College Credit for High School Students - FAQ

College Credit for High School Students gives academically ready high school students the opportunity to take Oregon State University courses online for college credit from anywhere in the world.

Visit the schedule of classes for high school students to see the list of courses available for the next two terms.

If you answer yes to the following questions, you will probably fit well in college-level courses:

• Have you successfully completed one or more challenging classes in high school?
• Do you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher?
• Are you a self-motivated and responsible student?
• If you wonder whether you are academically prepared, you should talk to your parents, teachers and/or school counselor, and perhaps the instructor of the class(es) you are interested in. Our goal is to have all students be successful in these classes, and we will help you any way we can.

We have found that high school students opt to take college courses for a variety of reasons, including:

• Students headed to college in a year or so are at a huge advantage by getting a head start on classes that they would have to take anyway or that might help them decide what college major interests them.
• Students who have completed most of their graduation requirements may decide to take college courses to fill their schedule with worthwhile courses.
• Some students are interested in college courses so they can explore interests not available in their high school.

Some courses have specific prerequisites that must be met prior to registration. For instance, if you want to take calculus, you must meet certain math requirements before registering for the class. Specific prerequisites are listed under the description for each class.

To determine the right courses for you, rely on your own judgment and the judgment of your parents, high school teachers or counselors and the college instructor. It is also a good idea to review the curriculum requirements for different college degree programs that you may be interested in pursuing. If you have a specific college major in mind already, the curriculum requirements will help you to narrow down your course options.

The Ecampus enrollment services team can help answer any questions. You can reach us by phone at 800-667-1465 or by email at ecampus@oregonstate.edu.

Courses are delivered online and may be taken from anywhere in the world. It’s a good idea to check your computer to ensure you will have access to Ecampus courses. Visit our courses webpage for more information.

You will need to assume a high level of responsibility for your own learning in these courses. Most likely, there will not be daily or weekly assignments but rather mid-term and final tests and major projects or written reports to finish by the end of the term. In most cases, you will not have someone constantly reminding you of work that needs to be done.

Remember that you (and your parent or guardian) are responsible for tuition and fees, no matter what the outcome. Be sure to discuss this decision carefully with your parent or guardian.

High school students have, on average, done very well in these courses. They have usually performed to the standard set by regular OSU students. In all cases, the instructors teaching are committed to making your experience a positive one. If you are motivated and seek assistance when you need it, there is no reason you won't excel at any course you choose.

These courses are not intended to replace regular high school curriculum. While many high schools give students high school credit for taking these college courses, others will not. Check with your school counselor to find out for sure.

Yes. In all cases, these are regular OSU courses.

The registration period usually begins 5 to 6 weeks before the term begins. You must complete an online nondegree enrollment application to be admitted. Approval takes about 48 hours.

After being admitted, you can register for courses online. Visit our getting started guide for more information.

All OSU Ecampus students pay the same tuition and fees no matter where they live. Students in some school districts have had success at getting the cost of these courses paid by their school district. You should contact your school administration to explore this option. Visit the Ecampus tuition and fees webpage for more information.

Distance courses follow Oregon State's regular quarter-term schedule.

Visit our academic calendar for more information.

You may order textbooks and other course materials by calling 800-595-0357 or visiting the OSU Beaver Store website.

Visit our student resources webpage page for information on the host of services that are available to Oregon State's distance students.

Grades are determined in a manner prescribed by the individual instructor. High school students will be held to the same grading scheme and expectations as all OSU students who take these courses. For specific grading information, you will need to refer to the syllabus of the particular course.

Because Oregon State University is an institutionally accredited university, OSU Ecampus courses are generally transferable. The final decision is always determined by the receiving institution. Students will be able to order an Oregon State University transcript.

Visit the registrar's office website for more information on transcripts, and take a look at how credits transfer from a quarter-based institution like Oregon State to a semester-based institution.

Note that you will need to get approval from your school district to obtain high school credit for these university courses.

While we do not have a minimum age requirement, we do require written approval from a parent/legal guardian for students taking courses while they are under 17.

The Ecampus enrollment services team is happy to talk with you to answer any additional questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 800-667-1465 or by email at ecampus@oregonstate.edu.