UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
There are several options for students to earn college credit while in high school. It's important that you explore each of the programs and determine which is the best fit for you.
Students at public high schools in Wisconsin can earn college credit via the ECCP Program. A student selected for the program may enroll at UW-River Falls, to take one or more courses for which the student may earn high school credit, post-secondary credit, or both. Under ECCP, the costs of the courses are shared among UWRF, the school district, the state, and in some cases the student's family. The ECCP option is the most affordable option. Students can earn up to 18 total credits via ECCP.
Students may also take college courses as High School Special student. It is a great opportunity to earn college credits, however, the student and their family are responsible for the full cost of tuition. High School Special students may enroll in any course in which prerequisites have been met. Typically a student will enroll as a High School Special if a course is not approved via ECCP. Enrolling as a High School Special is the most flexible option since students can enroll in any course available at UWRF.
The River Falls High School now offers dual credit opportunities in partnership with UW-River Falls. Students may elect to earn both college credits and required high school credits simultaneously, providing students with the opportunity to earn UWRF credit at the high school. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn credits that count towards both high school and university requirements.
UW-River Falls offers college-level courses over an interactive television network (ITV) that serves CESA 11 schools who participate in the Northern Lights Network. Classes in areas such as computer programming, teaching, special education, environmental studies and astronomy can put you a step ahead to your degree.
Participating schools:
Barron, Birchwood, Clayton, Clear Lake, Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, Northwood, Pepin, Plum City, Prairie Farm, Prescott, Shell Lake, Siren, Spring Valley, Turtle Lake, Unity, Webster and Westfield
Application Process:
High School Special Students are responsible for payment of course tuition and required fees.
Students enrolled in Wisconsin public school districts may request approval from their school district to take university courses through the Early College Credit Program (ECCP). Students must file the ECCP Program Agreement Form with their high school to request approval of ECCP courses. This form is to be submitted to the high school before March 1 if applying for fall semester courses, and before October 1 if applying for spring semester courses. ECCP students will register after UWRF degree seeking students. The ECCP is designed for students to take 100/200 level courses.
If a student receives a failing grade or drops a course for which the school district has made payment, the school district may request reimbursement from the student, or from the student's parent or guardian, for all costs related to the course. Students who fail a course are not eligible to continue in the ECCP.
Admission Criteria
Students must be a junior or senior in the top 40% of their class with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
If you do not meet the above criteria, you may be considered for ECCP on a case-by-case basis by submitting significant and convincing letters of recommendation. An essay may also be requested.
Also note:
Application Process
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Application Process:
The student is responsible for payment of course tuition and required fees. The student will be billed by River Falls High School.
Eligibility Requirements:
Application and Enrollment
High school students notify their school that they are interested in participating in Northern Lights interactive television (ITV) course(s). Students should complete the online version of the UW System application for admission indicating that the student wants to be a “high school special.”
The high school forwards a current high school transcript and a letter of recommendation from the high school indicating the desired class(es) for the semester and verifying student readiness for college-level work (see sample letter). UW-River Falls will inform the student and high school of admission.
Selection Criteria:
No application fee will be charged ITV students or their schools. If the student wishes to enroll at UW-River Falls following high school graduation, the student would need to re-apply during the senior year in high school as a degree seeking student and pay an application fee. Placement tests may be required for specific courses, such as foreign language or math. For questions on the admission process, contact the UW-River Falls Admissions Office at 715-425-3500 or by email to admissions@uwrf.edu
For admission to the University, students generally rank in the top 40% of their class and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. High school courses completed, ACT scores, and letters of recommendation may also be considered in the evaluation of students.
Upon admission, students can enroll in university courses on a space available basis (only certain courses are offered via ITV), provided they meet course prerequisites. Placement testing may be required to determine appropriate course level for students wishing to study in areas such as Math, English, or Foreign Languages. Scores on College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP) exams may also be used to determine course placement.
Explore Campus
Take a sneak peek of the UW-River Falls campus.
