Newman University has published information for its 2025-2026 Advanced Standing program, a resource for high school students across Kansas—particularly in the Wichita area—who want to earn college credit at a discounted rate while completing their high school diploma. The program allows eligible juniors and seniors to enroll in approved courses through partner high schools or take classes on Newman's campus, earning transcripted university credit. Pricing is structured to reduce barriers, with standard tuition set at $75 per credit hour and a reduced rate of approximately $36 per credit hour available for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This access positions the program as a practical option for families seeking to reduce the overall cost and timeline of a bachelor's degree.
More information is available at https://newmanu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/advanced-standing
The announcement arrives as dual enrollment transitions from niche offering to mainstream college pathway nationwide. According to a Community College Research Center report released in October 2024 and revised in August 2025, which uses National Student Clearinghouse data, students who participate in dual enrollment are more likely to enroll in college after graduation, persist through their first year, and complete a degree than peers without dual credit experience. Research also indicates that outcomes are especially strong for students who take courses through four-year institutions, underscoring the value of programs that combine university-level instruction with high school support structures.
Kansas has built a supportive regulatory environment for dual credit through the Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees cooperative agreements under the Kansas Challenge to Secondary School Students Act. KBOR policy defines service areas, sets quality standards for concurrent enrollment partnerships, and publishes annual data on high school postsecondary participation across the state. Recent legislation, including Senate Bill 341, has clarified financial responsibilities between colleges and school districts and mandated that supplemental payments for teaching services go directly to instructors beginning in July 2026, reinforcing accountability and program quality statewide.
The tiered pricing structure addresses national research showing that low-income students remain underrepresented in dual enrollment despite achieving better postsecondary outcomes than similar non-participants when they do enroll. Credits earned through Advanced Standing are designed to transfer to other accredited colleges under Kansas Board of Regents guidelines, allowing families to maximize the financial and academic value of early college coursework regardless of where students ultimately pursue their degree.
Newman provides Advanced Standing students with support services designed to integrate them into campus life while they remain enrolled in high school. Students receive access to peer tutoring and writing support through the Dugan Library and Student Success Center at no additional charge. After first-time enrollment, students receive a Newman ID card that grants free admission to NCAA Division II athletic events, theatre productions, and fine arts performances on campus. Students who later enroll full-time at Newman receive a one-time credit toward their first semester equal to the total amount paid for Advanced Standing courses, effectively reimbursing their earlier investment and reinforcing the university's commitment to long-term student success.
High school students and their families interested in the program can contact Candace Davis at davisc@newmanu.edu or 316-942-4291 extension 2162 for enrollment details and eligibility requirements. The information also compares the program to Advanced Placement exams and other Kansas dual enrollment options offered by community colleges and universities, helping families evaluate which pathway best aligns with their academic goals, financial situation, and preferred college environment. Students are encouraged to work closely with their high school counselor to confirm course offerings, verify their 3.0 GPA eligibility, and plan a sequence of dual credit courses that will transfer efficiently to their target institution, building momentum toward postsecondary completion from the junior year forward.
For more details, visit https://newmanu.edu/