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Earn college credit in high school

Students at Kutztown Area High School can take real college courses before they graduate, at the high school, online or on a college campus nearby. Each one gives a taste of college work, credit that can count later, and a grade that goes on a college transcript.

Four ways to earn college credit

  • College courses taught at the high schoolSome high school classes also count for college credit, taught during the school day by approved teachers.
  • College courses on campus or onlineTake a course from a nearby college alongside high school, on its campus or online. You usually need your own ride.
  • AP examsMany colleges give credit for AP exam scores of 3 or higher. Each college sets its own rules.
  • CLEP examsPass one exam and earn credit for an intro course. More than 3,000 colleges accept CLEP.

Local colleges with programs for high school students

Prices are for the 2026–27 school year. High school students can't get state or federal financial aid for these courses.

Reading Area Community College (RACC)

Reading's community college runs two programs for high school students.

Where
Dual Enrollment: in your high school class, during the school day. Early Admissions: online or on RACC's campus in Reading, up to 2 courses a semester.
Who can take it
Students who meet the course's prerequisites. RACC looks at placement tests, SAT or other scores, grades, or a counselor's recommendation. No minimum GPA is listed.
Cost
Dual Enrollment: $99 per credit, fees waived ($297 for a 3-credit course). RACC bills families directly. Early Admissions: regular tuition plus fees.
How to sign up
Dual Enrollment: fill out RACC's online application; your counselor and a parent sign off. Fall sign-up runs through September, spring through February. Early Admissions has no deadline or fee.
Visit Reading Area Community College (RACC)

Kutztown University (KU)

Kutztown Area is one of Kutztown University's partner districts, so students pay a lower price.

Where
On KU's campus in Kutztown or online. KU also runs an Early College Academy with partner districts.
Who can take it
High school students. KU doesn't list a minimum GPA or grade.
Cost
$350.25 per 3-credit course for partner districts, plus a $50 records fee the first semester.
How to sign up
Fill out KU's High School Non-Matriculated Student Registration Form. Early College Academy deadlines are December 1, 2026 (early) and January 29, 2027.

Learn how KU's Early College Academy works

Visit Kutztown University (KU)

Penn State Berks

Penn State's campus in Reading takes high school juniors and seniors.

Where
On the Penn State Berks campus, up to 8 credits a semester. Not World Campus online courses.
Who can take it
Juniors and seniors. Younger students are considered case by case with a recommendation letter.
Cost
Penn State Berks doesn't list a price. Ask the campus admissions office.
How to sign up
Send the high school non-degree enrollment form, signed by your counselor or principal, to Penn State Berks admissions. Deadlines: August 1 for fall, December 1 for spring, June 1 for summer. You need a C or better to keep taking courses.
Visit Penn State Berks

Alvernia University

Alvernia University in Reading has two options.

Where
Dual Credit: Alvernia courses taught at your high school. Pre-College Program: on Alvernia's campus with Alvernia professors, up to 12 credits a year.
Who can take it
Pre-College Program: a 3.0 GPA and a counselor's recommendation.
Cost
Pre-College Program: $120 per credit. Alvernia gives a $1,000 scholarship to these students if they later enroll there full time.
How to sign up
Use Alvernia's Dual Credit or Pre-College registration form. Dual Credit deadlines are set by each high school, often near the end of September.
Visit Alvernia University

At Kutztown Area High School

  • Talk with your school counselor when you schedule classes. They help pick a course and sign the forms.
  • Families pay the college's tuition and fees. The KASD Education Foundation's Support-A-Scholar grant can help pay for it once you finish the course.
  • An approved college course counts as 1 high school credit, and its grade counts in your GPA with the dual enrollment weight (1.15).
  • For courses on a college campus, families arrange the ride. Ask about rides to Kutztown University.

Before you sign up

  • The grade is permanent. Your college grade goes on an official college transcript with a college GPA, and colleges you apply to later will see it.
  • Credit doesn't always transfer. The college you attend later decides what counts. Many Pennsylvania colleges share a transfer list (PA TRAC), and most want a C or better.
  • Watch the drop deadline. Leaving a course late can mean a W on your transcript, and you may still pay for it.
  • Start small. One college course on top of a full schedule is plenty for most students.

Put it in your plan

Add dual enrollment courses to your four-year plan as a college course. The graduation check counts the credit, and you'll see where it fits with your other classes.

Create your family account See Kutztown Area's courses

Sources

Checked Oct 6, 2026. Prices and deadlines change, so confirm with the college.