LSC-CyFair’s Dual Credit Program Tops in Texas

“Our Dual Credit program is one of the many ways our campus serves the community by offering an affordable jump start to a college education,” said LSC-CyFair President Dr. Seelpa Keshvala. “It is through our collaborative partnerships that we are impacting the lives of thousands of students who choose to start their higher education journey with us.”Dr. Michel Rodriguez-Zuch, LSC-CyFair’s Dean of Academic Affairs, said the Dual Credit program partnership with Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) enrolled approximately 1,700 students in Fall 2011. The program now includes the CFISD College Academy, which is organized in a cohort fashion, and more recently the addition of Lamar Consolidated ISD in the Richmond/Rosenberg area.

Hollander Thompson, Director of Educational Services and Partnerships, said Dual Credit is approximately 14% of all enrollment in higher education in Texas. The number of students has increased across all demographics. Part of the growth is due to changes in state laws, which in turn, have removed barriers allowing LSC-CyFair to work with partner ISDs and further build the Dual Credit program providing more access to, and benefits for, students.

“There are many benefits in choosing Dual Credit classes. The cost benefit is the eye opener at $78 for a 3 credit hours Dual Credit course. After high school graduation, that same course would cost $270 for in-district students at LSC versus $1,400 at Texas A&M University in addition to the purchase of books,” said Rodriguez-Zuch.

For some students $78 is still too expensive, so LSC-CyFair partners with CFISD to help students who qualify for free and reduced lunch pay for half the cost. This Dual Credit scholarship has been provided by CFISD, the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation or Cy-Hope.

Another benefit of the Dual Credit program is that it provides high school students an opportunity to get a year ahead on their college path. Students who qualify for the College Academy Program can earn an associate degree by the time they graduate from high school. Students apply at the end of their 8th-grade year and can begin taking courses in the summer after their freshman year. They can choose from academic or workforce program courses.