FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The information on this website is provided to assist students in exploring the wide range of courses the North Carolina Community College System is offering in support of this initiative. This section will provide an overview of the Learn and Earn Online Initiative, answer general questions, assist in finding courses, and provide guidance in participating in this initiative.

  1. What is Learn & Earn Online?
  1. Qualified students in participating high schools can take a variety of online college-credit courses at no cost to them or to their families. Students can earn high school and/or college credit for completed courses.
  1. Which Students Can Enroll In Learn & Earn Online Courses?
  1. Any qualified public and charter school student in grade 9-12 can enroll in NCCCS Learn & Earn Online Courses as long as they have met community college requirements and required course prerequisites. Students should check with their school guidance counselor or Learn and Earn facilitator for specific information about participation requirements.
  1. How do I know if my high school is participating in Learn and Earn Online?
  1. A list of local school administrative units (public school systems) electing to participate in this initiative can be found at: www.dpi.state.nc.us/learnandearnonline/
  1. Why isn't my local community college listed?
  1. There are two reasons why a college is not listed. First, the college may have elected not to participate in the Learn and Earn Online Initiative. Second, the college may have indicted that they would not be able to begin offering courses until Spring 2008. These colleges are: Cleveland CC, Mitchell CC, and Rowan-Cabarrus CC.
  1. Do NCCCS courses apply toward high school graduation?
  1. Yes, students may receive both high school and college credit. Grades in high school courses as defined by DPI as Standard courses will receive up to 4 quality points and Honors courses will receive up to 5 quality points. Also courses defined as AP, IB and upper division (junior and senior level) courses may receive up to 6 quality points. Check with your school guidance counselor or Learn and Earn facilitator for specific information about high school credit.
  1. Once I graduate from high school will I be accepted to the NCCCS institution at which I complete a Learn and Earn Online Course?
  1. When students apply to take a Learn and Earn Online course at an NCCCS institution they complete the admission process at the same time. This includes completing an admissions application and placement assessment. This process is quick, easy and provides assurance that the transition from high school to college will be trouble-free.
  1. What if I don't plan to attend the NCCCS institution at which I complete a Learn and Earn Online Course?
  1. Course credit is transferable to any NCCCS institution. In addition, most universities that accept NCCCS credit will accept the course credit earned.
  1. Who will teach NCCCS Learn and Earn Online courses?
  1. NCCCS institutions employ qualified instructors for all online courses. All instructors are fulltime faculty members or adjunct instructors appointed by the academic departments.
  1. What Courses are Offered Through NCCCS Learn and Earn Online?
  1. NCCCS institutions offer a wide range of courses that can be applied toward high school graduation or Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees at NCCCS institutions. These courses change each term and are to numerous to list here. Visit the Search For Courses pages located on this website.
  1. How do NCCCS Learn and Earn Online courses compare to Advanced Placement (AP)?
  1. Both NCCCS Learn and Earn Online courses and Advanced Placement courses offer an accelerated curriculum designed for college bound students. Your guidance counselor will be able to help you select which is best for you.
  1. How difficult are NCCCS Learn and Earn Online courses?
  1. NCCCS Learn and Earn Online courses are the same courses as those taught on NCCCS campus. NCCCS academic standards are high and your success will depend upon effective work and study habits.
  1. Who can I contact if I have more questions?
  1. Feel free to call the Admissions Office at the NCCCS institution at which you plan to enroll in courses. A list of participating NCCCS institutions and complete contact information can be found on the Participating NCCCS Institutions page of this website.
  1. How do I get started?
  1. Discuss the program with your parents and then see your school guidance counselor or Learn and Earn facilitator for specific information about the courses and registration process. You can also visit the Student Resources page located on this website.