MTSU offers high schoolers tuition-free college classes

[alp227]

Source: The Tennessean

High school students across the state will be able to take college classes like macroeconomics and sociology this fall without paying tuition thanks to a new program rolling out at Middle Tennessee State University.

The university's Dual Enrollment Program will offer eligible students the chance to take the tuition-free courses online or on campus in Murfreesboro. Students at partnering schools in Rutherford, Williamson and Bradley counties will be able to take the courses in their high schools. The courses will yield both college and high school credit.

Dual-enrollment programs have long been a staple at Tennessee's 13 community colleges. While universities, including MTSU, have offered limited dual-enrollment opportunities, the four-year school's new program is an especially aggressive push that officials hope will bolster recruitment and student success.

"If I had my way, I wish every student could take a dual-enrollment course," said Mike Boyle, dean of MTSU's University College, which houses the new Dual-Enrollment Program.

Read more: http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2015/05/11/mtsu-dual-enrollment-tuition-high-school/27147703/

[TexasTowelie]

1. One thing to consider before getting the students enrolled in dual-enrollment classes is to check

the restrictions of your high school as to how they affect class rankings.

About a month ago I posted a story about a student in Texas that became ineligible to become valedictorian of his high school class because he had dual-enrollment classes. In this instance, he lost eligibility for college scholarship money because his school district specifically those students from receiving those honors. The argument was that since the high school did not set the curriculum or standards for grading that it was impossible for them to determine whether the college courses met the requirements of the high school and that students would not be ranked upon the same criteria.

[NancyDL]

2. Way to Go....

I understand that other universities are considering following suit. Anyone know about this?

[Blue_Tires]

4. Variations of this program have been around for awhile

it's also a way for MTSU to get a head start on hopefully getting these students to attend after graduation...

[jwirr]

3. Here in MN we have been doing that for years. High school students who qualify start taking

college classes after they have met the graduation requirements. It saves a lot of money and the student can get a head start on their generals. But most of all it means that students are not setting in a lot of make work courses just because it is not graduation day yet.