COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS
Start your college journey early. Ashland University’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program gives motivated high school students the opportunity to begin their college journey early. Earn both high school and college credit while exploring academic interests, building confidence and experiencing the expectations of college-level learning. Through CCP, students can take courses on the Ashland campus, online, or at partner high schools while gaining access to Ashland’s academic resources, faculty and campus community. It’s a flexible way to explore potential majors, discover new opportunities and take the next step toward your future. At Ashland, you will be challenged to explore new ideas and connect with faculty and staff invested in your success. For eligible students taking approved courses, tuition and course fees are covered through Ohio’s College Credit Plus program, and textbook costs are covered by the high school. By earning college credit early, students can make progress toward a degree while potentially saving significant time and money on future college expenses.
Getting Started.
ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSION • Students must meet state CCP eligibility requirements and college admission requirements. • Students must meet all placement and prerequisite requirements; they ensure students are set up for success in their courses.
Plan the next steps. 1. Submit your letter of intent to your high school by April 1.
2. Apply to Ashland University using the student’s personal email address (not a high school or parent email). Public school students should apply by May 1 (April 1 is recommended for best course selection) Private and Homeschool students, who also need to apply for state funding, must submit their AU application by March 1. 3. Upload your CCP permission slip to your application. 4. Ask your school counselor to send official high school transcripts.
Apply Now
“
“CCP has helped me grow my education outside of the high school classroom. I come from a smaller high school, and with that comes limited class selections. I’ve been able to begin completing credits toward my desired major as a junior/senior in high school.” LUKE, MAPLETON HIGH SCHOOL
TRADITIONAL ADMISSION
TEST-OPTIONAL ADMISSION
2.50+
3.00+
Unweighted Cumulative HS GPA, plus, one of the following test scores: • ACT Composite: 18 or higher, • SAT: 970 or higher, OR • ONE of the following Accuplacer Scores: Reading 250+ Writing 263+, or QAS Math 263+ (not “AAF”)
Unweighted Cumulative HS GPA Alternative: GPA between 2.85 - 2.99 with grades of A or B only in relevant coursework (math, English, science, AND social studies).
Rules and FAQs
See ashland.edu/ccp for detailed information.
AU CCP
Funding
The state application for private and homeschool students via the parent’s OH|ID account must be submitted by April 1 (to include the college acceptance letter). Please be aware that the subject matter of some courses may include mature topics or materials of a graphic, explicit, violent or sexual nature. Courses will not be modified for CCP students regardless of where course instruction occurs. Parents should contact collegecreditplus@ashland.edu if they would like to request a course materials review.
ACCUPLACER TESTING Test scores (ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer) may be required for admission and/or course placement, based on a student’s grade level, HS GPA, coursework, or existing scores. The CCP office will notify students at the time of application if testing is needed for admission and provide next steps. • Students in 9th grade or younger must complete Accuplacer testing. • Students in 10th grade or higher with a 3.0+ unweighted GPA may be admitted test optionally. • Test scores may still be required for placement into certain courses (e.g., MATH 108—Introductory Statistics). • Accuplacer scores from other colleges are accepted (Reading, Writing, and QAS sections).
Course Selection. BUILDING THE COURSE PLAN THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR PURSUIT Students begin with Ohio-approved Level One courses during their first 15 credit hours (about five classes), designed to build foundational skills and support academic exploration.
Level-One
Online
With online courses, students will log in daily to complete readings, watch lectures and submit assignments; however, there is not a scheduled virtual meeting time. This flexibility allows you to balance coursework with other commitments but requires strong time management and organizational skills. All assignments must be submitted by the deadlines outlined in the course syllabus. To support you, the CCP office schedules 12-week sections of select courses each year. CCP students receive priority registration in these sections to help ensure access and prevent course closures.
Find your path. Explore academic pathways designed to help you discover your interests, earn college credit, and prepare for a future major or career. Each pathway includes recommended courses aligned with an Ashland University degree program. Pathways are guides—not requirements. Whether you take a few courses or complete up to 30 CCP credit hours, you can personalize your course plan to fit your interests, high school graduation requirements, and future goals. If you don’t see the major you’re interested in, your CCP advisor can help you create a plan that’s right for you. Biology Cybersecurity Exercise Science Business Management
Digital Media Production
Nursing (BSN)
Computer Science
Education: Integrated Social Studies
Psychology
Criminal Justice
Education: Primary Grades/Interv. Spec.
Foundations (Undecided)
PLANNING YOUR CCP SCHEDULE Each pathway includes approximately 30 credit hours (about one year of college coursework), but you don’t have to complete the entire pathway. If you’re planning a 15-hour pathway, simply choose five Level One courses from the pathway that interest you. We encourage you to take ENG 101 Composition I and ENG 102 Composition II early because the writing and research skills you develop will help you succeed in nearly every college course. Not sure where to start? Your CCP advisor can help you choose courses or create a personalized pathway that fits your goals.
Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? • Courses are free for eligible students under Option B of the program rules. Students may take up to 30 credit hours per school year (including high school and college credits). Your school counselor can help determine how many CCP credits you may take. • Under Option A, students pay tuition. The rate is $170 per credit hour, plus course fees and textbooks. WHAT ABOUT TEXTBOOKS? • Public and nonpublic high schools cover textbook costs. • Check with your guidance counselor about your school’s textbook acquisition policy. If your school has an account with the AU Campus Store, textbooks may be ordered through the bookstore and billed to your high school. Instructions will be included in orientation materials. • Homeschooled students must provide their own textbooks. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORTATION? • Students are responsible for their own transportation. CAN I TAKE SUMMER CLASSES? • Yes, however, summer courses run in an accelerated eight‑week format (same content in half the time) and require strong time management and organizational skills. Most students find the fall term a more comfortable starting point. WHAT ARE MY ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES? • Students must follow the rules and regulations of the college or university. CCP courses taught at a high school are still college courses, and Ashland University policies take precedence over high school policies. ARE CCP CLASSES TRANSFERABLE? • Short answer: Yes— CCP courses are real college courses and are widely accepted by many colleges and universities. WHAT TO KNOW WHEN PLANNING AHEAD: • Transfer credit decisions are made by the receiving college or university and may vary by institution and by major. • Because each institution sets its own transfer policies, transfer outcomes cannot be guaranteed in advance. • Students are encouraged to review transfer guidelines at their intended college before enrolling in CCP courses. Tools such as Transferology.com can help students explore how credits may transfer. • CCP credits may transfer as general electives; whether they fulfill specific degree or major requirements depends on the receiving institution and the student’s academic plan.
Your purpose taking shape now. We are excited to offer CCP as an opportunity to not only earn free college credit, but to start your journey to finding your academic and personal pursuits.
BEING COLLEGE‑READY TAKES MORE THAN STRONG GRADES TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR ACADEMICS o I’m ready to manage my own schedule, assignments, and deadlines.
o I’m comfortable doing independent work outside of class, including reading and studying on my own. o I understand that college grades are permanent, appear on both my high school and college transcripts, and will follow me to any college I attend. COMMUNICATION o I can check my AU email daily and respond promptly.
o I’m comfortable communicating directly with professors and staff. o I understand that FERPA means my academic information is shared with me—not my parents—and I am responsible for all communication. UNDERSTANDING CONSEQUENCES o I understand that withdrawing from or failing a course (earn a W or F) can affect my GPA, academic standing, and future financial aid.
o I know that my family will be financially responsible for costs related to withdrawals or failed courses. ASKING FOR HELP & SELF ADVOCACY o I’m willing to ask for help early if I start to struggle in a class.
o I know how to use resources like office hours, tutoring, or advising. o If I need accommodations, I understand that I must request them through the college (IEPs do not transfer).
Contact Us. collegecreditplus@ashland.edu www.ashland.edu/ccp
401 College Ave. Ashland, Ohio 44805