Dual Credit at Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU)
At Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU), dual credit is more than taking college classes early. It is a purposeful pathway designed to help students transition into college with confidence, balance, and preparation; while helping families significantly reduce the overall cost of a college degree.
Students who follow a recommended SWAU Dual Credit Pathway complete real college coursework while still in high school. These courses appear on an official SWAU college transcript and are intentionally aligned with SWAU degree requirements so that the credit earned truly counts.
Depending on a student’s intended major, dual credit supports one of two outcomes:
- Start college one semester ahead by completing up to 15–18 college credits before high school graduation, or
- Avoid overloaded semesters in structured majors by completing core coursework early, allowing students to focus on labs, clinicals, and field experiences later.
The result: students arrive academically prepared, more confident, and families can save upwards of nearly $12,000 in tuition over the course of a degree.
Why Choose SWAU Dual Credit
SWAU’s dual credit program is intentionally designed to prioritize student success over speed. Rather than encouraging students to rush through coursework, SWAU emphasizes readiness, pacing, and whole-person development.
Key benefits include:
- Strong preparation for college-level expectations
- Reduced stress during the first year of college
- Earlier access to major coursework or lighter semester course loads
- Meaningful long-term tuition savings
- A faith-informed approach that supports academic, personal, and spiritual growth
This model helps students build confidence while still benefiting from early academic progress.
Cost and Affordability
An Affordable Investment in Your Future
Dual Credit Tuition Rate: $100 per credit hour
This significantly reduced tuition rate allows students to earn real college credit at a fraction of traditional undergraduate tuition while still in high school.
By completing 12–18 college credits through dual credit, families reduce the number of credits a student must pay for after full-time enrollment. Over time, this can translate into savings of upwards of nearly $12,000 in tuition over the course of a student’s degree.
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Participate?
To ensure students are prepared for college-level expectations, participation in the SWAU Dual Credit Program requires:
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 or higher (high school transcripts needed each semester)
- High School Partnership: The student must attend a high school with an active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southwestern Adventist University.
- Academic Readiness: Students should demonstrate maturity, strong time-management skills, and readiness for college-level coursework
High school counselors and SWAU advisors work collaboratively to confirm eligibility and appropriate course placement.
Instruction Delivery Options
Primary Instructional Model
SWAU dual credit courses are primarily taught asynchronously online, providing flexibility, consistency, and direct oversight by SWAU academic departments.
Partner School Teaching Option
Qualified teachers at partner high schools may teach SWAU dual credit courses on-site if they:
- Meet SWAU faculty credential requirements
- Complete required training and onboarding
- Receive formal approval from the appropriate SWAU department chair
Regardless of delivery format, all dual credit courses:
- Follow SWAU-approved syllabi and learning outcomes
- Use SWAU grading and assessment standards
- Are overseen by SWAU academic departments
- Appear on an official SWAU college transcript
The Two SWAU Dual Credit Pathways
Dual Credit Course Availability by High School Year and Semester
What Students Can Take and When
To support student readiness and long-term success, Southwestern Adventist University structures dual credit course access by high school year and semester. This tiered approach allows students to build confidence gradually while maximizing opportunity as they progress.
Senior-Year Outcomes
- Completion of 15–18 credits for the Semester-Ahead Pathway
- Completion of 12–15 credits for the Balanced Load Pathway
Steps to Apply
Steps to Get Started: For Students and Families
- Talk with your high school representative to confirm readiness and partnership status
- Identify whether the Semester-Ahead or Balanced Load Pathway fits your goals
- Complete your Dual Credit Application
- Select Your Courses
- Confirm GPA eligibility (3.0 or higher)
- Send your Dual Credit Application along with your Highschool Transcript via email to dualcredit@swau.edu by August 21st (Fall) or January 5th (Spring)
- Begin earning college credit with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Partner Information
School Partnership Overview: For Principals, Counselors, Registrar
SWAU partners with high schools through formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to ensure academic quality, alignment, and student success. The high school registrar is responsible for sending high school transcripts and test scores to dualcredit@swau.edu.
Partnerships include:
- Curriculum alignment with SWAU degree pathways
- Faculty oversight and instructor approval
- Training and onboarding for partner-school instructors
- Ongoing communication and support
Current SWAU MOU Dual Credit Partners
Blue Mountain Academy
Burton Adventist Academy
Campion Academy
Chisholm Trail Academy
Dallas Christian Academy
Forest Lake Adventist Academy
Houston Adventist Academy
North Dallas Adventist Academy
North Tampa Academy
Ozark Adventist Academy
Parkview Adventist Academy
Sandia View Academy
Scenic Hills Adventist School
South Texas Christian Academy
Sycamore Academy
Tulsa Adventist Academy
Student Resources for Success
At Southwestern Adventist University, your success is our priority. We provide tools and support to help you thrive on campus, online, and in dual credit courses.
Getting Started with Canvas
Canvas is your central learning platform. Use these quick guides to stay organized and succeed:
- How to Use Canvas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjZ_d6T_dqo
- How to Succeed in Fully Remote Courses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xy1_9THQL8
Once you are registered and have access to your Canvas course/s, you will be able to access our Success Central Hub
Located on your Canvas dashboard, this Hub is a one-stop resource for:
- Tutoring
- Appointments and academic support services
- Tools to help you stay on track
Students are encouraged to visit the Hub regularly and use support services early.
Key Student Support Tool Under the Success Hub.
Tutor.com: Available to all students (including online and dual credit) providing on-demand academic support anytime, anywhere.