The Role of Early College – Summer 2025

High school students now, more than ever before, have many educational options and opportunities. The three most common options for high school students to get ahead in their collegiate academic journey are through Dual Enrollment courses, AP (Advanced Placement) Courses, and Early College Courses. Each of these three options offer different benefits to students. Dual Enrollment courses are taught through a local high school by high school teachers, but credit is given through a partner college or university that has approved the teacher and syllabus. AP courses are also taught by a high school teacher, designed to be taught at a college-level, concluding with an exam that can potentially earn the student credit, based on their score in the course. Early College courses are taught by a college or university professor at the college level and transferrable credit is earned. All three options complete both high school requirements and college requirements (potentially) simultaneously.

Since its beginning, Houghton University has been a place to find a rigorous Christ-centered education. Houghton has remained faithful to this mission over the years, and continues to do so as we have grown our Early College program. We continue to provide an economically affordable option that is comparable in price to a local community college, but with the academically challenging environment we have always been known for. Our courses provide an opportunity for students to be stretched both academically and spiritually as they are taught by professors who not only are experts in their fields, but also tie in their strong personal faith.

As the Director of Houghton Online, I have been excited to see Houghton grow into this expanding space so that everyone has the opportunity to sample our courses and see what kind of an academic experience they can have through Houghton.

Three of my own four children are current Houghton students. My children took AP courses, Dual Enrollment courses and Early College courses. The Early College experience best prepared them for starting as a matriculated student at Houghton. Taking courses taught by Houghton faculty who pushed them to learn how to study challenged them beyond what they were receiving from their high school teachers. They were able to realize that they could integrate their own faith into their learning experience. This was life-transforming for them, and helped them begin to see the world in a way that integrated their faith in all they rather than compromise their faith as something separate. I felt this experience best prepared them to enter college, and also increased their options—to graduate early, add a second major, or complete distinct minors—allowing them to customize their Houghton experience to better prepare themselves not only for graduate school, but also for their careers as scholar-servants in a changing world.

Tammy (Joubert ’01) Dunmire serves as Houghton University’s Director of Houghton Online. She lives in Painted Post, New York, with her husband Steve Dunmire ’01 and children Hannah ’26, Jonathan ’28, Matthew ’28 and Joshua. 

Early College Facts & Figures

High school juniors and seniors seeking to earn college credit while in high school and expand their educational horizons are invited to enroll in Houghton’s courses. This can include dual enrollment, taking your course at your high school, and dual credit courses. You will receive the same high-quality instruction from expert faculty for which Houghton has received national recognition as you complete courses fully online.