Newman University has released a 2026 guide for its Advanced Standing program, a dual enrollment initiative designed to help Kansas high school students earn college credit at reduced rates while still completing their secondary education. The guide, announced by UBC News World on June 4, 2026, provides families with a timely resource for navigating early college pathways as tuition costs continue to rise. Through the Advanced Standing program, eligible students can enroll in college-level courses for $75 per credit hour, a fraction of standard university tuition, and apply those credits toward both high school graduation requirements and a future college transcript.
More information is available at https://newmanu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/advanced-standing.
For Kansas families facing mounting college expenses, dual credit offers a practical solution by allowing students to complete coursework early and reduce the total cost of a degree. Newman's program enables qualified high school students to get a head start on college while saving time and money, since credits earned through Advanced Standing are transcripted by the university and typically transfer to other accredited institutions. The per-credit-hour rate positions the program as an accessible option for motivated learners seeking to build academic momentum before graduation.
Eligibility for Newman's Advanced Standing program requires a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, current enrollment in high school, and written permission from both a parent or legal guardian and a guidance counselor. Students must also complete program enrollment and submit payment, though Newman does not require participants to submit a full college application. Eligible students may receive additional benefits, including tutoring services, if they later enroll at Newman as full-time undergraduates.
Courses completed through the Advanced Standing program appear on official Newman University transcripts as college credit, and most are expected to transfer to other accredited colleges and universities. However, transfer decisions ultimately rest with the receiving institution, so families are encouraged to confirm transferability with prospective schools before selecting courses. This transparency helps students and parents make informed choices about which classes align with long-term educational goals.
Newman's program operates within the framework established by the Kansas Challenge to Secondary School Students Act (K.S.A. 72-3220 through 72-3224), which governs dual-credit opportunities across the state. The university partners with school districts through cooperative agreements, a model supported by Kansas law and used by other institutions such as Butler Community College, Hutchinson Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College, and Cowley College. What distinguishes Newman's Advanced Standing program is its private Catholic university setting and small college atmosphere, features that appeal to students seeking a more personalized college experience while still in high school.
Kansas families interested in the Advanced Standing program should begin by contacting their high school counselor or college and career facilitator to confirm whether Newman has an established partnership with their local school. The newly released 2026 guide, an Apple Podcast announced by UBC News World on June 4, 2026, is designed specifically for high school students and their parents or guardians and includes detailed information on eligibility, enrollment steps, and course options. Early planning allows families to maximize the number of credits earned and reduce future college costs, making dual enrollment a strategic tool for students ready to take on college-level work.
For more details, visit https://newmanu.edu/.