement through the Rewarding Educational Performance program. Enrolling as an Early College student at Regent makes you eligible to participate in this program. Reimbursements can be valued at up to $2,250. Regent University’s tuition per year for enrolled undergraduates is about $25,000 less than other private, nonprofit, four-year institutions, and each credit earned in the Early College program costs only $75 per credit hour.
Gain clarity
College students are tasked with finding their path for a major, and, ultimately, a degree. By completing foundational courses early, you’ll have more time to focus on your interests throughout your time in undergrad. Complete this form if you’re ready to explore which degree to pursue at Regent based on your career goals.
College preparedness
High school to college is one of the most difficult transitions you’ll ever experience. When you engage in college coursework as a high schooler, you’re preparing yourself mentally and academically for greater challenges later. The academic rigor of an Early College Program such as Regent’s can provide a stepping stone to an undergraduate schedule. One Texas study even found that college success rates were higher for students entering college with dual credit.2 With an Early College Program, you’re paving the way to a smoother transition once you become a full-time student.
How Do I Sign Up for Early College?
Ready to enroll as an Early College high school studentat Regent through the nationally-accredited dual-enrollment program? Start by completing the Early College application. If you are currently a JROTC Student and interested in the Royals Leadership Challenge, apply here. ( Please note: applications must be submitted by the student applying.) First, obtain approval of a parent or guardian using the Early College Parent Verification Form. Then, provide an unofficial copy of your current high school or homeschool transcript.
Once you’ve submitted your completed Early College application and your high school or homeschool transcript, your application will be processed. If you’re accepted, you will receive an email from the Enrollment Management Office. Next, you will receive an introductory email from your academic advisor with helpful information. The whole process should take no more than a week.
Once you’re enrolled in a class, you’re eligible for the REP program. If you earn a B or betterfor each Early Collegeclass, Regent will reserve a scholarship matching the tuition. This can be a financial credit of up to $2,250 (30 credit hours). After high school graduation, enroll as a full-time, on-campus student within Regent’s College of Arts & Sciences. Then, you canredeem your scholarship during your first semester of classes.
How does Early College work for homeschoolers?
While the enrollment process remains the same, homeschoolers can particularly enjoy the perks of the Early College Program.As one of the nation’s top-tier homeschool-friendly colleges, Regent University offers both on-campus and online college courses for homeschool students. Regent also offers a $1,000 annual scholarship for all on-campus traditional undergraduate students who are homeschool graduates.
Start Your College Education Early
Early College is one of the best ways to save money, time, and resources while you’re still in high school. Fortunately, Regent’s Early College Program makes it simple and affordable to earn college credits before becoming a full-time student. To find out more information about the process of Early College admissions, contact a representative at 757-352-4960. Regent University is ready to equip you with the knowledge, resources, and college credits you need to succeed.
1 ANNUAL REPORT ON CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT 2013-2014 School Year
2 Dual-Credit/Dual-Enrollment Coursework and Long-Term College Success in Texas