Why should I take accelerated credit?

Earning (or registering for) college credit in high school can have many benefits for students and their families. Research has shown that students who take college credit before they leave high school are likely to enroll in college and persist through their first year of college.

Here are some noteworthy reasons to engage in college credit before you leave high school:

1. Get a head start on college courses.

2. Build a college-going identity.

3. Receive transfer credit.

4. Potentially save time to degree.

5. Potentially save money.

Ideally, college credit in high school encourages all students to pursue and enroll in college. One goal of dual credit is to encourage students to take credit that will count as transfer credit in the student’s future degree program. At times, taking too much college credit in high school can present barriers later in a student’s academic career. Should a student take more than 2 or 3 college courses during high school, students should try to speak with an academic advisor at the college they might attend. Students, parents, and advisors are encouraged to think about credits as "credits with a purpose" - those that will count towards their college goals. 

Put another way, when pursuing dual credit opportunities, it is wise to understand how the credit will transfer or to know what degree program the student hopes to pursue. Knowing these key pieces of information can help high school and college advisors map what courses are most appropriate to take. Many students will not know what degree or college they plan on attending. In these cases, students are encouraged to take “intentional” college credit. “Intentional” college credit, are credits that have more transferability than others and tend to be in general subject areas such as, Math, Science, Writing, etc.

One barrier that a student may face when being granted a high number of college credits while in high school is the Federal Financial Aid 150% rule. This regulation applies to all students and is in place to help students stay on track to receiving their degree. Once a student has received 150% of the number of credits required to complete a degree then their financial aid is maxed out and no more federal loans are available. For example, if a student needs 60 credits hours to graduate and they have 90 credit hours (60 hrs. X 150 percent = 90 hrs.) their ability to receive financial aid may be terminated.

Students and families should be aware of this rule and attempt to seek credit opportunities that get students on track to a degree.

Students who are engaging in dual credit or college credit opportunities should be aware of the 90 credit rule within the Oregon Promise. Oregon Promise is a state grant that covers most tuition costs at any Oregon Community College for recent high school graduates and GED recipients who meet the eligibility requirements.

The 90-credit limit is a limit on the total number of college credits you have attempted to earn. Once you have attempted a total of 90 college credits, you are no longer eligible for Oregon Promise. All of the following types of credits count toward the 90 credit limit:

• College credits you take while in high school or as part of a high school completion program

• College credits you take during summer term*

• College credits you take at another college or university while dual-enrolled at a community college

• College credits for courses you withdraw from or fail

• Any other college credits you attempt or complete prior to and during your time as an Oregon Promise recipient

*Oregon Promise does not pay for summer courses. Information above was provided by Oregon Promise.