In an effort to provide increased opportunities for college-bound students, 11th and 12th grade students have an opportunity to participate in a dual enrollment program with Northwestern State University. As a program participant, students can earn high school credit and college credit simultaneously while in the familiar environment of their high schools. Through this program, college courses are presented at the high school campus, online at the high school in partnership with the Louisiana Virtual School, or directly through NSU.

Benefits    
By participating in the program, students are getting a head start on their collegiate career while completing high school. This can reduce the amount of time spent in college, as well as the cost. Also, as an admitted Northwestern student, access to university services such as the University Library is available.

Many scholarships, like TOPS, are only awarded for four years, although students may require more than four years to complete their undergraduate program. By completing a semester’s work in high school, students increase the likelihood of finishing college while still under scholarship.

Eligibility

• Student must be at least 15 years of age, currently enrolled in the 11th grade with a 3.0 GPA or 12th grade with a 2.75 GPA.
• Student must be on track for completing (a) the Regents/TOPS high school core (if graduating in 2010 or 2011) or (b) the Louisiana Core 4 Curriculum (if graduating in 2012 and beyond).
• Student must have either PLAN or ACT (or SAT) scores on file at the high school.
• A PLAN composite score of at least 18 or an ACT composite score of at least 18 (or SAT equivalent) is required. Additionally, to enroll in a college level English course student must have a PLAN or ACT sub-score of at least 18 (or SAT equivalent). To  enroll in a college level Math course student must have a PLAN or ACT sub-score of at least 19 (or SAT equivalent).
• Students must have a PLAN composite score of at least 14 or an ACT composite score of at least 15 (or SAT equivalent) for enrichment/developmental courses.

Courses & Credit
Students take actual college courses, using the same course plan and textbook as the course taught on the University campus. Upon completion of the course(s), credit hours are earned for each course pursued, with a letter grade of A, B, C, D, or F. The grade students receive will become a part of their permanent record at Northwestern State University.  Courses are available in the following subject areas (others as approved on the Board of Regents’ Master Course Articulation Matrix; Academic Year 2009-2010):

• English
• Math
• Sociology
• History
• Fine Arts
• Communication

Tuition & Fees

• Public school students - $20.00 application fee, tuition (currently funded by the Board of Regents), plus applicable fees which could include textbooks, laboratory materials, supplies, etc.
• Private school students - $20.00 application fee, $300.00 per course tuition, plus applicable fees which could include textbooks, laboratory materials, supplies, etc.

Contact
For more information please contact Julie Longlois, Coordinator at 318.357.5721 or longloisj@nsula.edu.

Download Fast Facts PDF!