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Pride Scholars Accelerated College Program

Save a full year of time and tuition by earning college credits before you graduate high school.

  1. High School Programs
  2. Pride Scholars Accelerated College Program

Jumpstart Your College Career
(While Still in High School)

Take advantage of Widener's exclusive Pride Scholars Accelerated College Program, which allows high-achieving high school students, like you, to earn up to 30 college credits while still in high school through a combination of AP, IB, and individual Widener college courses. 

By working with a Widener Student Success Advisor to plan your college coursework, you'll benefit from a dedicated college advisor who will assist you in selecting courses that align with your educational goals and personal needs. Take courses online or study on campus during the summer term for a more authentic classroom experience. 

Best of all, the program provides you with an accelerated advantage. By earning up to 30 college credits while in high school, you'll have the opportunity to enter Widener with sophomore status. You'll be on what we call the "3+1 track," meaning you can earn your bachelor's degree in as little as three years and your master's degree in year four. Or you can submit your potential transfer credits to whatever college or university you decide to attend.

Either way, you'll save time and significantly reduce your college tuition costs. Your experience will put you on the fast track to a successful and rewarding future. 

How to Apply

    Providing Value & Affordability

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    Save Big on College Tuition

    • Take courses at a highly discounted rate of only $500/course through our Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies.
    • Receive a guaranteed scholarship if you decide to attend Widener, which will include a “credit” of the discounted tuition you paid toward Widener courses during your high school years.
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    Fast Track to a Master's Degree

    By earning up to 30 college credits in high school, you can accelerate your Widener education and complete a bachelor's degree in three years and a master's degree in year four (we call this the "3+1 track"). You'll graduate on the same timeline as your peers, but with an advanced degree, putting you on the inside track to higher-level positions and earning potential.  

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    Embark on Your Business Education

    Envisioning a future in business? Pursue the Pride Business Scholars Program and get a running start on your business education. 

    • Take up to three business major courses as part of your 30 credits of college coursework.
    • Gain insider access to academic and professional programs in your first year at Widener, including visits with corporate partners, networking events with industry leaders, trips to business hubs in New York City and Washington, D.C., and more. 

    How to Apply to the Pride Scholars Accelerated College Program

    High school sophomores are eligible to apply to the program.

    To apply, you must have a 3.25 cumulative GPA, submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor, and submit the online application as follows:

    1. Have a copy of your most recent transcript ready to upload.
    2. Visit go.widener.edu/apply to complete our simple application.
    3. Complete the application by choosing "Continuing Studies, "Non-Degree" and "High School" Students.

    Following completion of the application, a Widener Student Success Advisor will meet with qualified students for an advising appointment, review earned and planned AP/IB coursework, and develop a plan for taking additional individual courses at Widener during their high school career. 

    This course plan will be tailored to meet each individual student’s needs and intended major.

    For High School and District Leaders 

    Interested in having Widener host an information session about the Pride Scholars Accelerated College Program in your school or district? Contact gcs@widener.edu to plan a session for your students and families. 

    Get in Touch

    Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our Student Success Advisors!