VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Valley City High School (VCHS) and Valley City State University (VCSU) are proud to celebrate the continued success of their Dual Credit partnership, offering high school students the unique and valuable opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school.

A Dual Credit course is a college-level class taught to high school students that simultaneously earns them both high school and college credit. These courses allow students to experience the rigor of college coursework, better prepare for post-secondary education, and significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education.

This school year alone, 83 VCHS students are enrolled in at least one Dual Credit course, collectively earning an impressive 817 college credits. At a reduced rate of just $89 per credit, students and families are saving thousands of dollars on college tuition while getting a head start on their academic goals.

Over the past three years, this partnership has offered up to 50 college credits to VCHS students. Notably, 22 VCHS seniors will graduate this year having earned a VCSU College Studies Certificate, a recognition awarded to students who complete at least 24 college credits. This achievement showcases not only their academic dedication but also the strength of the collaboration between VCHS and VCSU.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and the opportunities this partnership creates,” said VCHS Principal Travis Peterson. “The Dual Credit program gives our students a competitive edge, both academically and financially, as they transition to college.”

Valley City State University continues to be a committed partner in supporting educational advancement through accessible and meaningful coursework. The Dual Credit Program exemplifies how high schools and universities can work together to prepare students for future success while alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with higher education.

Superintendent Josh Johnson said VCHS students will have completed 817 credits in 38 dual credit courses by the end of 2024-2025 school year.  For each college credit taken through dual credit, our students save $213.31.  In this school year, that totals up to $174.274 in college tuition and fees cost savings for our VCHS students.

For more information about the VCSU and VCHS Dual Credit Program, please contact VCHS Principal, Mr. Travis Peterson at 701.845.0483 ext. 1 or VCSU Dean of Graduate Studies and Extended Learning, Dr. James Boe at 701.845.7304.