UA opts to match UNA fee for Early College

The University of North Alabama’s Early College program has led the charge in making college courses accessible for high school students.

The University of Alabama announced last week a 90% reduction in cost per credit hour for Early College students. The new cost — $33 per credit hour — has been UNA’s Early College rate since 2022, according to University Public Relations Director Michelle Eubanks.

That means one college course, which is typically three credit hours, would cost students just $99.

At UNA, undergraduate tuition for in-state students is approximately $340 per credit hour, or a flat rate of $5,100 for students taking between 12 and 18 credit hours.

The University of Alabama’s undergraduate tuition for in-state students taking between 12 and 16 credit hours is a flat rate of $5,842.

“The reduction reduces financial barriers and opens doors for more students to experience college- level coursework …” said Lynette Campos, UA’s director of Early College.

At both universities, the goal is to make college accessible for students in a “support-driven dual enrollment” style program.

Both programs require students to have completed their ninth-grade year of high school to participate.

Additionally, a 3.0 unweighted grade point average (GPA) is required.

At UNA, students may take up to two courses, or eight credit hours, per semester at the Early College rate.

If a student participates in UNA’s Early College program every fall and spring semester from their sophomore to senior years, it is possible to earn around 36 credit hours for a cost of $1,188.

For most college students, this means the freshman year of their undergraduate program could be completed during high school at a significantly reduced cost.

UNA offers approximately 34 Early College course options, according to the university’s website, while UA offers more than 100.

Both offer online and on-campus options meant to be flexible and allow high school students to get a head start on their college education.

Currently, UNA has approximately 1,600 Early College students.