The Nate Ragland Dual Credit Route

The Nate Ragland Dual Credit Route

With hard work, effective time management and participation in Rend Lake College’s dual credit and dual enrollment programs, Nate Ragland (Sesser) graduated from Waltonville High School with not one, but two associate degrees—setting a strong foundation for his future.

“I was able to register for my dual credit courses right at my high school,” Ragland shared. “The enrollment process was very smooth and straightforward. RLC advisors came on site and helped students register for their dual credit courses.”

Ragland enrolled in a mix of dual credit courses offered at Waltonville High School and dual enrollment courses taken directly through the College. To excel, he stayed motivated and disciplined, managing his high school load, college coursework, and extracurricular activities simultaneously.

“One of the most valuable skills I gained was time management,” said Ragland. “Balancing multiple classes at once required me to stay organized and proactive. Looking ahead at weekly deadlines helped me avoid falling behind and allowed me to succeed in my courses.”

With 69 credit hours earned, Ragland received both an Associate in Science and an Associate in Arts at RLC. He continued his education at Murray State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Sustainability. Ragland furthered his academic path by being accepted into MSU’s Master of Business Administration program.

“Participating in dual credit gave me a significant head start on my college journey. It challenged me academically, helped me grow personally, and allowed me to reach major educational milestones sooner than I expected,” said Ragland. “I highly recommend the program to any student who wants to get ahead both academically and financially.”

For Ragland, dual credit wasn’t just a head start — it was an opportunity to grow and a launchpad toward a successful academic journey and professional career.

Course Schedule

Summer Semester Junior Year of High School:

During the Summer Semester, Ragland’s courses were dual enrollment classes through RLC. These courses were not offered at Waltonville High School as dual credit.

*Total credit hours = 9.00

Fall Semester Junior Year of High School:

During the Fall Semester, Ragland’s courses were a mix of dual credit and dual enrollment classes through RLC. These dual enrollment courses were not offered at Waltonville High School as dual credit.

*Total credit hours = 8.00

Spring Semester Junior Year of High School:

During the Spring Semester, Ragland’s courses were a mix of dual credit and dual enrollment classes through RLC. The dual enrollment courses were not offered at Waltonville High School as dual credit.

*Total credit hours = 11.00

Summer Semester Senior Year of High School:

During the Summer Semester, Ragland’s courses were dual enrollment classes through RLC. This course was not offered at Waltonville High School as dual credit.

*Total credit hours = 5.00

Fall Semester Senior Year of High School:

During the Fall Semester, Ragland’s courses were a mix of dual credit and dual enrollment classes through RLC. The dual enrollment courses were not offered at Waltonville High School as dual credit.

*Total credit hours = 17.00

Spring Semester Senior Year of High School:

During the Spring Semester, Ragland’s courses were dual enrollment classes through RLC. These courses were not offered at Waltonville High School as dual credit.

*Total credit hours = 16.00

Summer Semester Post-High School Graduation:

During the Summer Semester, Ragland’s course was a dual enrollment class through RLC. This course was not offered at Waltonville High School as dual credit.

*Total credit hours = 3.00

Costs & Savings

RLC maintains an in-district tuition rate at $110 per credit hour and a universal fee (includes costs associated with textbooks, technology costs which directly support academic functions, and other general costs associated with academic services of the College) at $42 per credit hour.

The partnership between RLC and the high school allows us to offer dual credit FREE of charge. No fees or tuition will be charged for traditional dual credit classes. (Traditional dual credit classes are taught by qualified high school instructors using college curriculum at the high school campus during regular school hours.)

Tuition for dual enrollment will be half-cost for eight hours per semester. Any courses taken beyond eight hours are billed at the standard tuition rate. Students are responsible for course fees, supplies, and textbook costs.

To calculate your estimated cost of attending, use RLC’s free Net Price Calculator.

Getting Started

Juniors and seniors attending a high school in the Rend Lake College district may take advantage of dual credit courses per the terms and conditions set forth in 110 ILCS 27/1-30. Students must meet requirements and prerequisites prior to enrolling in courses. Students must be approved by their school counselor to participate in the program by being enrolled in a Dual Credit qualified class.

High school juniors and seniors, either home-schooled or attending a high school in the RLC district, may take advantage of dual enrollment by enrolling in courses which take place after the normal high school day. Students must meet placement requirements and prerequisites prior to enrolling in courses.

1. High school officials grant permission to enroll in dual credit courses. The registration process takes place at the high school.
2. Students must meet placement requirements and prerequisites prior to enrolling in courses.
3. Students must adhere to the RLC drop policy; failure to drop will result in the student being awarded a failing grade. Depending on student performance, grades of A, B, C or NC will be awarded and will become part of the college transcript.
4. For a complete listing of dual credit courses, contact RLC’s Academic Advisement team by calling (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1266 or emailing advisement@rlc.edu.

Visit RLC’s First-Time Students page to get started. Apply to RLC now by clicking here.