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Ohio’s College Credit Plus: Ohio’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program continues to grow, offering high school students the opportunity to earn college credits without stepping foot on a college campus. Launched in the 2015-2016 school year, the program has expanded rapidly, allowing students across the state to access higher education at no cost while still in high school.
A Growing Trend in Dual Enrollment
The College Credit Plus program provides a dual enrollment option for students in grades 9 through 12. Participants take college-level courses that count toward both their high school graduation requirements and college degree credits. These courses are available through local colleges or universities and can be taught either on college campuses, in high schools by qualified instructors, or even online. Notably, textbooks are also provided free of charge, making it an accessible option for many families.
The latest data from the Ohio Department of Higher Education reveals that over 80,000 students enrolled in the CCP program during the 2022-2023 school year. This marks a 5.3% increase from the previous year, with 80,163 students in total, compared to 53,273 students when the program began in 2015. The rise in participation reflects the growing popularity and benefits of this initiative.
Significant Savings for Students and Families
One of the most compelling aspects of College Credit Plus is its cost-saving potential. By offering courses for free, the program has saved Ohio students and families millions of dollars in tuition. In the 2022-2023 academic year alone, students saved an estimated $193 million in college tuition, contributing to a total savings of over $1 billion since the program’s inception.
This is especially significant as the cost of higher education continues to rise across the country, making College Credit Plus an appealing option for students who want to reduce the financial burden of earning a college degree.
Participation Rates Across Ohio
The CCP program’s impact varies across Ohio’s counties, with some regions seeing higher participation rates than others. In Northeast Ohio, for instance, College Credit Plus participation rates were as follows in 2022-2023:
• Cuyahoga County: 9% (5,000 students out of 58,399)
• Summit County: 7% (2,012 students out of 26,906)
• Lorain County: 15% (2,341 students out of 15,112)
• Lake County: 10% (1,082 students out of 10,810)
Although participation rates are growing, they are not uniform across all districts, and some counties lag behind others. For example, Hamilton County had the lowest participation rate at just 5%, while counties such as Putnam and Washington in northwest and eastern Ohio saw participation rates as high as 33% and 30%, respectively.
Closing the Education Gap
While the College Credit Plus program offers significant benefits, challenges remain. An audit from Ohio Auditor Keith Faber found that economically disadvantaged students are underrepresented in the program. These students face barriers such as limited access to high-speed internet, which affects their ability to participate in online courses. The audit recommended expanding internet access and providing additional support services for these students to ensure they have equal opportunities.
In conclusion, Ohio’s College Credit Plus program is an excellent tool for students to jumpstart their college education while still in high school, offering them free courses, valuable experience, and significant financial savings. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to this valuable opportunity.
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