Dual Credit

Get a head start at MSU-West Plains

Missouri State-West Plains offers several different options for high-school students to get a head start on earning college credit while still finishing up high-school classes. 

  1. Studies show that earning college credit during high school increases the likelihood that a student will complete high school and enroll in and persist in college
  2. Students can decrease the cost of tuition and fees by accelerating their time to degree through college classes while still in high school. 
  3. Students can complete their college education faster and enter the workforce sooner and begin to earn wages, benefiting themselves and the economy
  4. Students can earn credit hours that are applicable toward a degree at Missouri State and generally transferable to other accredited colleges and Universities

Programs for High School Students

Missouri State University-West Plains offers several options for high school students to earn college credit while still attending high school.

Dual-credit classes earn high school and college credit. Students who take dual-credit courses do so at their high school with high school instructors who meet required qualifications for teaching college level courses and who have been approved by the University to teach those courses. High school students must meet any class prerequisites. These courses follow the high school academic calendar. 

Students may enroll in selected online classes that are offered only for high school students. Students take the courses at their high school during the school day. High-school students must meet any class prerequisites. Students wishing to earn high school credit for these classes should consult with their high school counselor. These courses follow a modified academic calendar.

 

Students who take dual-enrollment courses earn college credit and take courses at either the West Plains campus or at the Mountain Grove campus. High school students must meet any class prerequisites. Students wishing to earn high-school credit for these classes should consult with their high school counselor. These courses follow the MSU-West Plains Academic Calendar dates for class start and end dates. 

Students can earn college credit by taking an online course that is open to all students. High school students must meet any class prerequisites. Students wishing to earn high school credit for these classes should consult with their high school counselor. These courses follow the MSU-West Plains Academic Calendar for class start and end dates. 

Missouri State University-West Plains offers the chance for students to earn their associate degree while still in high school. Through a partnership with school districts, students can earn their degree by taking classes during the regular school day earning credits toward both their high school diploma and their associate degree.  

Dual-Credit/Dual-Enrollment Student Qualifications

Students may be considered for admission into a dual-credit/dual-enrollment program who have met the following qualifications: 

Students in an accredited high school:

  1. Students in the 11th and 12 grades have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  2. Students in the 10th grade have at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  3. Students in the 9th grade have a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and an ACT or SAT score at the 90th percentile or above
  4. Have been recommended for admission by a high-school official
  5. Have permission from their parents or guardians.

Students completing high school by alternative means (home school or non-accredited high school):

  1. Have an official transcript from the high-school or correspondence program vendor or documents from the parent required by Missouri State Statute 167.031 including courses/credits completed and date of completion with an overall GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher or
  2. Supply ACT scores with a composite score of 18 or higher
  3. Have parental or guardian permission and
  4. Student is 16 years of age or older.

If a student believes extenuating circumstances exist, the above eligibility requirements may be appealed to the assistant dean of academic affairs.

Cost of Tuition 

For dual credit courses, the cost of tuition is $70.00 per credit hour. Some courses may have additional course fees. This does not include the cost of textbooks or other course materials. 

For dual enrollment courses, the cost of tuition is $89.00 per credit hour. Some courses may have additional course fees. An additional charge of $42.00 per credit hour is charged for student fees. This does not include the cost of textbooks or other course materials. 

For students enrolled in the early degree program, students pay the full tuition price, currently $155.00 per credit hour for a seated class and $185.00 per credit hour for an online course. Some courses may have additional course fees. Both class types include a $42 per credit hour fee. This does not include the cost of textbooks or other course materials. Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for an institutional scholarship. 

Financial Aid is not an option for students enrolled in these programs.