Opportunities & Risks

The College Credit Plus Program is an amazing opportunity for secondary students to begin their college careers at no cost. The opportunities and rewards from participating in this program are many; however, there are also risks involved that students should consider as they are deciding whether or not to participate. Students should talk through the pros and cons of participating with their parents or guardians and secondary counselor prior to registering for classes.

Opportunities

  • The CC+ program allows participants to meet high school requirements while being concurrently enrolled in college coursework and earning college credit.
  • The program is affordable and, in most cases, free to eligible students.
  • The CC+ program prepares students for what full-time college will be like.
  • Certain Ohio University courses designated as Ohio Transfer 36 (OT36, formerly known as Ohio Transfer Module) and Transfer Assurance Guide (TAG) are guaranteed to transfer and satisfy degree requirements at other Ohio public institutions.
  • Some research shows that when students are exposed to college coursework while in high school, it is more likely that they will attend college and persist through to graduation.

Potential Risks

  • Students who participate initiate a permanent academic record that will follow them to any other college or university.
  • Earning poor grades could negatively impact a participant's eligibility for admission at Ohio University or at other universities as a degree-seeking student.
  • Students who fail courses may be asked by their school districts for reimbursement for the cost of tuition and books.
  • Although certain courses are guaranteed to transfer to other Ohio public institutions, they may not be accepted at private and out-of-state institutions.
  • Financial aid eligibility as a degree-seeking student is based on degree completion within a certain time period. Course credits earned through the CC+ program will count in determining eligibility.
  • The subject matter of a course enrolled in under the College Credit Plus Program may include mature subject matter or materials, including those of graphic, explicit, violent, or sexual nature, that will not be modified based upon College Credit Plus enrollee participation, regardless of where course instruction occurs.