Walters State’s Middle College gives highly motivated high school students the opportunity to earn an associate degree while completing their junior and senior years of high school.
“While dual enrollment students may take one or two classes per semester, Middle college students usually take four or five classes per semester,” said Amy Kenner, director of K12 Partnerships and Teaching Centers at Walters State. “Students create their own schedule with the help of staff from the division of High School Programs and high school counselors, choosing from in-person and online courses.”
Most Middle College students work toward an associate of science in general studies. Students may also pursue degrees in digital media, electrical engineering technology (automation or integrated systems control) computer information science, engineering systems technology and other areas.
“The associate of science in general studies is popular with all students who plan to transfer. Within the general studies degree program, students can choose 19 elective hours that align with their educational goals,” Kenner said.
The state’s Middle College Scholarship makes Middle College affordable for families of most high school students. Students may receive up to $2,000 per semester. Based on 2023-2024 tuition rates, Middle College families paid around $300-400 in tuition costs after the Middle College Scholarship was applied. Students must be enrolled as a full-time Walters State student by fall of their junior year in high school to be eligible.
“I realized this was a really good deal,” said William Houser, a senior at Towering Oaks Christian School.
“You get two years of college for less than a semester would cost.”
Houser will graduate in May, two weeks before he receives his high school diploma. He has been accepted into the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee. He comes from a family of engineers and plans to follow in that tradition.
“When I first learned about Middle College, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it,” Houser said. “Someone suggested that a take a class during the summer between my sophomore and junior years. I took a philosophy class. That class was very engaging, so I decided I would do it.” He added that he wasn’t sure if he would fit in at college. Once on campus, he felt very welcome.
“The classes are college courses. They might demand more than high school. You can still participate in extracurricular activities or work a part-time job. The homework isn’t going to take all of your time. Plus, this is a good transition if you plan on attending a larger four-year institution,” Houser said.
To be accepted to Middle College, students must have a 3.0 high school grade point average or a 21 ACT composite along with additional Middle College application materials. Additional eligibility requirements may be required by high schools.
Students interested in Middle College should see their high school counselor or visit https://ws.edu/admissions/high-school-programs/middle-college/index.aspx.
