A representative of Lackawanna College presented a proposal to the Lewisburg Area School District on April 10 describing the college’s dual-enrollment, pre-college program and pricing.

The presenter said the college charges $100 per credit for students in the program and noted that, “last year we serviced 271 students” who together took 3,599 credits. The presenter added that a student in the program typically took about 13 credits, which the presenter calculated would cost a family about $1,300 for a semester of college-level credits under the $100-per-credit rate.

The presentation framed the program as a cost-saving option compared with a typical full-time Lackawanna College semester tuition, which the presenter described as “right around $9,200.” The presenter said credits earned through Lackawanna are accredited and transferable and that the college has partnership agreements with dozens of high schools across Pennsylvania; the presenter stated the college currently maintains agreements with about 79 schools.

Board members asked about delivery options, timing and how in-school classes would be matched to college equivalents. In response the presenter described several delivery models: online sections offered each semester (with two sessions per semester), in-school classes where the college evaluates a high-school course’s syllabus and assessments to declare equivalency, and students traveling to a campus location for courses. The presenter said schools do not have to offer a formal dual-enrollment program for students to participate, but an agreement must be in place for students to access the $100-per-credit rate.

The presenter gave student examples: one cohort began in the second half of sophomore year and will graduate from Lackawanna College with college credit the spring they graduate high school; the presenter said their own daughter accumulated 30 college credits before finishing high school. The presenter also described a scholarship arrangement whereby funds invested in dual-enrollment at Lackawanna can be returned to the student as a scholarship toward future enrollment at Lackawanna.

No board action, motion or vote was recorded on the proposal at the meeting. Board members asked follow-up questions about summer offerings, the split between online and in-person sections, and whether students could take a class without enrolling for dual-enrollment credit; the presenter said summer was offered at the same per-credit rate and that taking a class without college credit was permitted.

The district will determine any next steps and whether to pursue a formal agreement with Lackawanna College in subsequent meetings.