Roanoke College Launches Associate Degree Program for High School Students

Roanoke College will allow high school students to earn an Associate of Arts in College Foundations starting in August. This in-person program, funded by a grant to remain free through 2029, enables dual-enrollment students to complete their first two years of general education requirements before graduating high school.

How does the Associate of Arts in College Foundations work?

Students entering the program in 10th grade follow a three-year course plan. They enroll in existing college courses alongside traditional Roanoke College students to earn 60.25 credits by graduation. According to the college, students who take summer courses may earn the degree before they finish high school.

The program focuses on scientific and quantitative reasoning, communication, critical thinking, and ethical engagement with diverse perspectives. Roanoke College has received SACSCOC approval for the degree, which is intended to prepare students for upper-division coursework at four-year institutions.

Did You Know? Students in this program earn 60.25 credits to complete their associate degree, following a structured plan that begins in the 10th grade.

Who is eligible to apply?

For the current year, the pathway is open only to students already enrolled in Explore@RC, the college’s lab school. Explore@RC operates as part of Roanoke College-Roanoke Valley, a regional partnership and community learning initiative.

New applicants must first be accepted into Explore@RC. Applications are due by March 1 for fall starts or December 1 for spring starts. Once accepted, students may apply for the Associate of Arts program after passing midterms in their first semester at Explore@RC.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by removing the financial barrier through 2029 and integrating high schoolers into existing college classrooms, the institution is shifting the economic risk of early college education away from families and onto grant-funded structures.

Why does this program matter for student success?

Natasha Watts, executive director for learning innovation and Explore@RC, stated the degree creates a strategic pathway for students ready for college-level work. Watts noted the program could be transformative for families regarding cost, access, and long-term opportunity.

Roanoke College Master of Education program (M.Ed.)

Data from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships supports this approach. Their research indicates dual-enrollment students are 11% more likely to persist into their second year of college and 12% more likely to enter college within seven months of high school graduation.

Lisa Stoneman, assistant vice president for RC-RV, said the program was designed to support career exploration, continued degree completion, and transfer options.

What happens next for interested students?

Students not currently in Explore@RC may apply during the next application cycle. The college could continue to use the Associate of Arts in College Foundations as a bridge between high school and career paths, provided the program maintains its SACSCOC approval and grant funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the program cost?
A grant allows Roanoke College to offer the program at no cost to students through 2029.

What are the admission requirements for the associate degree?
Students must first be accepted into Explore@RC and successfully pass their first-semester midterms before they can be officially admitted to the Associate of Arts program.

What is the academic focus of the degree?
The program emphasizes communication, critical thinking, scientific and quantitative reasoning, and ethical engagement with diverse perspectives.

Do you think dual-enrollment degrees will become a standard requirement for competitive college admissions?