How Rising Scholars
Online Works

Rising Scholars Online is designed to make the transition into college-level coursework clear, supported and manageable for high school students. From application to course completion, ACU provides guidance every step of the way.
Home/ Admissions/ Rising Scholars/ Rising Scholars Online/ How Rising Scholars Online Works

Rising Scholars Online is designed to make the transition into college-level coursework clear, supported and manageable for high school students. From application to course completion, ACU provides guidance every step of the way.

Main Content

Earning Credit Through Rising Scholars Dual Enrollment

Step 1: Explore Courses & Choose a Term

Before applying for a Rising Scholars Online course, students should:

  • Review course options, term dates and deadlines
  • Consider workload alongside high school classes and activities
  • Talk with a high school counselor if planning to earn dual credit

Step 2: Apply to the Rising Scholars Online Program

Complete the Rising Scholars Online application through ACU.

As part of the application process, students submit a high school transcript along with any additional information needed to confirm eligibility.

Each student is reviewed and admitted individually to ensure they are prepared for college-level coursework.

Admission criteria include:

  • A B or higher average across high school coursework
  • Review of the student’s high school transcript to determine academic readiness and program fit

Step 3: Complete Enrollment & Submit Payment

Once admitted to the Rising Scholars Online program, students complete their enrollment by submitting payment for the course(s) selected as part of their application. Then, they receive next-step communications with important information about course access and upcoming dates.

Enrollment is finalized only after payment is received.

Step 4: Complete the Rising Scholars Online Orientation

Before the first course begins, students complete a required online orientation course designed specifically for Rising Scholars Online students.

The orientation helps students:

  • Learn how to navigate Canvas, ACU’s learning management system
  • Understand expectations for college-level online coursework
  • Access key academic and student support resources
  • Begin their course feeling confident and prepared

The orientation is self-paced and ensures students have the tools they need for success.

Step 5: Begin Your ACU Course

Courses officially begin on the ACU academic calendar. Students will:

  • Access course materials through Canvas
  • Engage in assignments, discussions and assessments
  • Learn directly from credentialed ACU faculty

Step 6: Receive Ongoing Support Throughout the Term

ACU provides ongoing, personalized and holistic support throughout the course.

Students can expect:

  • Assistance with technology, transcripts and academic processes
  • Support from instructors and program staff
  • Encouragement as they explore college majors and future goals

Step 7: Earn College Credit & Plan Next Steps

After successfully completing a Rising Scholars Online course:

  • Students earn official ACU college credit.
  • Credits appear on an ACU transcript and may transfer to other institutions, depending on transfer policies.
  • Students who complete a minimum of 9 hours of Rising Scholars online coursework with a grade average of 3.0 or above will receive guaranteed admission and priority scholarship consideration when they apply to ACU as a first-time freshman.

Course Format & Expectations

Rising Scholars Online courses are college-level courses intentionally designed for high school students. While the format is flexible and supportive, students should be prepared to meet the expectations of university coursework.

Rising Scholars Online courses are:

  • 100% online and delivered through Canvas, ACU’s learning management system
  • Interactive and media-rich, incorporating videos, discussions, readings and applied assignments
  • Structured around weekly modules with clear deadlines and expectations

Students should expect to:

  • Log in consistently and manage their time independently
  • Complete readings, assignments, quizzes and exams on schedule
  • Participate actively in course activities and discussions
  • Communicate professionally and respectfully with instructors and support staff

Because these are college-level courses, they may move at a faster pace than most high school classes and require steady engagement throughout the term. 

Questions? Check out our Rising Scholars Online FAQ or email risingscholars@acu.edu for more information.

ACU Dual Enrollment Policies

To support student success and maintain academic standards, Rising Scholars Online follows clear dual enrollment policies. Students and families are encouraged to review these policies carefully before enrolling.

  • Students must apply by the published application deadline for each term.
  • Students are admitted individually based on eligibility and transcript review.
  • Enrollment is confirmed only after admission and payment are complete.
  • Applications are not accepted after posted deadlines.
  • The add/drop window is the first week of the course for 15-week courses, or the first 4 days of the course for 7-week courses.
  • Courses dropped during this window do not appear on the student’s ACU transcript.
  • Students may receive a full refund of the course fee only if the course is dropped during the add/drop window.
  • Once the add/drop window has passed, no refunds are issued.

If a student needs to leave a course after the add/drop period:

  • The student must complete a course withdrawal.
  • Withdrawn courses will appear on the ACU transcript with a “W” notation.
  • Withdrawal deadlines are:
    • End of week 12 for 15-week courses
    • End of week 5 for 7-week courses

Students considering withdrawal should contact the Rising Scholars Online team as soon as possible to discuss next steps and implications.

  • Rising Scholars Online students are held to ACU academic standards and policies
  • Students are expected to follow the expectations, rules and guidelines outlined in the ACU Student Handbook
  • As members of the ACU academic community, students are expected to treat peers, faculty and staff with respect, integrity and the attitude of Christ, in keeping with the mission of Abilene Christian University
  • Awarding of high school credit is determined by the student’s school or district
  • Students are responsible for working with their high school counselor to ensure proper documentation and approval

ACU Dual Enrollment Resources

Rising Scholars Online students have access to a wide range of ACU resources designed to support academic success and future planning. From first login to final grades, ACU is committed to walking alongside students as they grow academically, personally and vocationally.

  • Students earn official ACU college credit upon successful course completion
  • Transcripts can be ordered by visiting acu.edu/transcript and following the instructions provided
  • Transcript support and questions are also available through the Rising Scholars Online team

ACU’s IT Support team is available to assist students with:

  • Canvas access and navigation
  • Login or account issues
  • ACU technology systems

IT Support is available 24/7:

  • Canvas user guides and tutorials are available to help students navigate online coursework.
  • These resources are introduced and explained during the required online orientation.

Rising Scholars Online students receive guidance as they begin exploring:

  • College majors and academic pathways
  • Long-term educational and career goals
  • What it means to be a successful college student

Program staff are available to answer questions and help students think intentionally about what comes next.