The Indiana Department of Education and the state’s faith-based colleges have forged a dual credit agreement that allows students to earn up to 30 credits or one year of college.
State officials said last week the “professional pathway credential” is modeled after Indiana’s College Core program.
A block-credit transfer hasn’t previously been available to all the state’s private faith-based higher education institutions. All the credits of specified general education courses earned will be transferable as a block among the six participating private colleges.
They include Anderson University, Bethel University, Grace College, Huntington University, Indiana Wesleyan University and Taylor University.
The price of the dual credit courses will vary by each institution.
“As we seek to maximize the four years of high school, this is yet another option for students to earn guaranteed currency before ever leaving high school and get a jump start on their future,” said Secretary of Education Katie Jenner.
Officials anticipated the new pathway credential would be primarily offered through Indiana’s faith-based high schools.
If a student completes any portion of the 30 credits, all six institutions will also accept the individual course credits as equivalencies or elective credit.
Officials hope the new pathway dual credit agreement will also help improve the state’s college-going rate. Less than 52% of high school seniors in 2023 enrolled in college, a new low in recent history.
The new pathway could also count as a “credential of value” required by Indiana’s updated state diploma readiness seals, beginning in 2029.
Taylor University explained the new pathway on its website:
“It includes accredited college courses across multiple disciplines that fulfill general education requirements common to most degree paths, expanding early college access while maintaining academic rigor and a biblical worldview.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
