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College Credit Plus (CCP) lets students take real college classes while still in school.  Students earn high school and college credit at the same time, helping them save money, try new subjects, and get a head start on their future... for free! 

New Students

Who is Eligible to Participate?

College Credit Plus (CCP) is for students in grades 7-12 who are looking to get a head start on their future.  To join, students must meet rules set by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and may need to take placement tests to show readiness.

Ways to qualify for CCP

1. GPA

Students may qualify through their high school GPA:

  • a 3.0 or higher unweighted high school GPA or

  • a high school GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 and an A or B in a related course 

 

2. Test scores

Students may qualify with a remediation-free test score on placement tests such as:

  • ACT

  •  SAT

  • Accuplacer 

 

3. An A or B in a relevant course

Students can also qualify with an “A” or “B” grade in a relevant high school course. 

 

Math courses (NOTE: I would like to find a way to separate this point more)

Readiness for math courses or courses requiring math prerequisites will be determined by the university’s ALEKS placement test. 

What Courses Can I Take?

With College Credit Plus (CCP), students are able to take many different courses to help them get ahead on their college degree.  To help students start with the right courses, the “First 15” Rule offers a guide.   

 
The “First 15” Rule

Before students can take Level II courses, they must complete 15 transferable credit hours of Level I courses.

Exceptions

Students may be allowed to take select Level II courses under a few exceptions:

  • They have already taken courses in this subject

  • They have taken a placement test to show readiness for the course 

 

Level I (Starter Courses)

The following types of courses that qualify for the “First 15” Rule are transferable and set the foundation for students at Kent State:

  • Kent Core classes

  • Transfer Assurance Guide (TAG) courses

  • Ohio Transfer 36 courses

  • CareerTechnical Assurance Guide (CTAG) courses

  • Courses in:

    • Computer science

    • Information technology

    • Anatomy or physiology

    • Foreign languages (including American Sign Language)

  • Courses that are part of a technical certificate

  • Study skills or academic/career success courses

  • Internship courses 

Level II (Next-Level Courses)

Level II courses may be found in Kent State’s catalog and may be taken after students complete their first 15 credit hours. 

Non-Allowable Courses

The following types of courses may not be taken by CCP students:

  • Remedial or developmental courses

  • Sectarian or religious courses

  • One-on-one private instruction courses

  • Courses with fees that exceed that which is set by the Chancellor

  • Study abroad courses

  • Physical education courses

  • Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory courses (unless the course is an internship or transferable for all enrolled students) 

Where CCP students can take courses

CCP students can take courses of almost any type, or a combination:

  • On Campus

  • 100% Online

  • At Your Local High School 

Before You Sign Up

Schedule a meeting with your high school counselor to discuss how CCP might benefit you.  Before registering for courses, students will also be paired with a Kent State academic advisor, who will help them make the best decisions based on their future goals. 

What is Expected of CCP Students?

College Credit Plus (CCP) allows students in grades 7-12 to take college courses while still in high school.  Because CCP students are expected to handle difficult work at a fast pace, students will have different expectations than what they might be used to.  Before registering, students should talk to school counselors and parents or guardians about their future goals to see how CCP might benefit them.

CCP students are college students

CCP is a valuable opportunity to earn college credit early, but it also comes with college-level expectations.  CCP students are treated like traditional college students and must meet the same academic standards.

What traits are expected of CCP students?

CCP students should be:

  • Open-minded

  • Responsible

  • Independent

  • Ready for challenging, fast-paced work

  • Able to manage time well  

What are the responsibilities of CCP students?

Students in CCP courses hold a number of responsibilities:

  • Attend and participate

  • Finish work on time

  • Keep track of assignments and deadlines

  • Ask for help when needed

  • Know that grades count for high school and college

  • Know that failing or dropping a course can have costs 

 

Before students sign up

Before choosing CCP, students should talk with parents and school counselors to discuss the possibility along with their future plans. 

What topics should be discussed with a school counselor?

  • What classes are needed to graduate?

  • Which college courses count for high school credit?

  • How many classes are needed to remain a full-time student?

  • How will grades and credits show up on a high school transcript?

  • What are the consequences of failing or withdrawing?  

What topics should be discussed with a parent or guardian?

  • What will be transportation?

  • Can courses be outside of normal school hours?

  • Will these courses leave room for sports, clubs, or work?

  • Is the student ready for the responsibility and maturity of college courses?

  • Will the student keep family updated with grades?

  • Who pays if a class is failed or dropped? 

what are the Benefits of CCP?

Through College Credit Plus (CCP), students can begin their college journey early.  CCP helps students get a head start on their future, save money, and have a real college experience.  Below is a deeper dive into the key benefits of CCP.

Save money

CCP allows students to take real college courses for free.  The cost of tuition, books, and fees are covered by the State of Ohio, helping students save money on higher education.

Why this matters

  • Public school students take courses at no cost
  • Students can earn credits now to lower the cost of their future degree

Finish college faster

In CCP, students earn real college credit that counts towards their future degree, allowing them to pursue college education now.  By earning college credit in high school, CCP students get a head start on their future degree.

How this helps students:

Students may enter college with the credits they’ve already earned  

  • Students can possibly earn a degree early
  • CCP courses may lighten future course loads

Grow academically

CCP treats students like traditional college students.  Because of this, CCP students learn how to handle college-level work early, building strong academic skills.

Students gain:

  • Experience with college expectations
  • Stronger study and time-management skills
  • Experience with the same tools as traditional college students including:
    • Academic advisors
    • Kent State libraries
    • Academic support services
    • Campus resources

Explore careers now

Through CCP, students can explore majors and interests for free.  Before choosing a major, students can try out different subjects and help them discover what they would like to pursue in the future.

How CCP makes this easier

Students can:

  • Experience college without significant financial risks
  • Learn what interests them
  • Pursue courses connected to future careers
  • Work with college career development office to explore options

Choose how to learn

In CCP, students can learn in the way that works best for them.  This can help students who have extracurricular activities or have a preferred way of learning.

Flexible learning options include:

  • On-campus
  • At a local high school (if offered)
  • 100% online
  • Combination

Use college credits almost anywhere

CCP credits are largely transferrable, meaning that they are accepted by many Ohio public and private colleges.  

How this helps students

  • Students may use their CCP credits at almost any college they choose to pursue their degree
  • CCP students can get ahead on any education that suits them 
Potential Risks of CCP

What are the potentail risks of CCP?

College Credit Plus (CCP) allows high school students to earn college credit now.  While CCP is a great opportunity for students to explore their future, there are some important things to consider.  Before registering, students should talk about these issues with a parent or guardian.

Mature content

CCP college courses may include adult topics.  These topics will not be changed for younger students.

The subject matter of a course enrolled in under the College Credit Plus program may include mature subject matter or materials, including those of a graphic, explicit, violent or sexual nature, that will not be modified based upon the College Credit Plus enrollee participation regardless of where course instruction occurs.

Potential costs

Failing or withdrawing from a course

If a student fails a course or chooses to withdraw, they may be required to pay for the course.

Returning textbooks and materials late or damaged

Students must return textbooks on time and in good condition.  If books are late or damaged, students may be responsible for repayment.

Permanent grades

Grades earned in CCP courses are permanent.  CCP students must understand that these grades will be on both their high school and college records, unless a student enrolls in Option A.  Poor grades can affect students’ high school GPA, college admissions, and future scholarships. 

CCP Forms

Application

Intent to Participate

Continuation Form (re-apply)

Permission Form (Located inside the application portal)

Current Students

Campus Resources

CCP students can take advantage of the same resources available to all Kent State students. Things like:

  • Tutoring
  • Counseling
  • Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
  • Academic Advising
  • Bookstore
  • Ombuds
  • Important Dates

 

Have other questions? Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page to get answers.

CCP Forms

Application

Intent to Participate

Continuation Form (re-apply)

Permission Form (Located inside the application portal)