Frequently Asked Questions

Rising Scholars Online is Abilene Christian University’s dual enrollment early college program that allows eligible high school students to take real college courses online and earn ACU college credit before graduating from high school. These courses are designed specifically for high school learners and deliver a high-quality, interactive online learning experience.

Rising Scholars Online is open to:

• High school students in grades 10–12
• Incoming college freshmen

Students may be eligible to begin taking courses as early as the summer after their freshman year of high school, provided they meet eligibility criteria.

To be admitted to the program, students should have a B or higher average in their high school coursework. Eligibility is determined through individual review of the student’s submitted high school transcript.

View How Rising Scholars Online Works for the full breakdown.

No—students do not need previous college credit or experience to enroll in Rising Scholars Online courses.

Students submit an online application for Rising Scholars Online. As part of the application you will:

• Provide your high school transcript
• Confirm the course(s) you plan to take
• Complete any required application fields

Each student is reviewed and admitted individually based on academic readiness.

Once admitted, students confirm their enrollment by submitting payment for the course(s) on or before the published deadline. Enrollment is finalized after payment is received.

Applications open on the published date each term and remain open until the posted deadline. Late applications are not accepted.

Yes! Students may enroll in multiple courses per term if they feel prepared for the workload. Be sure to consider time commitments, high school responsibilities, and term length before registering for multiple courses.

Each Rising Scholars Online course costs $495 per course. This reduced tuition rate reflects ACU’s commitment to providing an affordable, high-quality early college experience.

After admission, students receive instructions to submit payment through ACU’s payment system. Payment must be completed by the published deadline for the term.

Students may receive a refund of their course fee only if the course is dropped before it begins or during the free add/drop window, which is the first week of the course. Once the add/drop window closes, no refunds are issued.

All Rising Scholars Online courses are delivered 100% online through ACU’s Canvas learning management system. Courses are:

• Asynchronous (no required live meeting times)
• Structured around weekly modules with assignments and assessments
• Designed to engage students with interactive and media-rich content

Browse How Rising Scholars Online Works for the full breakdown.

Courses are offered in varying formats, typically 7-week or 15-week terms, depending on the academic term.

Students are expected to:

• Log in regularly and stay on pace with weekly coursework
• Complete assignments, discussions, quizzes, and exams on time
• Communicate professionally with instructors
• Manage their time independently

Yes. Rising Scholars Online students are required to complete a brief online orientation course before their first ACU course begins. The orientation introduces students to Canvas, explains course expectations, and connects them with key support resources.

• The add/drop period is the first week of the course
• Courses dropped during this window do not appear on the ACU transcript
• Students are eligible for a refund only during this period

• Students may withdraw from a course through:
  • End of week 12 for 15-week courses
  • End of week 5 for 7-week courses
• Withdrawn courses appear on the ACU transcript with a “W” notation

Yes. All Rising Scholars Online courses appear on an official ACU transcript.

Many high schools award dual credit for Rising Scholars Online courses, but policies vary by school and district. Students should work with their high school counselor to confirm how credits will apply toward graduation requirements.

Official ACU transcripts can be requested online by visiting acu.edu/transcript and following the instructions provided.

Credits earned are official ACU college credits. Transferability is determined by the receiving institution’s policies.

Courses are accessed through Canvas, ACU’s learning management system. Students receive login instructions before the course begins.

ACU’s IT Support team is available 24/7 to assist with technical issues, including Canvas access and login support.

• Website: acu.edu/support
• Email: support@acu.edu
• Phone: 325-674-5555

As an ACU student, dual enrollment students are expected to:

• Follow the expectations, rules, and guidelines outlined in the ACU Student Handbook
• Uphold ACU’s academic standards and integrity policies
• Treat peers, faculty, and staff with respect, integrity, and the attitude of Christ, in keeping with the mission of Abilene Christian University

No. Rising Scholars Online courses are not eligible for federal financial aid or scholarships.

If you have questions about Rising Scholars Online, please contact the program team at risingscholars@acu.edu.