Associate Degree while in High School

An associate degree is a two-year undergraduate credential (60 credit hours) that sits between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree. The Associate Degree while in High School is a two-year degree designed for high school students who want to earn college credit through dual enrollment. Students can complete general education requirements early and even graduate with an associate of science degree by the time they finish high school.

For the Associate Degree while in High School, the degree is 60 credit hours, taking two years on average to complete.

With a foundational liberal arts education, associate degree jobs include many entry-level positions in business, human services, health care, administration, or technical departments. It gives further credentials to improve your job opportunities compared to only having a high school diploma.

At Grace College, students in the Associate Degree while in High School program begin during their sophomore or junior year. They are given the option to complete their credits in an online only or attend on-campus and online classes. 

It’s simple! Submit a free online application, and once accepted, we’ll help you register for courses and prepare for your first semester of college classes.

Yes! You’ll save time and money, get a head start on your bachelor’s degree, and develop study habits that prepare you for college success. You’ll also experience how faith and learning connect, growing academically, personally, and spiritually. Read this blog for more information about the benefits of an associate degree!

Dual enrollment allows students to take Grace College courses for both high school and college credit. Courses are taught by Grace professors and integrate biblical truth into every subject. It’s a great way to challenge yourself academically while earning affordable college credits that can often transfer to other institutions (transfer policies vary by school).

You’ll have two great options: continue at Grace College to complete your bachelor’s degree online or hybrid on campus, or use your earned credits toward a degree at another institution (transfer policies vary by school). Either way, you’ll be well prepared academically and spiritually for the next step.

Yes. The following are Grace College’s eligibility requirements: 

• Students must agree to complete all high school diploma requirements while pursuing their associate degree.
• Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible.
• Grace is a test-optional school, so test scores are not required for admission.
• Check with your high school counselor and our admissions counselors!

Yes! Grace College is regionally accredited, so credits typically transfer easily to other accredited institutions. Students who stay at Grace can apply all 60 credits directly toward a bachelor’s degree program.

Many homeschool students are successful in completing the Associate in High School program! There aren’t any extra or special requirements for homeschooled students to be eligible for the program. Parents will act as the school counselor and send in a copy of the student’s high school transcript and provide a recommendation on the student’s behalf. Grace is a very homeschool-friendly college!

High school juniors and seniors (and in some cases second-semester sophomores) may apply if they meet academic requirements and have the maturity to handle college-level work. Students should be ready to take ownership of their learning and engage from a Christian perspective.

Grace offers significantly discounted tuition rates for dual enrollment students, making it one of the most affordable ways to earn college credit. The current cost of the entire program is $8,500, which is then split into semester payments for students participating in the Associate in High School program.

Students may choose to take classes fully online or in-person with some online classes on our beautiful Winona Lake, IN campus. All online courses are offered in a flexible, asynchronous format. 

Every course is taught from a biblical worldview, helping students understand how God’s truth applies to all areas of life, from communication and history to science and leadership.

You’ll have a dedicated academic advisor and access to Grace’s student services, including tech help and tutoring. We’re here to make sure you succeed!

The program is designed to be completed in two years, but some students complete the program in 2 ½ years if they start the second semester of their sophomore year. A student may start the Associate in High School program after the fall of their junior year, but they risk not being able to complete the entire associate degree program while in high school.

Students need a reliable computer or laptop, stable internet access, and basic word-processing software. All classes are delivered through Grace’s online learning platform, which is simple to use and mobile-friendly.