Local high school students saved $792k in tuition through RLC’s dual credit program

INA, Ill. (June 11, 2014) - There are plenty of reasons to get involved in Rend Lake College’s dual credit program for high school students, but the most important are the savings in money and time to get a higher education degree. This year, a total of 1,581 students learned that valuable lesson by saving $792,110 in tuition through RLC’s program.

The program, which just completed its 13th year, offers tuition-free courses through RLC with a reduced rate for textbook rental for in-district high school students. High School juniors and seniors take these classes during the day at their school, helping meet graduation requirements at both the high school and RLC. All 13 public high schools in RLC’s district are registered with the program, of which 12 participated last year. The courses are taught by both college and high school instructors.

Lisa Price, Vice President of Student Services, agreed the savings isn’t just in terms of money, but also time. The program benefits the students in the long run by helping them graduate from RLC and move on into their fields of interest.

“In addition to getting a jump start on their college education, students enrolled in the Rend Lake College dual credit program have saved hundreds of dollars in tuition, fees, and books this year,” said Price. “Not only are they getting a head start in higher education, but they are also shortening the time it will take for them to graduate from RLC and move on to their career or further education.”

This year, the 1,581 students in 12 area high schools earned 8,338 credit hours in the spring and fall semesters toward degrees at RLC. At $95 per credit hour, this means the program afforded $792,110 in tuition savings alone.

Mt. Vernon Township High School (MVTHS) had the most participants in the dual credit program with 981 (duplicated) for a total of 3,077 total credit hours earned in two semesters. Altogether, MVTHS students saved $292,315 in tuition.

Benton Consolidated High School also had a high number of participants at 601 (duplicated) students for 1,821 credit hours earned. Students saved their families $172,995 this year. Kelly Stewart, Superintendent of Benton Consolidated High School, said the program is a winner, no matter how you look at it.

“Dual credit at Benton High School is not just a win-win situation; it's really a win-win-win,” said Stewart. “Parents win because their child earns college credit in high school at no cost to them. The student wins when he or she realizes that they can do college-level work and build the confidence to attend college in the future. Rend Lake College also wins as they fulfill their responsibility to help and educate all students in their district through this unique program.”

Other participants in the program were Christopher High School, Hamilton County Senior High School, Pinckneyville Community High School, Sesser-Valier Community High School, Thompsonville High School, Waltonville High School, Wayne City Community High School, Webber Township High School, Woodlawn High School and Zeigler-Royalton Community High School.

Students must meet placement requirements and prerequisites prior to enrolling in the courses. Approval for students to participate in dual enrollment must be obtained by a high school official. Students also must adhere to the RLC drop policy. The grade will become a part of the college transcript.

Tuition is waived for eight hours per semester. For those wanting to take additional classes, approval from the Vice President of Student Services is required.

For more information on dual credit, contact the Student Services Department at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266.