Blinn College reducing dual-credit tuition, will offer no-cost courses to qualifying high school students

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Some changes are coming to Blinn College’s dual-credit program that will benefit high school students enrolled in the program.

Shannon Williford, Blinn’s Director of Dual Credit Programs joined KBTX to share what students and parents should know.

Learn more in the press release shared by Blinn College below:

Beginning this fall, the Blinn College District will offer dual-credit courses at no cost to certain high school students through the state FAST (Financial Aid for Swift Transfer) Program and reduce the cost of dual-credit courses for all other students.

Through FAST, which was established by Texas House Bill 8 during the 88th Legislative Session, qualified high school students can complete college courses and earn college credit at no cost. Students are eligible to have their dual-credit costs covered if they enroll in an eligible dual-credit course at a participating public school district or charter school and have qualified for free or reduced-price lunch within the previous four years.

Eligible students will not pay tuition and fees for eligible dual-credit courses, books, supplies, and other course materials. Students’ eligibility is determined based upon data provided from ISDs and charter schools to the Texas Education Agency.

Students who are not eligible for FAST pay a reduced tuition of just $56.87 per semester credit hour.

“The FAST program will allow us to serve even more students and help them earn valuable certificates, industry-recognized credentials, and associate degrees,” said Dr. Becky McBride, Vice Chancellor for Student Services. “By waiving dual credit tuition and fees for eligible students, we can better serve our communities while addressing the goals of the state’s Building a Talent Strong Texas higher education strategic plan.”

Blinn’s Dual Credit Program enables high school students to earn credit toward their college degree by enrolling in courses that simultaneously satisfy the requirements for both high school graduation and a college degree. These courses may be taught on a Blinn campus or a high school campus by credentialed instructors according to criteria established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Blinn dual credit courses include the same content and rigor as courses taught to other college students.

For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/dual-credit.