Best Resources for Teens to Earn College Credits Online

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Welcome to the #TechieHomeschool IRL blog series!  In this post, my guest Michelle shares what dual enrollment means, what to consider, and how your homeschooled teens can earn college credits online.

There are many reasons why homeschool families are choosing online classes, especially for their high school students.

Advances in technology have changed the way we educate our children. Online classes provide great benefits for both the homeschool parent and student.

By gaining credits toward a degree while still in high school, students can spend less money, begin their road to success and graduate faster. 

Taking online college courses for college credit while in high school

First, let's talk about what this is called and what it means.

Your student may enroll in college classes while still attending high school. This is called dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment. Learners complete college-level assignments and receive credit that applies to both their high school diplomas and toward their college education.

Public schooled, private schooled, and homeschooled students may take these classes. In concurrent enrollment (CE), classes are taught by college instructors. Your teen will experience college academics first-hand: read a college textbook, take college exams, write college papers, and learn the amount of study needed to pass a college class.

Most colleges and universities offer concurrent enrollment classes. Although many of the CE classes these are offered in person in many schools, the online course option will give your teen the most flexibility.

Whether your teen is considering college or not, preparing them for this option during the high school years will put them ahead of the average high school graduate. The education and experiences they receive will be beneficial no matter what they choose.

Several aspects that a parent and teen need to consider

Benefits of earning college credits while in high school.

Earning college credits in high school can set the student apart when it comes to college admission and future employment.

Other benefits include:

• Save money. Earning credits in advance can help cut tuition costs by shortening the time in college.
• Enhance the College Application. Your student can strengthen their application by demonstrating proficiency in college-level material.
• Explore Interests . Earning college credits while in high school can help your teen explore their interest before committing to it.
• Prepare for Advanced Courses. Your student will learn what is required for college level work.
• Graduate Faster. Testing out of introductory or remedial courses paves the way for study at higher levels once they enter college instead of taking a course in which they are already proficient.
• Earning college credits in high school means the student will not need to take those courses again in college, saving you time and tuition. 

Although there are many benefits there are several things you should take into consideration before enrolling your teen in a college level course. Concurrent Enrollment classes are rigorous courses, taught by college professors at a college level.

Consider the following before enrolling your student in an online college course.

• Is your student academically ready?

• Is your child hoping to receive an academic scholarship at the colleges to which they are applying? These CE classes will count as part of the student's high school GPA. College courses can be quite challenging and could possibly lower their high school GPA, hurting their chance of receiving an academic scholarship. On the other hand, if your teen does well, it could boost his GPA.

Transferring of CE credits once a student enters college

Each college differs in how it handles dual enrollment (CE), and the transferring of those credits, so it's best to do your own research. I recommend your teen take courses that would be general requirements for just about every chosen major. These general education credits are more likely to be transferable between colleges.

Cost of CE courses

Check with the high school in your school district and find out if they offer CE courses. Several states and school districts offer CE course through a partner college or university in the area. The cost is almost nothing for enrolled high school students (talk with a counselor in your teen's school district to find out how your homeschooled teen can take advantage of this low cost offer).

…RELATED POST…
Earn College Credits in High School By Taking These Tests

How to find college credit course options

Online course options for earning college credit is just a click away by doing a search for “Colleges that offer online courses for high school students.”

Unbound helped two of my children receive enough credits while in high school to be able to graduate college in three years! 

Check out this new online college credit option that I recently discovered.

Although college campuses are not going to be replaced anytime soon, traditional college is changing rapidly. Online college classes are here to stay. Why not take advantage of them in your homeschool.

Freebie! Get my High School Course Planner at a Glance right here

Discover more about Homeschooling Teens Successfully. Make sure you are doing enough for your teen.

Join me over at Homeschooling Teens Successfully on Facebook. 

Enjoying the journey,

~Michelle~

About the Author

Michelle Osborn

Michelle Osborn is the owner and founder ofYellow House Book Rental, specializing in providing homeschool curriculum for rent or purchase, as well as counseling and guidance for homeschool families. She is a wife, a 22-year homeschool veteran, and mom of four amazing children and five adorable grandchildren. Three of her children are now entrepreneurs, running their own businesses and doing quite well. Michelle’s passions include serving by leading worship at her church and encouraging homeschool moms through one on one, social media and speaking engagements. She has found her niche in helping parentshomeschooling their teens through the high school yearsand on to pursue their dreams

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