Waldorf University’s Start Point program offers affordable, online college courses for high school students looking to get a head start on their college journey. With Start Point, high school juniors and seniors take college classes online alongside other Waldorf students before graduating high school.

These general education and introductory core courses provide a valuable foundation for your future college studies. You can also apply your online college classes toward a Waldorf degree or transfer credits to another institution, saving you time and money by fast-tracking your path to graduation.

But Start Point isn’t just about earning credits early. Our college program for high school students places you in classes with Waldorf’s expert faculty, who bring their real-world experience into the classroom. You’ll benefit from the same rigorous academics and supportive resources that Waldorf offers its traditional students, ensuring you’re well-prepared for campus life and the level of academic rigor that college provides.

Students who wish to enroll in Waldorf’s online college courses before they graduate high school must comply with the guidelines and expectations outlined below.

Note: High school students who have already been admitted to Waldorf as college students are exempt from most of these guidelines. Check with Admissions for information about whether they apply in specific situations.

Why Choose Start Point's College Program for High School Students?

Start Point empowers high school juniors and seniors to gain a competitive edge for college success. Our engaging online college courses offer several benefits, including:

• Flexible learning: Waldorf provides flexible, online college courses for high school students with busy schedules. Study at your own pace, ensuring you still have time for existing schoolwork, extracurricular activities or even a part-time job.
• Discounted tuition: Start Point students can access significantly lower tuition for eligible undergraduate courses. Courses are just $250 each, and textbooks are available at no additional cost as e-books or through our Loan-a-Book program.
• Test-drive your degree: After completing two general education online college courses, you can explore specific majors by enrolling in entry-level core courses.
• Transfer courses: Waldorf-earned credits can be transferred to most colleges and universities. Check with your desired institution for specific requirements about transfer courses.
• Dedicated faculty: With our online program for high school students, you’ll learn from accomplished faculty who provide valuable insights to prepare you for future success in college and your career.
• Personal advising: Our Admissions and Career Center teams will work with you to discuss your goals and help you decide which online college classes best align with your academic and career goals.

Costs and Transferability of Your Online College Courses

Start Point provides affordable online college classes for high school students seeking a cost-effective pathway to jumpstarting their college education. Courses are three credit hours each, and tuition is $250 per course.

For students under 18, parents must provide a signed statement of their intention to pay for your Start Point courses. Our online courses also utilize Waldorf’s Loan-a-Book program or e-books, further minimizing your out-of-pocket costs.

With Start Point, your online college courses will transfer into a Waldorf degree program, or you can transfer credits to another institution where accepted. High school students who take online classes at Waldorf may be eligible for freshman residential scholarships for those who wish to attend in person on campus.

Waldorf University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring your online college courses are recognized by most institutions.

 

Admissions Requirements

Start Point students may take one college course online each term. For successful admission to the program, you must:

• Must be at least 15 years of age and have completed sophomore year of high school with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in classes at both high school and Waldorf University while enrolled in Waldorf classes. Students will be responsible for sending semester, quarter or final report cards from their high school.
• Submit a recommendation from an administrator, academic advisor or counselor at their high school.
• Submit a copy of their current high school transcript. If you are home schooled, your parents can self-report your GPA via a documented letter to the Registrar or Director of Admissions.

Test-Drive Opportunity

After you have successfully completed two Waldorf courses from the general education category, you may enroll in any of the entry-level core courses required for our many degree programs.

This opportunity allows you to complete your college courses online while exploring a degree field that interests you. These courses include but are not limited to: Introduction to Business, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Terrorism, Introduction to Fire Prevention and Graphic Core.

Available Online Courses for High School Students

*Satisfies the Start Point general education requirement