By: Victoria Kerins, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY — With the intention of making the possibility of earning a college degree a reality, the dual credit programs offered by Stockton and Rowan pave the way for brighter futures, valuable connections, and transformative educational experiences for students looking to attend postsecondary collegiate institutions across South Jersey.
With the costs of postsecondary education at an all-time high, and only continuing to rise, dual credit programs, initiatives, and partnerships between local South Jersey high schools and surrounding colleges and universities, such as Stockton University in Galloway Township and Rowan University in Glassboro, provide valuable opportunities for high school students to engage in rigorous academic coursework while simultaneously earning college credit, saving them time and money.
The idea of attending college appeals to many students approaching the end of their high school careers. Increased job opportunities; the ability to one day work in fields that support their specific interests; access to state-of-the-art facilities; and the possibilities of gaining extensive knowledge and valuable experience from tailored classwork, internships, and esteemed faculty working and researching at the height of their fields are just a few of the invaluable benefits that a college education provides to students that they might not otherwise find.
As such, it’s not a surprise that many students want to attend college, but for a significant number of these students, this may not be a possibility due to the hefty price tag attached to the names of many postsecondary institutions. For students interested in attending college, it’s usually not the thought of time commitments, coursework, or change of scenery that deters them from entering the world of higher education; it’s the considerable financial commitment that places this opportunity just out of reach.
With many four-year institutions costing tens of thousands of dollars a year, the prospect of attending college is becoming increasingly difficult for a number of high school students.
While grants and scholarships are available, it is exceptionally rare for students to receive the amount needed to cover their full cost of attendance (COA), and the vast majority receive grants and scholarships in an amount equivalent to less than half of this, the remaining bill still substantially out-of-budget for a number of students.
Of course, the most widely distributed form of financial aid available to students comes in the form of loans. While student loans may be used to cover a student’s full cost of attendance, living expenses, and school supplies – and are often easier to obtain than grants and scholarships – they can cause a student to rack up a large amount of debt in a short period of time. In some cases, students walk away from four-year universities with upwards of $100,000 in student loan debt, which may take upwards of two decades to pay off. Not to mention, the addition of student loan interest rates will equate to an even larger remaining balance at the end of a student’s college career, causing many students to wonder if the financial investment needed to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the field they wish to pursue is really worth taking on that monumental of a financial burden.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, there were substantial efforts made to lessen the burden of student loan debt through loan forgiveness opportunities, pauses on payments, and a brief discontinuation of interest accrual. However, these remedies were only temporary, and as of September 1, 2023, student loan interest accrual resumed, with federal student loan payments starting again shortly after in October 2023.
In fact, “[t]he average sticker price for one year at a private four-year college in New Jersey is just over $54,000, while public four-year schools charge $28,000 a year, according to the federal Department of Education’s College Scorecard for 2019-2020, a database that breaks down how much colleges cost,” as per NJ.com. It is anticipated that since the 2019-2020 academic year, these prices have noticeably increased.
The question is, while we might not be able to influence colleges to reduce their tuition prices by tens of thousands of dollars, how can we make college more affordable and accessible to pre-college students by reducing the amount that they owe upfront? How do we make earning a college degree an achievable goal for as many students as possible by minimizing the monetary expenditures required to finance a college education even before the first round of fees and charges are disbursed to a student’s account upon their matriculation?
While there is still plenty of progress to be made, select colleges and universities – a handful located in South Jersey – have taken the cost of college into consideration, making it a goal to provide more and more students with the opportunity to attend college in a way that is affordable and accessible.
Stockton and Rowan Universities are two such postsecondary institutions who have made great strides in increasing the accessibility of a college education to prospective students. Through certain credit-earning opportunities for high school students, Stockton and Rowan provide a highly beneficial head-start to ambitious learners committed to furthering their education via dual credit programs. Once enrolled in approved dual credit program courses offered by these institutions, high school students are given the opportunity to earn college credits in advance of their high school graduation, helping to decrease the overall cost of attending a postsecondary institution, and even aiding them in accelerating the attainment of their baccalaureate degrees and increasing their employability following their college graduation.
Making postsecondary education accessible to these students, the dual credit programs at Stockton and Rowan – two of the leading public collegiate institutions in the state – make the dream of attending college and earning a postsecondary degree – nowadays the minimum requirement for a majority of entry-level positions across different fields and industries – a reality for many students who might have otherwise been deterred due to financial concerns.
However, before delving into the specifics of each university’s programs, it is important to understand their histories, as well as the values upon which they were founded.
First, a look at Stockton University.
“Founded in 1969 as a public, four-year college within the New Jersey system of higher education, Stockton University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree programs as well as 14 advanced degree programs, seven educational endorsement programs, seven certificate and preparation programs, and a vast array of minors,” reads the Stockton University website. “As a public university, Stockton provides an environment for excellence to a diverse student body, including those from underrepresented populations, through an interdisciplinary approach to liberal arts, sciences and professional education.”
Stockton’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion is further detailed in its mission statement.
“Stockton University will thrive as a distinctive regional institution, providing a diverse, values-based, student-centered environment of exceptional teaching and learning. As a community builder and partner in public service, Stockton University will remain committed to the positive development of New Jersey through scholarship and creative activity, civic engagement, and active stewardship,” details the school website. “Stockton University is committed to building a community that values differences of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, national origin, socio-economic status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, ability, or disability. We accept our responsibility to create and preserve an environment that is free from prejudice and discrimination, and to take actions that affirm our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.”
With strong ties to local and surrounding communities, Stockton University remains committed to providing valuable and accessible educational experiences, opportunities, and resources to its students. The school’s guiding principle, “Students first; vision and strategy follow,” epitomizes these initiatives.
“Stockton University embraces a collection of shared values, the essence of our standards for excellence. These values support our mission and guide our practices and behavioral expectations. We adhere to the values of: Excellence in teaching and dedication to learning,” according to the school’s values statement.
“Stockton University is committed to providing a high quality, innovative education that gives our students, including those underrepresented populations, the breadth and depth they need to succeed in their lives beyond college. Our faculty and staff recognize a responsibility to engage our students in the development of ideas across and within disciplines, both inside and outside the classroom. We strive to enhance the student learning experience, by utilizing proven pedagogical methods, research, creative activity, and advancements in technology, which support the promotion of life-long learning.”
The Stockton University Dual Credit Program propels these goals into action, extending the promise of an innovative, rigorous, and values-driven education to aspiring college candidates.
Since its establishment in 2012, The Stockton University Dual Credit Program has helped many students achieve their goals of attending college, aiding them not only in adapting to the rigors of college-level coursework, but also in being able to ease the financial burden of their college education.
As an article on the dual credit program by Diane D’Amico, Director of News and Media Relations at Stockton, explains: “Initiated in 2012, Stockton’s dual credit program was created to help high school students be better prepared for college, graduate more quickly and have less debt.”
Since then, Stockton has not only met, but exceeded these goals, providing stellar educational experiences and opportunities to college-bound high school students at a competitive rate.
Further, the University reports seeing a positive impact on retention and graduation rates for first-time college students as a result of participating in the dual credit program during high school.
“Data collected by Stockton’s Office of Institutional Research so far on dual credit students who subsequently chose to attend the University shows that these students have high retention and graduation rates,” reads the article. “Beginning in 2014, dual credit students who attended the University as first-time students saw first-to-third semester retention rates from 91 to 94 percent.”
Considering these rather stellar statistics, along with its decade-long cultivation of a student-centered, results-driven approach and devotion to academic excellence, it is not surprising that Stockton University boasts an impressive title as the largest dual credit program in the Garden State.
“In 2009, New Jersey statute charged the commissioner of the Department of Education, the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education, and the President’s Council with the task of establishing a program to provide courses for college credit to high school students. New Jersey’s dual enrollment programs intend
to increase access to postsecondary education for the state’s high school students,” according to the Dual Credit Program website.
“Stockton University is one of New Jersey’s 11 public institutions of higher learning charged with carrying out this mandate to build strong partnerships with high schools and serve to bridge the gap in support of high school student preparation and success in college. Stockton University has created the largest high school dual credit program in New Jersey,” continues the description. “It is Stockton University’s mission through its partnership with high schools to help students prepare for success in college by exposing them to university-level material and providing them the advantage of making progress toward a college degree in a timely and affordable way. The University also ensures that we reach underserved and underrepresented populations in the state, thus contributing to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the community.”
As the Dual Credit Program mission statement details, “[t]he Dual Credit Program at Stockton University provides a community service to college-bound high school students, giving them a jump-start on college by providing the opportunity to earn college credits and complete high school course requirements simultaneously.”
In addition, “Stockton University’s dual credits are transferable to New Jersey’s public colleges and universities and most public and private institutions outside the state,” reads the program description. “It is always important to check with the admissions representative of the college or university you plan to attend to determine which courses will transfer.”
Helping to bridge the gap between affordability and educational opportunity, the Stockton University Dual Credit Program has continued to increase the accessibility to a valuable college education for countless students since its inception.
Dual Credit students are also more likely to complete their four-year baccalaureate degree, enroll full time at college, and experience a significantly reduced learning gap upon their entrance into their first year of college.
“Research from the Education Commission of the States (http://www.ecs.org) shows students enrolled in dual credit programs have higher high school graduation rates and are more likely to enroll in college than their peers,” explains the Stockton Dual Credit website. “Students in these programs are also more likely to enroll in college full time and less likely to require remedial coursework. Dual credit students report higher GPAs and more total credits earned by the second year of college than students who do not take dual credit courses. Research also shows dual credit students are more likely to finish college.”
Further, the cost of the Stockton Dual Credit Program is a no-brainer for students looking to get a head start on their college education. At less than a quarter of the price of regular tuition, the reduced credit rate available to high school students allows them to earn credits for a FULL course (that’s 4-5 credits per course!) for less than many colleges and universities, Stockton included, charge as a part of their regular tuition.
“The opportunity to take college courses in high school not only gives students a jump-start on their college education, but also saves money,” writes Diane D’Amico for Stockton Now. “If they choose to earn the college credits, students pay $100 per credit for the courses or $400 for a typical four-credit class. The tuition is waived for students in the federal free and reduced-fee lunch program. For Fall 2019, almost 60 percent of participating high school students had the tuition waived.”
What’s more, students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch can earn dual credit for free through the program, making a college education more attainable than ever before for all students, regardless of financial or socioeconomic circumstances.
As it is also explained, “The Dual Credit Program is both an important service to our community and an excellent model to create interaction and continuity between secondary and higher education.”
In recent years, the program has introduced more and more courses to the program, in areas such as Languages and Culture Studies, as well as Writing for the Media, Introduction to Health Sciences, U.S. History, The African-American Experience from 1865, Mathematics, and Holocaust studies.
Providing students with a wide range of areas and topics to choose from, the curriculum effectively combines personal interest with relevant issues and vital time management, organizational, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in higher education classrooms and beyond.
In four schools from Atlantic County: Absegami High School in Galloway, Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, Cedar Creek High School in Egg Harbor City, and the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) in Mays Landing, “the Languages and Culture Studies Program offers courses in Spanish, French, Latin, and German through the Dual Credit Program at Stockton University.”
A Dual Credit course in Holocaust and Genocide Studies is offered at the following schools in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties: Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) in Mays Landing, Egg Harbor Township High School in Egg Harbor Township, Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, Lower Cape May Regional High School in Cape May, Mainland Regional High
School in Linwood, Middle Township High School South at Cape May Courthouse, Millville Senior High School in Millville, Pleasantville High School in Pleasantville, Saint Augustine Preparatory High School in Richland, Sterling High School in Somerdale, and Vineland High School in Vineland.
With a variety of courses to choose from, the dual credit program also allows students to explore different areas of study that they might be interested in pursuing professionally, making it a great way for students to explore different career paths while fulfilling their prerequisite requirements ahead of time.
Moreover, encompassing an already vast array of course topics, the program offerings are only expected to expand in the coming years, providing an increasing number of students the opportunity to begin investing in their future academic, professional, and career-related goals.
Students enrolled in Stockton University’s Dual Credit Program stand to reap the following benefits pending successful completion of prescribed coursework: earn college credits while you are still in high school; enhance the skills required to be successful at the collegiate level such as time management, critical thinking, problem solving, study skills, communication, creativity, and following directions; challenge yourself by taking accelerated, college-level courses that demand your highest level of performance, while gaining confidence that you are prepared for college; and SAVE time and money by entering college with completed credits, possibly shortening the time it takes to graduate. (Stockton Dual Credit Website)
Rowan University and Rowan College of South Jersey also offer unique pre-college dual credit opportunities for high school students, as well as accelerated options for currently enrolled students looking to obtain their degrees at a discounted rate.
Established in 1923 as a state normal school, Rowan University has indeed evolved from its humble beginnings. With the initial goal of the University being to train teachers for South Jersey classrooms, it has made great strides over the last century, advancing from a two-year training school for teachers to a comprehensive public research university with a strong regional reputation. (Rowan University History Page)
In September of 1923, the college – at that time, the Glassboro Normal School – opened its doors to 236 students, and only continued to expand its reach, curriculum, and student population since then.
In the present day, “Rowan has attracted the attention of national organizations that evaluate colleges and universities,” reads the History of Rowan University section of the college’s website. “U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Rowan among the top tier Northern Regional Universities and among the top three public institutions in the category, and includes the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering among the best institutions where the highest engineering degree offered is a bachelor’s or master’s. The Princeton Review includes the William G. Rohrer College of Business among its best business schools yearly.”
“Rowan continues to expand its programs and partnerships. Among the most recent—and vital to higher education in New Jersey—was its June 2015 partnership with Burlington County College (now Rowan College at Burlington County) to improve access to affordable four-year undergraduate degrees,” continues the “background” section of Rowan’s website. “That move followed one two years earlier with Gloucester County College (now Rowan College at Gloucester County) that enables students to pursue Rowan bachelor’s degrees at the county college or transfer seamlessly to the University after earning an associate degree and meeting standards.”
As the site further explains, “Today, Rowan’s approximately 18,000 students can select from 74 bachelor’s, 51 master’s, four doctoral degrees and two professional (medical) degree programs— along with undergraduate and post-baccalaureate certificates—in colleges and schools across four campuses.”
The expansions and developments that the college has undergone over the years have substantially aided in its ability to foster personal, academic, and professional growth among the campus community.
As the background section concludes, “From the modest normal school begun 94 years ago, Rowan University has become an extraordinary comprehensive institution that has improved the quality of life for the citizens of New Jersey and the surrounding states.”
Further, “[a] leading public research institution, Rowan University combines liberal education with professional preparation and research from the baccalaureate through the doctorate degree,” reads the school’s “about” section. “Rowan provides a collaborative learning-centered environment in which highly qualified and diverse faculty, staff, and students integrate teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity and community service. Through intellectual, social, and cultural contributions, the university enriches the lives of those in the campus community and surrounding region.”
True to its roots, Rowan has continued to broaden its horizons by offering an increasing number of accelerated and dual credit programs to students in local communities around South Jersey.
With programs offered at both Rowan University and Rowan College of South Jersey, as well as other branches, the college has succeeded in its initiatives to “improve access to affordable four-year undergraduate degrees.”
Looking first at Rowan University’s offerings, there are two main ways for students to earn college credit while still in high school: the College Acceleration Program (CAP) and the High School Dual Credit: Rowan Start Program.
With the College Acceleration Program (CAP), high achieving high school students are provided with the opportunity to receive academic credit from both their high school and Rowan University while still enrolled in high school.
“The approved courses are taught by high school faculty during the school in the student’s home district,” reads the program description. “The courses fulfill many of Rowan University’s general education requirements, and the credits earned may also be transferable to other four-year institutions. Successful completion of CAP courses through Rowan University can better prepare students for college admission and future academic study” (Rowan Global).
The College Acceleration Program (CAP) at Rowan University also provides participating districts/students with a discounted tuition rate “as negotiated between Rowan Global and the participating district” (Rowan Global).
In order to be eligible for enrollment in the College Acceleration Program (CAP), students must meet the following criteria: Capability of pursuing honors or AP level coursework; Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale); SAT Reading Subscore 27, Math 570 (or Act Reading 21, Math 24); and Parent/Guardian and School Counselor permission (Rowan CAP).
An excellent opportunity for high school students to not only challenge themselves intellectually, but also to increase the affordability of a college education, the College Acceleration Program (CAP) at Rowan serves as a beacon of hope for many college-bound students who are looking to obtain a baccalaureate degree without the weight of massive student loans at their heels following graduation.
For students seeking a different or alternative path to earning college credit while still in high school, or who want additional flexibility in when and where they might take dual credit courses, the Dual Credit option offered through Rowan Start is an ideal program to consider.
With the Dual Credit: Rowan Start option, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on 4.0 scale), and a SAT Reading subscore 27 & SAT Math 570 or ACT Reading 21 & Math 24.
Ideal for high school students in eleventh or twelfth grade, “the majority of courses offered fulfill Rowan’s general education requirements and the credits earned may also be transferable to other 4-year institutions.” (Rowan Dual Credit)
“If the high school is enrolled in a partnership with Rowan University, students are eligible to choose from a select number of courses to earn both college credits and high school credits through the same coursework,” reads the program description. “If the high school is not enrolled in a partnership with Rowan University, students may choose from any Rowan University course that they are qualified for, based on previous coursework completed.”
And, starting in January 2024, courses under the Dual Credit: Rowan Start option are offered at the substantially discounted rate of $100 per credit for the semester.
Although varying slightly in terms of qualifying requirements to be accepted/enrolled in each respective dual credit program offered through Rowan University, the College Acceleration Program (CAP) and Dual Credit: Rowan Start options are exceedingly beneficial pathways for high school students looking to: fulfill general education requirements in advance of matriculation into a four-year college or university; gain college-level organizational, communication/interpersonal, time management, critical thinking, and research/analytical skills; and earn college credits while still enrolled in high school, reducing the time and overall costs associated with attending a degree-granting institution.
As the cost of attending college continues to climb exponentially, with no sign of relief in the near future, opportunities such as the College Acceleration Program and Dual Credit: Rowan Start provided through Rowan University are vital offerings for college-seeking high school students who may otherwise feel a sense of trepidation at committing to college due to financial constraints.
Partnered with Rowan University, Rowan College of South Jersey, a public, comprehensive, two-year institution with campuses in Gloucester County and Cumberland County, presents the opportunity for residents of New Jersey to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a highly reduced cost.
One of the ways in which they aid in making college more accessible for prospective students is through their High School Option Program (HSOP), another viable credit-earning opportunity offered to college-bound high school students that allows them to take Rowan College of South Jersey courses at a discounted tuition rate, thereby effectively reducing the overall time commitment and costs associated with earning a bachelor’s degree.
Upon successful completion of Rowan College of South Jersey qualifying HSOP classes, coursework can be applied to an RCSJ associate degree or easily transferred to other postsecondary institutions.
Students ranging in age from 15-18, who have successfully completed their freshman year of high school, are eligible to take advantage of this opportunity.
As per the Rowan College of South Jersey’s High School Option Program website, some of the program benefits include: tuition discount of $75 per credit with no course fees; take an unlimited number of RCSJ courses; start earning credit toward a degree program; satisfy high school graduation requirements; explore career pathways; career and major exploration assessments to help students better understand their interests; personalized academic advisement; and registration assistance. (rcsj.edu)
At an exceedingly competitive rate of $75 per credit with no additional charge for course fees, the High School Option Program at Rowan College of South Jersey brings the prospect of a college education into grasp for many students.
Moreover, the option to take an unlimited number of RCSJ courses under the High School Option Program can help to significantly ease the time and financial burdens associated with obtaining a bachelor’s degree, and for students that have already decided on pursuing a particular career path or field of study, the ability to earn a substantial number of credits prior to high school graduation/college matriculation can aid in propelling their future academic, professional, and career-related goals into action in an accelerated timeline, while simultaneously providing them with competitive advantages amongst the rest of their peers.
As such, the dual credit programs offered by Stockton University, Rowan University, and Rowan College of South Jersey to high school students in local communities and surrounding areas of South Jersey aid significantly in bridging the gap between secondary and postsecondary education.
Providing invaluable experiences and opportunities to high school students looking to attend college, but who may be deterred for financial reasons, dual credit programs make the possibility of earning an undergraduate degree a reality.
The biggest question that remains, then, is how to spread the word about dual credit programs offered by local colleges and universities, as many students are not aware that they are offered through partnerships between colleges and the high schools that they attend, or are unaware of the fact that they are still able to take advantage of dual credit programs and courses directly from certain colleges and universities, even if they are not actively engaged in a partnership with their school district.
Because of this, many students may miss out on taking advantage of these programs, which can significantly affect their future decisions to further their education based on financial and time-related constraints, which might have been at least partially relieved by enrolling in dual credit courses and programs that offered considerable discounts on tuition rates and the ability to accelerate the timeline of earning an undergraduate degree.
In the present, when college costs are at an all-time high, it is crucial for students to know that they have the opportunity to take advantage of dual credit programs that can make their dreams of attending college, or goals of earning a college degree, possible.
These programs can also ease the transition between high school and college for many students, alleviating some of the stressors and sources of anxiety that cause many students to either avoid attending, or result in them unenrolling from college courses, early on in their degree programs.
It can also help to set reasonable expectations for incoming college freshmen that can aid them in developing strong time management, organizational, and study skills, which are critical to success at the college level.
“I would have loved having a dual enrollment program because then I would have understood the differences between college courses as opposed to high school courses in advance, in regard to the rigor and the expectation of more student initiation to be successful,” remarks Avina Sharma, a recent college graduate with a B.A. in English Secondary Education. “I would have loved this program in order to connect with colleges more before it was time to apply.”
“College-level courses can also help high school students know what to expect when they enter college and start building better habits in advance so they can adapt to the expectations at a higher education level,” continues Sharma. “College requires a high level of self-discipline because of all the independence you receive, and taking college level courses can help students build better study habits to take with them at college. Establishing a good study plan is important because college is meant to help provide you with skills you can take with you to your career and in the real world.”
Taking dual enrollment classes while in high school can also help to prepare incoming college freshmen in dealing with stressful situations related to academics, finances, and time management prior to their first day in class/on campus, equipping them with the resources, knowledge, and methods necessary to address and overcome these challenges when they do, eventually, encounter them.
“Taking college level courses in high school sets the expectations of the difference in rigor, which many students are unprepared for before being in their first semester,” explains Sharma. “Being in a new environment is already immensely stressful, so allowing students to be exposed to the level of work they will receive in college ahead of time can help alleviate some of their stress and encourage them to finish completing their college degrees. Students are more likely to receive individualized instruction and resources in the smaller environment of high school, as opposed to a college environment when every student is taking college courses and will all be facing similar levels of stress.”
The accelerated timeline that dual credit courses and programs may provide to students looking to earn an undergraduate/4-year baccalaureate degree can also help them to maintain a sense of motivation, momentum, and purpose throughout their college career. It can also help them to explore some of their interests ahead of time, possibly enabling them to enter college with a better idea of what they might be interested in pursuing as a future career.
“I think dual enrollment courses are not only an incentive for students to attend college, but also a way for them to stay inspired and motivated for the future,” explains Sharma. “High schools offering courses at a reduced or free cost can allow students to complete college in less than four years, and also shows students that there’s support in place to help ease the financial burden of school. A major demotivation to attend college in today’s society is the expenses, yet many jobs require having a college degree. The dual enrollment program is a fantastic way for students to begin their college journey ahead of time, and feel much more affiliated with college courses already even before their college career begins.”
“I also think that a major benefit to implementing a dual enrollment program in high schools is that it allows students to explore their course interests even before attending college,” continues Sharma. “It can be very daunting to enter a college as it is, and without having a solidified academic path it can become difficult to change your major later in the experience and make up course requirements. For people who know what career/major they want to pursue in high school, dual enrollment can help fulfill mandatory course requirements ahead of time.”
Dual enrollment programs may also present unique opportunities for students to explore different fields of study or areas of interest that are not a part of their regular high school curriculum.
“Taking college-level courses in high school can help younger students already explore their interests in fields that may have not already otherwise been offered in their high school,” remarks Sharma. “In high school there is a much narrower selection of the classes students can take, and dual enrollment courses can expose students to passions they would have otherwise never known about before entering college.”
And, of course, the emphasis remains on providing all students with the opportunity to further their education amid historically high tuition and fee rates adopted by many colleges and universities in the United States.
“I feel as though no matter what one’s socioeconomic status may be, obtaining a college education is far too expensive. Education is the key to opening more doors and opportunities, and people should be encouraged to pursue higher levels of education without facing high levels of financial stress,” states Sharma. “Adding the dual enrollment program to more high schools and promoting the program so that it is accessible to everyone can help provide high school students with more resources and help them be better equipped to take courses at the college level.”
In the present, the high price tag attached to many colleges and universities has made access to a quality college education a luxury and lifetime financial investment. With the costs of college continuing to rise at an exponential rate, and not looking as if they will stabilize anytime soon, the significant monetary expenditures needed to cover tuition and fees, housing, food, and book/supply costs at many post secondary institutions have made it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, for many students to attend college without breaking the bank, or digging themselves into a severely deep hole of student loan debt that may take decades to pay off.
Though not an end-all-be-all solution, dual enrollment programs, such as those offered by Stockton University, Rowan University, and Rowan College of South Jersey, to local high school students, provide valuable opportunities for these students not only to explore their academic and career interests, as well as develop the skills necessary to ensure success beyond the high school classroom, but also to pursue postsecondary education at a college or university following their high school graduation.
A requirement for many entry-level positions across different fields and industries, the attainment of a bachelor’s degree can open many doors for students as they begin their careers. And, as such, the option to earn a college degree should be an opportunity available to every student, regardless socioeconomic or financial circumstances.
Through a significantly reduced cost-per-credit tuition; convenient instructional methods; tailored coursework and curriculum; and invaluable academic and field-related experiences and opportunities, dual credit programs level the playing field of higher education, making it possible for all students to achieve the futures that they want and deserve.
For more information on Stockon’s Dual Credit program, please visit this website: High School Dual Credit | Stockton University. You can also call at (609) 626-3157, or email Shawn Manuola, Administrator for Stockton’s Dual Credit Program, at Shawn.Manuola@stockton.edu
For more information on Rowan University’s College Acceleration Program (CAP), please visit this website: College Acceleration Program (CAP) | Global | Rowan University. You can also call at 856-256-4000 or email at dualcredit@rowan.edu
For more information on Rowan University’s Dual Credit: Rowan Start offerings, please visit Dual Credit Initiative | Admissions | Rowan University. You can also call at (856) 256-5122 or email at dualcredit@rowan.edu
For more information on Rowan College of South Jersey’s High School Option Program (HSOP), please visit Dual Credit | High School Programs at Gloucester | Rowan College South Jersey.
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