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USC Salkehatchie outlines dual-enrollment and early-college pathway for Colleton students
Summary
University of South Carolina Salkehatchie representatives told the Colleton County school board their early-college program lets eligible students earn an associate degree alongside a high school diploma; requirements, scheduling and transportation logistics were explained and questioned during the presentation.
Dr. Sarah Miller, associate dean for academics and student affairs at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, told the Colleton County Committee of the Whole that the university’s dual-enrollment and early-college programs let high school students earn college credit while completing diploma requirements.
Miller said early-college students at Colleton County High School can graduate with an associate degree from USC Salkehatchie in the same month they finish high school. She listed admissions requirements as a 3.0 high‑school GPA, recommendations from a school counselor, a completed application (a $10 fee is normally charged but may be waived at outreach events), submission of high‑school transcripts and proof of citizenship or residency. “We admit them to USC Salkehatchie. At that point, they become not only Colleton County High School students, but USC Salkehatchie students,” Miller said.
The program’s design and logistics were a focus of board questions. Miller said Salkehatchie offers both in‑person and online courses but tries to schedule early‑college in‑person classes at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. so students can return for afternoon extracurriculars. She said dual‑credit courses generally use the Carolina Core curriculum that transfers to many institutions; lottery funds (state lottery scholarship money) pay for credits but not fees or textbooks.
Board members asked how students get to campus; Miller said students provide their own transportation. She also said some dual‑credit students take classes virtually and that early‑college cohorts are prioritized for face‑to‑face sections. Miller described sample sequencing—foundational work in freshman and sophomore years, then college courses in junior and senior years—and noted remedial or bridge courses (example given: PCAM 106 as a foundations course before college algebra) to improve college success.
Miller invited students and parents to upcoming outreach events and said Salkehatchie would waive the $10 application fee at in‑school sessions. She also said the school’s typical student‑to‑faculty ratio is about 15:1 and highlighted financial savings, noting average Salkehatchie scholarships and low campus tuition for some students.
Superintendent Williams introduced Miller and told the board the district would publicize the program and an information session schedule; Miller said she would be available at a FAFSA night and at dual‑enrollment information sessions at the high school. The presentation closed with board members thanking Miller and encouraging outreach to community groups.
Why it matters: the early‑college pathway can reduce college costs and accelerate postsecondary attainment for Colleton students, but the district and families will need to plan for transportation, fees, and course sequencing.
