Earn College Credits on the Crater Campus

Yes . . . 

It saves a significant amount of money. 

Dual-credit classes (taught by high school instructors on high school campuses) are free for students. Advanced Placement classes that offer college credit will require students to pay a reduced tuition rate (EX: $45 per credit/$180 per class at SOU).

RCC

• $360 for a 3-credit class
• $480 for a 4-credit class

SOU

• $603 for a 3-credit class
• $804 for a 4-credit class

U of O

• $678.50 for 3-credit class
• $904.67 for a 4-credit class 

But . . . 

It reduces how long you qualify for federal financial aid in college. 

Taking too many dual credit or direct enrolled college credit classes while in high school may affect how long you can receive financial aid while in college. Choose to take college classes in high school that fit into your future education and/or career plans. 

EX: If you are in a two-year Associate degree program, you can only get federal financial aid for up to three years. If you are in a four-year Bachelor degree program, you can only get federal aid for up to six years. 

EX: The Oregon Promise has a 90 credit limit which includes college credits earned while in high school. 

Yes . . . 

It saves time. 

Students can earn college credits at the same time they are earning high school credits. CHS students have access to 143 college credits by taking classes from
Crater instructors on the Crater Campus. 

It is very important that students be
selective about which college credits they sign up to earn. Each class should move them closer to a degree or career they are interested in.  

But . . . 

You need to do your research before signing up. 

Some colleges limit the total number of credits an incoming freshman can transfer. It is critical that students and parents investigate how credits will transfer before signing up for them. Make sure to email an admissions counselor at the college to find out. 

EX: Pacific University will only accept 36 transfer credits from incoming freshmen.

Some colleges will only award elective credit for college level courses taken from other institutions. 

EX: NYU, Stanford, BYU Provo, and other out-of-state universities may not accept SOU credits. However, they are likely to award college credits for scores of 3 or higher on AP exams.  If you are interested in attending an out-of-state school, taking the AP exam might be a better option. Make sure to email an admissions counselor at the college to find out.