Start college now: Earn college credit in high school

Nicolet College is inviting high school students in the Northwoods to earn college credits while in high school. Dual credit programs allow students to experience the rigor and rewards of completing college coursework, while saving them time and money, college officials explained in a press release. By earning college credits while in high school, students explore their academic and career interests, build a strong foundation for their future education, and potentially graduate from college earlier.

“Dual credit is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to get a head start on their college careers,” said Nathan Zorn, dual credit coordinator at Nicolet College. “By taking college courses, students can develop important academic and occupational skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.”

The Start College Now program allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses taught by Nicolet instructors in Nicolet classrooms, labs and online platforms. These students earn dual credit, with tuition and fees covered by their school districts. Interested students should contact their high school counselor to request an application. Applications should be submitted to the high school by Oct. 1 for spring 2025  classes.

The Transcripted Credit program provides a pathway for high school students in grades 9 through 12 to access college-level courses. High school teachers, equipped with college resources and mentorship, deliver full college courses to students. Students earn college and high school credits at no cost. This cost-neutral option benefits both students and schools. Students should contact their high school counselor to determine which transcripted credit courses are available at their high school.

Nicolet also offers contracted courses, allowing students to receive college-level instruction from college instructors, typically at the high school. High school and technical colleges partner in these contracts.

Grace Indermuehle is a high school student at Northland Pines who also works at the Conover Fire Department as a Junior Fire Deputy thanks to her participation in dual credit. 

“Through the dual credit program, I was able to earn my fire training plus high school and college credit all in one class which was really great,” said Grace. “Since this class went so well, I plan on taking more dual credit classes. I want to earn a biology degree so these credits will help me get a jumpstart on that while I’m still in high school.”

To learn more about the dual credit programs at Nicolet, contact Zorn at 715-365-4510 or [email protected].