It takes some planning and work, but by taking advantage of Utah Valley University’s concurrent enrollment program, high school students have a great opportunity to save money on their college education. UVU’s CE program offers a solution that is both affordable and accessible.

An average CE class costs $15 and is worth three college credits; the same class would cost close to $900 if taken at Utah Valley University or another Utah university. In the 2022-23 school year, concurrent enrollment students in Alpine School District collectively saved $17,281,906 in tuition and fees.

Currently, 7,139 ASD students are enrolled at UVU, taking classes in foreign languages, digital media, math and science. These students receive official college transcripts accepted at all higher education institutions.

However, the benefits do not stop there. Students who successfully pass CE math, science and language arts courses — completing one in each subject area — are eligible for the Utah Opportunity Scholarships. These scholarships, which are based on annual legislative funding, have historically provided qualifying students with $1,000 per college semester for four semesters. The amounts may vary from year to year, but the financial support is invaluable in helping students pursue their higher education dreams.

With proper planning, high school students can complete their first semesters of college and earn general education certificates or associate degrees in general studies by the time they graduate from high school. Last spring, 241 Utah County high school students simultaneously earned their high school diplomas and associate degrees from UVU, setting a remarkable example for future generations.

UVU’s CE program is one of Utah’s largest, boasting more than 16,000 students, 60 high school partnerships and 600 high school instructors. The program’s success is attributed to the dedicated CE academic advisors who work closely with students and parents to create academic plans based on individual goals. These advisors also collaborate with high school counselors and administrators to ensure a seamless integration of CE courses into the high school curriculum.

UVU’s CE program is accredited and offers a wide range of courses, allowing students to explore various fields of study. Whether it is mathematics, science, language arts or any other subject, UVU’s CE program provides a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for their future endeavors.

While taking Advanced Placement courses is another way to earn college credit in high school, CE offers two advantages: A CE class is less expensive than the AP test, and CE grades are based on a student’s semester of work and exams, as opposed to a one-time AP test.

CE has proven to be an effective pathway that encourages first-generation students to pursue higher education. It has also been instrumental in motivating academically at-risk students to pursue post-secondary education. Students who take CE classes in high school are familiar with course registration and can keep up with the rigor of college courses, ensuring smoother first-year college experiences.

UVU encourages all high school students in Utah to take advantage of this opportunity. By participating in the CE program, students not only save money but also gain a head start on their college education. The benefits extend beyond the financial aspect as students develop essential skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their future careers.

For more information about UVU’s concurrent enrollment program, visit uvu.edu/concurrent/.

Scott Trotter is the senior director of communications for UVU.

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