Rising
Scholars
Online

Early College Program
Abilene Christian University

ACU Rising Scholars Online is a dual enrollment early college program that allows eligible high school students to take online Abilene Christian University courses and earn real college credit while still in high school.

Through Rising Scholars Online, students can get a head start on college, explore academic interests, and experience the expectations of college-level coursework in a flexible online format.

All Rising Scholars Online courses are 3 credit hours.

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

ACU Rising Scholars Online is a dual enrollment early college program that allows eligible high school students to take online Abilene Christian University courses and earn real college credit while still in high school.

Through Rising Scholars Online, students can get a head start on college, explore academic interests, and experience the expectations of college-level coursework in a flexible online format.

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

Rising Scholars Online is designed for motivated high school students who are ready for college-level learning.

Eligible students typically include:

  • High school students grades 10-12
  • Incoming college freshmen
  • Students seeking dual credit (college credit that may also count toward high school graduation, with school approval)

Students earn official ACU college credit that appears on an ACU transcript and is transferable to other colleges and universities.

Why Enroll in Rising Scholars Online

Earn College Credit Early

Students earn official ACU college credit that appears on an ACU transcript and is transferable to other colleges and universities.

Affordable College Coursework

Rising Scholars Online courses are offered at a significantly reduced tuition rate of $495 per 3-credit-hour course, making it a cost-effective way to begin earning college credit.

Flexible, Online Learning

All courses are offered 100% online, allowing students to balance high school responsibilities, extracurriculars, and personal commitments.

ACU Admission Advantage

Incoming students who earn a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and take at least 9 credit hours online will receive guaranteed admission and priority scholarship consideration for when they apply to ACU as a new incoming student.

ACU Rising Scholars Online Courses

Below are the class offerings for the 2026-27 school year. All courses are 3 credit hours. 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
LEAD 214 Self-Assessment in Leadership

Important Dates

April 28, 2026 Registration closes
May 5, 2026 First day of class
May 8, 2026 Add/drop period closes
June 22, 2026  Course end date

 

Summer 2 Term

June 30 – August 17, 2026

PSYO 120 Introduction to Psychology
HISO 118 Civilization II
ENGO 112 Composition and Researched Writing
NTRO 120 Nutrition and Wellness
COMO 120  Introduction to Public Speaking
ARTO 101  Introduction to Art

 

  • 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
HISO 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 Researched Writing
GVTO 225 National Government
SPLD 201 Introduction to Sports Leadership

 

  • 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

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re a student planning ahead, a parent exploring college-credit options, or a counselor advising students, Rising Scholars Online provides a flexible and affordable pathway to early college success.

Next Steps:

  • Review available courses and term dates
  • Talk with your high school counselor about dual credit (if applicable)
  • Return here to complete the Rising Scholars Online registration – opening February 5th!

📩 Questions? Contact risingscholars@acu.edu for additional guidance and support.

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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
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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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