The Alvin Independent School District and Alvin Community College have entered into an agreement which offers qualified students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree at the same time. The Dual Degree Program will allow a participating high school graduate to directly enter a Texas state supported university as a college junior.
- Students maximize their high school years by selecting courses that count as dual credit for AHS and ACC.
- Parents, as residents of the Alvin Community College tax district, will realize savings by paying lower college tuition at the in-district rate.
- Parents will realize additional savings by not incurring charges for two years of college room and board.
- Students will have the benefits of college and career counseling from the Alvin Community College Academic Advising Office.
- Students can graduate with their bachelor's degree two years ahead of their peers, putting them in the job market earlier, earning job seniority, and gaining extra years toward retirement contributions.
- Students will qualify to participate in all college activities and organizations and will have full use of campus facilities such as the fitness center, library and computer labs.
The Dual Degree Program is a rigorous program that will require extra time and dedication to academic study. It is not for everyone. The successful dual degree candidate should make above average grades, be highly motivated, be able to manage time wisely, possess good study habits, be able to stick to a goal, and not be afraid to seek help before it's too late.
Also, students should take Spanish in the 7th and 8th grades in preparation for college Spanish which is required in grade 9.
Students should apply in the spring of their eighth grade year. High school freshmen and sophomores may also be eligible. They should meet with their high school counselor as early as possible to determine eligibility.
| Step One | Students and parents should schedule an appointment with their public school counselor. The counselor will provide information about taking the required placement test and review the four year high school/college course plan. |
| Step Two | Take the placement test. |
| Step Three | Meet with an Alvin Community College counselor who will explain the results of the placement test. If test scores are satisfactory, the counselor will help students complete the Dual Degree Application and the High School Concurrent Enrollment forms. |
| Step Four | Register for the required high school and college courses each semester. |
| Step Five | Meet with the high school and college counselor before the beginning of each semester to review academic progress and program commitment. |
Students must prove that they are academically ready to participate in college level courses. The requirements to begin the program are
THEA Test
Reading: Minimum score 230
Writing: Minimum score 220
Math: Minimum score 270
ACCUPLACER
Minimum score 77.5 and essay score of 6
or
Minimum score 79.5 and essay score of 5
Math: Minimum score 85.5
Math Requirement
Since college level math will not be taken until the 11th grade, AND, upon initial testing, students will not have had the benefit of high school geometry and Algebra II, the math portion of the placement test may be retaken if the required score is not made on the first attempt.
The parents of Dual Degree Program students will be responsible for college tuition and textbooks. The estimated cost of the four years of college courses while in high school is $2,700.The estimated cost of required textbooks is $2,000. Since tuition is charged by semesters, these costs will be spread over four years with twelve possible semester terms (including summers). Payment plans are available.
While we hope that every student who qualifies for the program will finish, there may be some who choose to withdraw. Students may withdraw at the end of any college semester. The dual credits earned will apply towards graduation from the high school and college. The college credits earned that are not approved for dual credit will be posted to the student's Alvin Community College transcript record. They may be applied to an Alvin Community College degree after high school graduation or transferred to another college or university.
Based on two years or 60 credits
| Sam Houston State University | $8,520 | $14,499 | $23,019 |
| Texas A&M University | $11,896 | $13,770 | $25,666 |
| Texas State University | $9,360 | $13,600 | $22,960 |
| University of Texas at Austin | $11,470 | $15,484 | $26,954 |
| AISD/ACC Dual Degree | $2,700 | $0 | $2,700 |
* Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board 2004 -05
Some additional lower level college courses may be required depending upon the student's choice of major and university.
