by Madi Cannon, Public Relations Writer
High school students who want to get an early start on college — and save money in the process — are participating in the Ohio Department of Education’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program. For colleges like Cedarville University, partnering with CCP helps bring high-achieving students after high school graduation.
Cedarville University has been participating in the College Credit Plus program since 2015. An estimated 45 percent of high school students who take Cedarville courses enroll after they complete their high school requirements. Statewide, more than 52,000 Ohio high school students participated in the program, saving $110 million on college tuition.
The state education department funds CCP and negotiates tuition rates with Ohio universities and colleges, allowing students to take free classes.“Cedarville University is pleased to participate in Ohio’s College Credit Plus program,” said Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. “The opportunity that CCP provides for college-ready secondary students from public, private and homeschools to choose an institution that is best fit for them academically, socially and spiritually is exemplary.”
Cedarville’s Dual Enrollment program, which includes both CCP and a paid option for families of high school students, has benefited from joining the state-funded program. “Cedarville has experienced a 48 percent increase in high school enrollment during the past two years. More importantly, 45 percent of those students have enrolled as Cedarville freshmen,” said White.
CCP prepares students for college by giving them the opportunity to experience college-level classes and professors while still in high school. With some planning, students also have the opportunity to save time and money.
“Dual Enrollment and the CCP option give college-ready students an opportunity to be challenged and to experience college-level work,” said Dr. Janice Supplee, vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “It gives them confidence in their college work, and they are more likely to go to college and graduate.”
Dual Enrollment students attend a summer orientation day at Cedarville where they learn successful studying strategies. They also meet their adviser, who guides their educational experience at Cedarville.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.