Indiana’s faith-based colleges ink dual credit pact with state

The Indiana Department of Education and the state’s faith-based colleges have forged a dual credit agreement that allows students to earn up to 30 credits—or one year—of college credit while still in high school.

State officials announced last week that the new “professional pathway credential” is modeled after Indiana’s College Core program. Previously, a block-credit transfer option had not been available to all of the state’s private faith-based higher education institutions.

Under this agreement, credits earned from specified general education courses will be fully transferable as a block among the six participating private colleges. These institutions include Anderson University, Bethel University, Grace College, Huntington University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Taylor University. The cost of the dual credit courses will vary depending on the institution.

“As we seek to maximize the four years of high school, this is yet another option for students to earn guaranteed currency before ever leaving high school and get a jump start on their future,” said Secretary of Education Katie Jenner.

Officials anticipate that the new pathway credential will primarily be offered through Indiana’s faith-based high schools. Even if a student completes only a portion of the 30 credits, all six colleges will accept individual course credits as equivalents or elective credit.

This new pathway dual credit agreement is also seen as a way to help improve Indiana’s declining college-going rate. In 2023, less than 52% of high school seniors enrolled in college—a new low in recent history.

Additionally, the pathway credential could count as a “credential of value” under Indiana’s updated state diploma readiness seals, which will take effect beginning in 2029.

Taylor University provides an overview of the pathway on its website: “It includes accredited college courses across multiple disciplines that fulfill general education requirements common to most degree paths, expanding early college access while maintaining academic rigor and a biblical worldview.”

—
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/21/indianas-faith-based-colleges-ink-dual-credit-pact-with-state/

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