Sophomores through seniors at three Butler County schools can now join those from six others in capitalizing on Butler County Community College’s discounted tuition and fees toward earning a degree more quickly and entering the job market faster.

BC3’s College Within the High School program will debut in September at Freeport Area, Knoch and Moniteau school districts, with three-credit courses instructed during the regular school day available for $225 each.

“For our kids to be able to get college-level credits at that tuition rate is just outstanding,” said Kurt Reiser, Knoch High School principal. “For many of our students, one of the first things they look at is the affordability of going to college. So, for it to be at that price point for our students is tremendous.”

The cost, said Lance Fox, Moniteau High School principal, “is very inexpensive.

“When you are paying $1,000 or more for a credit at some institutions, this is advantageous because it gives families the ability to afford the class that can transfer to those institutions or to BC3,” Fox said. “It gives you a leg up right away. For parents, it’s a win-win.”

Ian Magness is superintendent of the Freeport Area School District.

“Obviously, the cost is quite favorable versus full tuition,” Magness said. “If the students have room in their schedule to take advantage of these opportunities, it will benefit their families and finances as well.”

BC3’s 29-year-old College Within the High School program last fall added Slippery Rock Area High School. Three-credit courses for $225 are also available at Butler, Karns City, Mars, Portersville Christian and Seneca Valley high schools.

Sophomores through seniors with a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 are eligible for the dual-enrollment program, whose courses are instructed at their high school or learning center.

Interested students should contact their high school guidance counselor or principal, or complete the BC3 high school programming application at bc3.edu/cwhs. Registration deadlines for this fall vary by school district.

Bill Foley is coordinator of news and media content at Butler County Community College.