As a high school student, you face many decisions. You may be wondering: Where should I go to college? What will be my major? What job do I want after getting a degree? Or maybe you’re wondering: Should I even go to college? What is the point of college if I don’t need it for my career?
No matter what you’re thinking or where you’ll end up going, we hope to set you up on the path to success.
For many students, their first step on this path is taking on the Associate Degree in High School Program. If you’ve never heard of this program, it’s exactly how it sounds: you are able to get your associate of liberal arts degree while you are in high school!
The best part? This program caters to your preferences. Take courses on campus with other college students or earn your associate degree online, offering flexibility and convenience for your studies.
Whether you choose to pursue this degree in person or online, you will not be alone. Throughout the entire journey of getting your associate of liberal arts degree, you will be assisted by Beth Bessinger, our academic support specialist.
Bessinger will assist you in various ways as you earn college credits during high school. As your academic advisor, she helps with onboarding, class registration, and day-to-day communication. According to her, here is what makes Grace’s Associate Degree in High School Program special.
Benefits of an Associate Degree
1. Monetary savings: For the same courses that our full-time college students take, high schoolers will be getting their associate’s degree for a fraction of the price. In total, it is only $8,500 for a quality associate of liberal arts degree.
2. Time savings: As you complete your associate degree while in high school, you’ll save time if you decide to continue your education. Students typically begin the program in their junior year of high school and finish by graduation! Having this education under your belt, you can finish your bachelor’s degree in only two to three years.
3. Faith-based education: In a world where Christian education is no longer the norm, students need a place to be trained through a biblical worldview. Our associate degree prepares you to live out your faith and integrate it into the workplace.
4. College/work preparation: Earning 60 college credits before finishing high school, students completing the associate in high school program are equipped with the essential skills to work a job or continue their education.
5. Meets high school requirements: In addition to getting college credit, students in the associate in high school program also meet several high school requirements. Through Grace courses, they are able to complete several of their high school credits simultaneously.
6. Credit Transferability: Due to Grace College’s accreditation, students’ credits will transfer to any other university upon completion. While not all courses may fill other university requirements, all credits will be accounted for when transferred.
7. Community: Past and current students have loved getting to know their fellow students in the program, providing a close-knit community of learners. Whether it’s meeting in groups to study or connecting with other students while getting your associate degree online, every student has the opportunity for community.
8. A Degree in Liberal Arts: An associate of liberal arts degree provides you with a well-rounded education that equips you with the essential skills for further education or entering the workforce. Become proficient in time management, communication, teamwork, and many other practical areas.
You are created for more. Check out the associate in high school program to get MORE out of your time, money, and faith-based education.
Read this blog to hear about Laura Beth Vanderbur’s experience with the Associate Degree in High School.
Is a bachelor’s or an associate degree best for you? Read this to find out!
