Concurrent Enrollment at Western Colorado University allows high school students (grades 9–12) under 21 years old to take college courses while still in high school. This opportunity allows students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, potentially saving time and money on their college education.
Western offers two ways for high school students to earn college credit through Concurrent Enrollment.
High school students can take concurrent enrollment classes at Western if they’re under 21 and meet course prerequisites. Students should work with their high school counselor to determine eligibility and choose the right classes.
At participating high schools, students can take concurrent enrollment classes taught by their own teachers, who are approved as Western adjunct faculty. These college-level courses let students earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.
Start by meeting with your school counselor. They’ll help you figure out which course to take and if you are eligible. If the course requires a placement test (like the Accuplacer), they can help you get signed up for it. Your counselor will also explain how to apply, what forms you need to fill out, and how to register for the class.
If you’re homeschooled, no worries—just contact our department directly. You’ll find our info at the bottom of the page.
The College Opportunity Fund (COF) is money from the state of Colorado that helps pay for your college classes. It’s not a loan or financial aid you have to pay back—it’s just free money to help cover your tuition.
To sign up, click “Apply Now” and fill out the short form. You’ll need to use either your Social Security Number or ask the system for a special student ID (called a C#). Write down the number you use—you’ll need it later when you apply for your college class.
Important: If you don’t do this step, or if you don’t finish it correctly, you’ll be charged $40 per credit. So make sure you complete it!
All students must complete an online application once each academic year. The application requires the following:
Your high school teacher or counselor will help you register for your college course.
Whether you’re taking the class at your high school or on Western’s campus, your counselor or teacher will guide you through the process and work with Western to get you officially signed up. Just check in with them, and they’ll help you make sure everything gets taken care of.
Western partners with over 50 high school teachers across the state to offer Concurrent Enrollment courses, and this program wouldn’t be possible without their dedication. We offer CE courses in English, History, Spanish, Geology, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Art, Math, Biology, Physics, and Music.
Requirements:
To teach CE, you must meet the Higher Learning Commission’s qualifications for adjunct faculty. That usually means:
A master’s degree in the subject you’ll teach
OR
A master’s in another field plus 18 graduate credits in the subject.
If you don’t currently meet these requirements, still reach out to us!
Next steps:
Director of Online Learning & Concurrent Enrollment
Crawford Hall 111
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
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