Starting with the 2025-26 academic year, Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) will offer free tuition for dual credit and early entry classes. The MPCC Board of Governors approved the plan in May.

“MPCC is proud to offer high-quality coursework to high school students inside and outside our service area,” said Kayla Thurman, director of early entry and program development. “Making dual credit courses free removes barriers and opens doors allowing all students to participate, build confidence, and get a head start on their college and career goals.”

Early entry allows high school students to take college level courses without first obtaining a high school diploma. Classes may be taken as dual credit, meaning they count toward high school and college credit at the same time, or as a separate course load.

The Nebraska Legislature began to provide dual enrollment funding to the six community colleges at the end of the 2020-21 academic year. According to an April report by the Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System, 87.6% of students who participate in dual enrollment go on to pursue college after high school.

Among those who enroll in a two-year institution, dual enrollment students are significantly more likely to persist, with 81% continuing into their second year compared to just 67% of their non-dual enrollment peers.

“Early entry opportunities provide students many advantages,” MPCC President Ryan Purdy stated. “It can provide direction on career choices, boost student’s confidence in furthering their education, give them a jumpstart on their higher education or help get them in the workforce earlier.”

During the current academic year, 10,666 credits have been taken by students in 56 high schools both inside and outside of MPCC’s 18-county service area.

Although early entry classes will be offered for free tuition, students will still be responsible for tools, textbooks or any other associated course fees.

This article originally was posted here.