College Now (Dual Enrollment Program) Questions and Answers
Q. What is College Now?
A. College Now is a program where eligible high school seniors may enroll in one STCC credit course each semester free of charge. STCC will waive tuition and fees. Students will pay for books, supplies, and must provide their own transportation. Students may take any credit course for which they meet the pre-requisites including day, evening, weekend and on-line offerings. Courses taken must be applicable to the high school diploma.
Q. Who can participate?
A. Eligible high school seniors, who are Massachusetts residents, may enroll in one STCC credit course each semester free of charge. Students may take any credit course for which they meet the prerequisite including day, evening, weekend and online. Guidance counselor’s or other designated school official’s approval is required.
Q. Is the course really FREE?
A. Yes the course is free. The student is responsible for the cost of the books and supplies.
Q. Can a participant take more than one course?
A. Yes a participant can take more than one course but they will be billed for any additional courses above the initial free one. All tuition and fees would apply.
Q. Can a College Now participant be admitted to a degree program at STCC while still in high school.
A. Only individuals who have graduated from high school or earned a GED can be admitted into a degree program.
Q. What if I don’t get permission from my guidance counselor to take the course I want?
A. Then you cannot take the course as part of the College Now program.
Q. What if I don’t have the prerequisites needed for the course I want ?
A. Then you can’t take the course until those requirements are met. Working with your guidance counselor look for another course that assists you in meeting your high school graduation requirements.
Q. Can a College Now participant received Financial Aid?
A. No, Federal financial aid guidelines require that all financial aid applicants have graduated from high school or have earned their GED and have been admitted into a degree program in order to be considered for Federal financial aid.
Q. Do I have to provide my own transportation to STCC?
A. Yes. Information on how to obtain a free parking decal, or a free PVTA bus pass is available at www.stcc.edu. Click on “Student Services”, then click on “Campus Police”, then click on either “Vehicle Registration” for instructions on obtaining a parking decal or click on “Parking/Transportation” for instructions on obtaining a PVTA bus pass.
Q. Can I take an evening class or Saturday morning class or an online class as a College Now participant?
A. Yes. Students may take any credit course for which they meet the pre-requisites including day, evening, weekend and online offerings. Courses taken must be applicable to the high school diploma. Developmental/remedial or non-credit courses may not be taken.
Q. Can I use these college credits at another college once I graduate from high school if I choose to go somewhere else?
A. Usually as long as you earn the minimum grade required by that college and the course is required for the academic major you are accepted into. It is highly recommended you speak directly to the colleges of your interest about their credit acceptance policy for more details.
Q. After I graduate from high school can I continue my enrollment at STCC?
A. Absolutely! You’ll be one or more courses closer to earning your Associates Degree at STCC just by participating in College Now.
Q. As a College Now participant am I subject to all of the College’s policies and procedures?
A. Yes.