Associate of Arts in College Foundations
Only for dual-enrolled Explore@RC students in 10th - 12th grade
Earn an associates degree (free) while you're in high school
The Associate of Arts in College Foundations is an in-person degree designed for dual-enrollment students in high school who want to complete their first two years of general education requirements in a supportive liberal arts environment. Students accepted into the Associate of Arts program will work with Explore@RC to follow a three-year course plan beginning in 10th grade. The plan allows students to complete college coursework gradually across grades 10, 11 and 12, to earn the Associate of Arts in College Foundations by high school graduation.
Dual enrollment students are 12% more likely to enter college within seven months of high school graduation and 11% more likely to persist into the second year of college (National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships).
How to Apply
- You must be in the Explore@RC program to apply for the Associate of Arts. To apply for Explore@RC, complete and submit the paper application by March 1st.
- After acceptance into Explore@RC, you may apply online for the Associate degree program. Students will be officially admitted after they have successfully passed midterms in their first semester of Explore@RC.
About the program
The Associate of Arts focuses on critical thinking, communication, quantitative and scientific reasoning, ethical engagement with diverse perspectives, and readiness for upper-division coursework at a four-year institution. The 60.25 credit program is built from existing Roanoke College courses.
Students learn alongside traditional Roanoke College students in areas such as inquiry, humanities, modern language, mathematics, science, social science, communication, health and wellness, and electives. The program is designed to help students build the academic foundation and confidence to continue their studies at a four-year institution.