Earning College Credit While Attending High School

Mesa State College offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credit while they are still enrolled in high school. To be eligible to register in a Mesa State College credit class, students must meet the qualifying criteria described in the Policies and Procedures section.

"On-Campus" Classes

Students who meet the qualifying criteria may enroll in a Mesa State College credit class that is being held on one of its campuses (Grand Junction main campus, Tilman M. Bishop Campus, or the Mesa State Montrose Campus). The student is responsible for payment of tuition not covered by the school district or the Colorado Department of Education. Students are always responsible for payment of any and all fees, books and supplies. In agreement with the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act (HB 98-1162), the school district may reimburse the student for the tuition paid if the student receives a grade of "C" or better in the Mesa State College class.

Fast-Track

Fast-Track students are high school students who have completed all of the coursework required for graduation from high school, but are still enrolled in high school. Students who meet the qualifying criteria for the Fast-Track program option may enroll in Mesa State College as a full-time or part-time student and may attend classes on any one of the Mesa State College campuses (Grand Junction main campus, Tilman M. Bishop Campus, or the Mesa State Montrose campus). The local school district may be responsible for payment of tuition to Mesa State College. Students are always responsible for payment of any and all fees, books and supplies. Fast Track status is determined by the school district.

College Credit Classes in the High School

Mesa State College offers some college credit classes in area high schools. Students who are interested in this option should contact their high school counselor to determine if any courses are being offered at their high school. High schools interested in this option should contact Heather Exby, Director of Regional Outreach, at 970-248-1942.

Eligibility Policies & Procedures

High school students with either junior or senior standing may be allowed to register for college classes that are not replicated through the school district curriculum under the guidelines of HB 1244. In some cases, the school district or the Colorado Department of Education will pay the tuition of the student to attend Mesa State College (summer school excluded). Students are always responsible for payment of any and all fees, books and supplies. The student is responsible for payment of tuition not covered by the school district or the Colorado Department of Education. Students should understand that being a concurrently enrolled student does not guarantee acceptance to Mesa State College, nor does Mesa State College guarantee that the approved classes will be available upon registration.

All students wishing to become concurrently enrolled at Mesa State College must be enrolled in high school or home schooled and meet the following criteria:

Qualifications:

• In order to participate in the Early Scholars Program, students must be of junior or senior standing and be currently enrolled in high school (public, private or home school).
• Students must have all of the following in order to be considered for the Early Scholars Program:
  1. 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
  2. Grades of "B" or better in at least two courses in the academic area to be taken
  3. ACT English score of 18 or better; or SAT Verbal score of 440 or better; or PLAN English     score of 18 or better; or PSAT Critical Reading score of 44 or better (students may take     the ACCUPLACER placement assessment if the above tests have not been taken)
  4. ACT Math score of 19 or better; or SAT Math score of 470 or better; or PLAN Math score of     20 or better; or PSAT Math score or 47 or better (students may take the ACCUPLACER     placement assessment if the above tests have not been taken)
  *The ACCUPLACER assessment may be scheduled by contacting our Testing Office at   970.255.2750. The ACCUPLACER is available on-line and there is a $15 fee per section.
  

Registration Policies & Procedures

All students wishing to become concurrently enrolled at Mesa State College must submit the following information to their high school counselor. The high school counselor will then forward the completed information to the Mesa State College Admissions Office 30 days prior to the start of the Mesa State College semester.

-Mesa State College Early Scholars Program application
-Official high school transcripts
-ACT or SAT scores
-$30 nonrefundable application fee. The application fee is a one-time fee and not required of Continuing Concurrent students.
-Proof of two measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations (only needed if taking courses on one of MSC's campuses)
-Once a Concurrent Enrollment student has been admitted the student must attend an orientation session. During this session the student will receive his/her class schedule

Concurrently enrolled students are eligible to enroll in up to four courses per academic term. The school district may set their own maximum number of courses eligible for reimbursement.
Fast Track students will meet with an Academic Advisor for course selection

Concurrently enrolled students are eligible to enroll in 100 and 200 level Mesa State College credit classes (excluding HPWE) as long as all prerequisites are met.
Continuing Concurrent students will be automatically registered upon receipt of their Continuing Concurrent Enrollment Form.
Any exceptions to the above criteria will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Mesa State College Admissions Committee.

Please contact Becky Hetherington at 970.248.1458 or at blherther@mesastate.edu with additional questions.