Rising
Scholars
Online

Early College Program
Abilene Christian University

Rising Scholars Online provides high school students the opportunity to get a head start on their college courses. These courses can fulfill general education requirements towards your ACU degree and are transferable to other institutions. 

All Rising Scholars Online courses are 3 credit hours.

Course registration will open February 5, 2026.
Home/ Admissions/ Rising Scholars/ Rising Scholars Online

Rising Scholars Online provides high school students the opportunity to get a head start on their college courses. These courses can fulfill general education requirements towards your ACU degree and are transferable to other institutions. 

All Rising Scholars Online courses are 3 credit hours.

Course registration will open February 5, 2026.

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Earn College Credits

in High School

It’s never too early to begin thinking about college. Enroll in an online course and earn three hours of college credit this summer.

Registration opens Feb. 5, 2026.

Why Enroll in Rising Scholars Online

Save money!

$495 | 3 credit hours
Rising Scholars Online courses are offered at a discounted rate of $495 per 3 hour course, so enrolling online can save you more than $4,000 per course!

Special Benefit

Incoming seniors who earn a B or higher in their Rising Scholars Online course receive guaranteed admission and priority scholarship consideration for ACU for Fall 2027.

Flexible Learning

Learn from anywhere and on your schedule.

Course Schedule: Asynchronous (no set meeting times and students can set a personalized schedule)*
Mode of Learning: Online, with opportunities for students to engage in small group discussion on their own time.

*Although there is flexibility for structuring your study and completion of course assignments during the week, modules and assignments will be due weekly.

ACU Rising Scholars Online Courses

These are the current class offerings. We encourage you to consult your high school counselor to determine whether these early college courses may also count as dual credit toward your high school record.

Summer 1 Term

May 5 – June 22, 2026

COMO 120 Introduction to Public Speaking
MATO 130  Finite Math for Applications
ENGO 111  Composition and Rhetoric
ECNO 260    Principles of Macroeconomics
PSYO 120 Introduction to Psychology

 

  • April 28, 2026 – Registration closes for Summer 1 Term
  • May 5, 2026 – First Day of Class 
  • May 8, 2026 – Student Add/Drop period closes for Summer 1 Term
  • June 22, 2026 – Summer 1 courses end

Summer 2 Term

June 30 – August 17, 2026

PSYO 120 Introduction to Psychology
HISO 118 Civilization II
ENGO 112 Composition and Literature
NTRO 120 Nutrition and Wellness
COMO 120   Introduction to Public Speaking

 

  • June 23, 2026 – Registration closes for Summer 2 Term
  • June 30, 2026 – First Day of Class 
  • July 3, 2026 – Student Add/Drop period closes for Summer 2 Term
  • August 17, 2026 – Summer 2 courses end

Fall 2026

August 25 – December 14, 2026

PSYO 120 Introduction to Psychology
COMO 120   Introduction to Public Speaking
EXSO 201 Foundations of Exercise Science
ENGO 111 Composition and Rhetoric
HIST 221 US History 1

 

  • August 18, 2026 – Registration closes for Fall Term
  • August 25, 2026 – First Day of Class 
  • September 8, 2026 – Student Add/Drop period closes for Fall Term
  • December 14, 2026 – Fall courses end

Spring 2027

January 12 – April 26, 2027

PSYO 120 Introduction to Psychology
COMO 120   Introduction to Public Speaking
ENGO 111 Composition and Rhetoric
ENGO 112 Composition and Research
GVTO 225 National Government

 

  • January 5, 2027 – Registration closes for Spring Term
  • January 12, 2027 – First Day of Class 
  • January 26, 2027 – Student Add/Drop period closes for Spring Term
  • April 26, 2027 – Spring courses end
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One of America’s Top Online Colleges

Named one of America’s Top Online Colleges for the fourth year in a row by Newsweek and Statista Inc., ACU continues to set the standard for online education. With a commitment to delivering academic excellence in a flexible online format, ACU Online empowers you to achieve your goals without compromising your lifestyle. Experience a world-class education designed to help you succeed—anytime, anywhere.

 

OUR RANKINGS
ACU students on campus

In our more than 116 year history, Abilene Christian University’s commitment to and excellence in education has been recognized by numerous organizations and publications. ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Additionally, our ACU Online programs have paved the way for top academic success.

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