Concurrent Enrollment at IHCC Saves Students & Families Money
posted November 8, 2021
During the 2020 to 2021 school year, Cardinal students earned 1,393 college credits and saved $257,707 in college tuition by participating in concurrent enrollment at Indian Hills Community College (IHCC).
The free program helps our students who are ready for college-level courses get a jump start on higher education and saves them tuition money.
"We know tuition rates are increasing and want to help as many kids as possible receive college credits while in high school to put them in a better place post-graduation," says Michelle Edwards, middle and high school professional school counselor.
“We are proud to partner with Cardinal Community School District to provide students with concurrent enrollment and career academy courses. We know that early college opportunities provide students and families with tremendous savings and a jump start on college degree completion.”
- Dr. Matt Thompson, IHCC President
Concurrent enrollment allows students to take any courses that satisfy IHCC’s associate degree program. Students in 9th through 12th grade may participate so long as they score "advanced proficient" on their state tests. Qualifying freshmen and sophomores may take one class per term starting in November of their freshmen year. Juniors and seniors may take up to three classes per term, so long as their other coursework remains in good standing.
"Our 9th and 10th graders can take a class on their own time or during a study hall," Mrs. Edwards explains. "Juniors and seniors are able to go on campus like a typical college student and take morning or afternoon classes. We also have several students that take advantage of the high school academy programs and receive college credit."
Students also have the option of earning college credits through Advanced Placement (AP) tests or college-level classes on Cardinal's campus.
"We have four instructors this year at Cardinal teaching college-level coursework that students can earn dual credits in," Mrs. Edwards says. "We have a pretty open policy in allowing kids to try courses they like in the preferred setting in hopes they get a better understanding of what they want to do after graduation and save them the financial burden for the future."
If you are interested in a college-credit program or have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Edwards at michelle.edwards@cardinalcomet.com.
