Earning College Credit in High School

Dual credit classes give students the opportunity to take rigorous college-level classes that can also be counted toward requirements for LPS high school graduation, as well as eligibility for athletic and/or academic honors. Available options can vary each year, as the opportunity for dual enrollment is dependent upon current Northwest teachers who are approved to teach college classes and the schedule of classes offered at local colleges.

High school students typically receive discounted tuition for these dual enrollment classes and need-based scholarships are available for students who qualify. CLICK HERE to lear more about the ACE or Learn to Dream Scholarship.

The options listed below describe the most common pathways to dual credit for our students. Please contact your LNW school counselor to learn more about these opportunities, or if you have questions about other potential dual credit opportunities.

Off-Campus Opportunities

Students who choose one of these options will not have a class to attend on their schedule at Northwest. These courses are taught by college instructors, either online or on the college campus. Some of the courses offered through these programs have been pre-approved for LPS credit, but that’s not the case for all classes. Always talk with your LNW school counselor prior to enrolling in any of these off-campus options (see process above) if you need the high school credits to meet requirements for LPS graduation, athletic eligibility, or academic honors.

• Nebraska Now – A program offered through the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, this option provides students with the opportunity to take a college class either online or on campus at UNL. Enrollment and registration is completed online; prerequisites may be required. Learn more and see current course offerings by visiting the Nebraska Now website.
• SENCAP (ONLINE) – LPS students can choose to enroll in online courses through SENCAP at Southeast Community College. This program offers a variety of courses that meet general education requirements for many programs in a flexible online format. Transfer credit at other colleges is typically an option for these classes as well. Learn more by visiting the SENCAP website.
• The Career Academy (TCA) – TCA is a joint venture between LPS and SCC where students participate in hands-on experiences while earning dual credit in one of 14 pathways. Students spend half of their day at their home high school, but also have classes off campus at TCA. Since this is an LPS program, all courses taken at TCA are pre-approved dual credit classes. Transportation to SCC is provided for students who attend TCA. Learn more and apply by visiting The Career Academy Website.

On-Campus Opportunities

Students who participate in one of these options will attend a class taught by a Northwest teacher as part of their daily schedule. College credit for all on-campus dual credit classes can be earned through at least one of the options below, but some classes have multiple options for how college credit can be awarded. Please contact your LNW school counselor for the current list of on-campus dual credit classes offered at Northwest.

• Take the AP Exam – If students meet the cut score for their specific class (as set by the college where credit is being requested), they can earn credit for an AP class taken in high school. AP exams are taken in the spring, but students will register for the AP exam during the semester the class is taken. Teachers often offer additional study sessions leading up to the AP testing window. Learn more about AP by visiting the AP Program website.
• Dual Enrollment with NWU’s Wesleyan Honors Academy (WHA) – Students selecting this option pay reduced tuition at NWU and are awarded college credit if their overall grade meets requirements set by the institution. Students register for classes online and tuition is paid directly to Wesleyan. There are additional benefits for students who choose attend NWU after graduating from high school. The registration deadline is typically 4-6 weeks after the start of the class. Learn more by visiting the WHA website.
• Dual Enrollment with Southeast Community College/SENCAP – Similar to WHA, students opting for this choice earn college credit for successful completion of their class at Northwest. This program is provided through Southeast Community College and high school students receive a 50% tuition discount. Students must complete the SCC admissions process and register for their class online. Tuition is paid directly to SCC. This registration deadline for these classes is typically within the first week of class. Learn more by visiting the SENCAP website.