The College Credit Plus dual enrollment program allows students to earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking courses from Ohio colleges or universities.
CCP enhances students’ college readiness and postsecondary success, while providing a variety of course options to the college-ready student. Accepted students may take courses at one or a combination of the following locations: at the AU main campus, online, or at their high school (if their school partners with AU for “in-house” courses).
- Students in grades 7-12 who are enrolled in Ohio public schools, nonpublic high schools, or homeschooled may choose to participate in the CCP program at Ashland University.
- Students must complete their first 15 credits in Level One courses.
- Ashland University has developed 15- and 30- credit hour pathways to help students plan their course selections.
- Please be aware that the subject matter of some courses may include mature topics or materials of a graphic, explicit, violent or sexual nature. Courses will not be modified for CCP students regardless of where course instruction occurs. Parents should contact collegecreditplus@ashland.edu if they would like to request a course materials review.
For complete program guidelines, visit the Ohio Department of Higher Education website.
Important Action Deadlines for Participation
SPRING 2026
| Apply By1 | Materials Due | Course Registration2 | Semester Start3 | No-Fault Drop Date4 | Withdrawal Deadline5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 15, 2025 | Oct. 31, 2025 | Begins Nov. 10, 2025 | Jan. 12, 2026 | Jan. 29, 2026 | March 24, 2026 |
SUMMER 2026
| Apply By1 | Materials Due | Course Registration2 | Semester Start3 | No-Fault Drop Date4 | Withdrawal Deadline5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 1, 2026 | March 15, 2026 | Begins March 30, 2026 | Term A – May 11, 2026 Term B – July 6, 2026 |
Term A – May 25, 2026 Term B – July 20, 2026 |
Term A – June 10, 2026 Term B – Aug. 10, 2026 |
FALL 2026
| Apply By1 | Materials Due | Course Registration2 | Semester Start3 | No-Fault Drop Date4 | Withdrawal Deadline5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2026 | June 30, 2026 | Begins April 13, 2026 | Aug. 31, 2026 | Sept. 17, 2026 | Nov. 3, 2026 |
SPRING 2027
| Apply By1 | Materials Due | Course Registration2 | Semester Start3 | No-Fault Drop Date4 | Withdrawal Deadline5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 15, 2026 | Oct. 31, 2026 | Begins Nov. 16, 2026 | Jan. 11, 2027 | Feb. 5, 2027 | March 23, 2027 |
IMPORTANT: These dates apply only to 16-week, in-person courses on the Ashland campus ONLY. Dates for other course lengths or locations may vary. Always check the Academic Calendar on the Registrar’s webpage and consult with your CCP advisor.
- 1Application Deadline: Submit a complete, signed application by this date. Apply by April 1 to avoid limited course availability.
- Nonpublic and homeschool students must apply earlier to meet the state's funding application deadline: Summer and Fall – by March 1; Spring – by Oct. 1.
- 2Materials Due: All required documents must be received by this date, including your official transcript and signed permission slip (as well as test scores if you do not qualify for test-optional admission).
- 3Semester Start: Applies to 16-week Ashland campus courses; others may differ.
- 4No-Fault Drop Date: Last day to drop without penalty—either the 14th day of term or AU’s drop date, whichever is later.
- 5Withdrawal Deadline: Always talk to your high school counselor and AU advisor before withdrawing. Withdrawal or failure means you must repay tuition and textbook costs, it’s permanently on your college transcript, may affect future financial aid, and could lead to CCP probation or dismissal.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the CCP program will be granted to the student who satisfies the requirements of either pathway below.
CCP admission does not guarantee placement in any course. Students must be able to meet all placement and prerequisite guidelines.
Authorized students in grades 7-12 who are enrolled in Ohio public schools, nonpublic high schools, or homeschooled may choose to participate in the CCP program at Ashland University. Any student interested in participating in CCP must be considered a resident of Ohio as defined in state law. (Unauthorized students include, but are not limited to, international students without proof of Ohio residency, out-of-state students, and students coded as unauthorized through EMIS).
Pathway 1: Traditional Admission
Minimum 2.50 unweighted cumulative* high school GPA, plus one of the following assessment scores:
- 18 ACT Composite
- 970 SAT
- ONE of the following Accuplacer scores:
- 250 Reading
- 263 Writing
- 263 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics (QAS)
As a prospective CCP student, you may schedule a free Accuplacer test through our Testing Center.
For additional information about taking the Accuplacer test, view our Frequently Asked Questions section.
Pathway 2: Test-Optional Admission
- Minimum 3.00 unweighted cumulative* high school GPA
OR - 2.85 – 2.99 GPA unweighted cumulative* high school GPA with grades of “A” or “B” in the relevant coursework areas. (AU defines the relevant coursework areas as math, English, science, and social studies.)
*A cumulative high school GPA must include at least one final grade in each of the relevant coursework areas.
Students who have not yet earned a final grade in each of the relevant coursework areas (i.e., students who have not yet completed the 9th grade) must currently have As and Bs only in those areas and take the Accuplacer Reading exam. A copy of the student’s grade card with grades for all the grading periods for the current school year to date should be sent by the school to collegecreditplus@ashland.edu.
CCP Admissions/Accuplacer Example Scenarios
Example: A student completed HS Algebra I in the 8th grade and earned a B-.
Required Action: The student should schedule the Accuplacer (Reading section) and score 250+ to be admitted.
Example: A freshman student applies to the CCP program before final grades have been posted at the end of the school year and has As or Bs in each of the relevant coursework areas on their grade card.
Required Action: The student should schedule the Accuplacer (Reading section) and score 250+ to be admitted.
Example: A student does not yet have a cumulative* HS GPA with final grades in each of the relevant coursework areas. The student’s grade card demonstrates at least one C or lower in a relevant coursework area.
Decision: The student does not yet qualify for admission due to not having all As and Bs in the relevant areas. They should not schedule the Accuplacer, as grades below As and Bs disqualify the student from participation, regardless of any assessment scores. The student should plan to reapply for admission after completing the ninth grade.
How to Apply
When creating an account to start the application process, students must use their personal email address, not a high school or parent email address.
Students should regularly check their email for their admission decision. AU does not send paper acceptance letters; all notifications are sent to the email address the student supplies during the application process.
If the student has not heard back from the university within in 1-2 weeks, they should double-check that their admission letter did not go to their spam folder. If it is not there, they should contact collegecreditplus@ashland.edu, as there may be missing information necessary for their decision.
NOTE: If a student applies using an email address that cannot receive messages (such as a high school account that often blocks outside communications) or uses an account they cannot access (like a parent’s email), they will not receive their admission letter with further instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Course Registration
Your AU Accounts
Self Service
View the Course Catalog, register for classes, and view your schedule and final grades.
Parent Corner
This section of the website is designed specifically for parents. We understand that you want to support your child and may feel the urge to manage certain aspects of their college experience. However, due to the federal law known as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), once your child is enrolled in college, they are considered an adult when it comes to their academic matters. As a result, they are responsible for handling their own academic affairs. This means we are unable to discuss your child's schedule, performance, or any academic concerns with you without explicit written consent from the student.
That said, your support remains invaluable. This section provides helpful resources to guide you as you assist your child through their first college courses. You'll find basic information on how they can activate their student account, register for classes, and purchase textbooks. For detailed information, we recommend that you and your young scholar sit down together to review their online orientation (the link is included in their acceptance email).
Links and Resources
- CCP Info Hub Folder - a collection of handouts and forms used by the CCP office.
- Academic Catalog
- Accessibility Services
- Archer Library
- Campus Map
- Campus Store
- Campus Shield App
- Engage Ashland - Student Organizations
- ODHE - Info for Students and Family
- Student Conduct
- Student Dining - Meal plans / Adding funds to your Eagle Card
- Technical Support Center
- Transcripts
- Tutoring Services
- University Calendars - Always confirm withdrawal dates with CCP Office
- Writing and Communication Center
Thinking of attending AU after high school?
- Scholarship for AU CCP Students - Up to $4000!
- All high school students (in the Class of 2024 and beyond) who are enrolled in the College Credit Plus program at AU and matriculate directly from high school into an AU bachelor's program will receive a yearly $1000 scholarship ($500 to be awarded in the fall semester and $500 in the spring semester). This scholarship is renewable yearly (for up to four years, or $4000), and is stackable upon other scholarships/aid.
- Explore Majors - Ashland University offers more than 60 majors and programs. Explore our degree programs and find one that is right for you.
- Submit Your Application - To attend AU after your high school graduation, submit an undergraduate application. Log in with the credentials you originally created when you applied to the CCP program and start a new application.
- Admission Questions?