MARIETTA, OHIO — Students in the Switzerland of Ohio School District have a new opportunity to turn the skills they develop in high school into college credit at Washington State College of Ohio thanks to a new partnership between the two institutions.
The agreement creates a seamless pathway for students enrolled in select career-technical and business programs at Monroe Central High School, River High School, and Swiss Hills Career Center. Students who successfully complete their high school program and later enroll at Washington State can earn articulated college credit applied toward eligible certificate and degree programs, allowing them to continue their education without repeating coursework they’ve already mastered.
“Our high school partners are doing an outstanding job preparing students with foundational technical skills,” said Tracey Hooper-Porter, Dean of Technology and Transfer at Washington State. “This partnership recognizes that preparation and creates a smoother transition to college. Students can build on what they’ve already learned instead of starting over, allowing them to focus on more advanced skills.”
The partnership includes approved programs in business, finance, engineering, manufacturing, automotive technology, criminal justice, and welding. Because the curriculum in these programs aligns with Washington State coursework, eligible students who successfully complete their high school classes can receive articulated college credit after enrolling at the college. Students have up to three years after graduation to take advantage of the opportunity.
Depending on their pathway, students may begin their education at Washington State with the equivalent of nearly a semester of college already completed. At the college’s current tuition rate of $180 per credit hour, that could translate into thousands of dollars in tuition savings while helping students complete a certificate or degree sooner. Many of Washington State’s technical certificates can be completed in as little as two semesters, allowing students to enter the workforce more quickly or continue toward an associate degree.
“Our top priority is ensuring that our students graduate prepared for their next steps, whether that’s stepping right into a career or continuing their education. This partnership with Washington State College of Ohio gives our students at Monroe Central High School, River High School, and Swiss Hills Career Center a clear head start,” said Superintendent of Switzerland of Ohio School District, Jeremy Beardmore. “By turning the hard work they do in high school directly into college credits, we’re saving local families thousands in tuition costs and accelerating their path toward rewarding careers.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between Washington State College of Ohio and the Switzerland of Ohio School District to strengthen career pathways and make higher education more accessible. By aligning high school curriculum with college coursework, students have a clearer path from the classroom to a college credential and, ultimately, to careers in high-demand fields.
“This partnership reflects what education should be about by creating clear pathways for students,” Hooper-Porter said. “When high schools and colleges work together, students have more opportunities to succeed, whether their goal is entering the workforce, earning additional credentials, or continuing their education. We’re excited to partner with the Switzerland of Ohio School District to help more students build on the skills they’re already developing and continue that momentum at Washington State.”
