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Many students choose to complete college classes through Southwestern while still in high school.  These courses can lead to a diploma or degree from Southwestern or be transferred to a four-year college or university.  Some motivated high school students have even graduated from high school and earned their Associate of Arts degrees from college at the same time.  That's two full years of college credit, before graduating from high school!

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How to Enroll 

Start with a visit to your high school counselor! Students taking college classes must meet Iowa Department of Education’s Senior Year Plus Guidelines. Students are also required to meet Southwestern’s entrance test qualifications and complete the admissions application and course registration form. More information on signing up for classes may be found on the How to Sign up web page.

There are three ways to earn arts and sciences college credits through SWCC:

On Campus or at a College Center

Region 14 students have the ability to take face-to-face classes on campus or at SWCC's Osceola or Red Oak Centers.  Classes on campus provide students with an exciting first-time college experience and benefit from communicating with their instructor in person.  Classes available follow the current class schedule which may be found on the Class Schedules page.

At Region 14 High Schools (SWCC CEP)

Opportunities for high school students to earn college credit are available at a number of districts throughout the Region 14 Area - SWCC CEP Course Offerings. In SWCC CEP, the course is taught at the high school by a high school instructor who meets SWCC’s instructor qualifications. Enrollment in a concurrent enrollment course generates an official college transcript for each student where grades, withdrawals, etc. are recorded.

SWCC was awarded National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) accreditation in 2012. NACEP is a professional organization for high schools and colleges that fosters and supports rigorous concurrent enrollment. NACEP serves as a national accrediting body and supports all members by providing standards of excellence, research, communication, and advocacy. (www.nacep.org). NACEP defines concurrent enrollment as the subset of dual enrollment courses taught by college-approved high school teachers.

Online Academy

Students have opportunities to start their college education through online coursework when traveling to campus isn’t possible. Benefits include flexible scheduling, access to free online tutoring services, 24/7 grade updates, and college credit at no cost. Online classes available follow the current class schedule which may be found on the Class Schedules page.

Still questions?  If so, please contact Rachel Ramaeker, SWCC secondary programs director, or Chelsie Miller, SWCC academic transition advisor, for more information.