Programs for High School Students


Young Scholars Academy for Talented High School Students
Valparaiso University offers college courses designed for high school students showing special skill and talent in one of the following areas: mathematics, creative writing, science and technology, music, or theatre. These courses are developed specifically for high school students (i.e., enrollment is limited to high school students) and are conveniently scheduled in the evening, weekend, or summer.

This program awards 3 or more college credits for use at VU or any other university or college; gives students the opportunity to explore ideas, topics, and experiences not available through a high school curriculum; uses small group learning experiences that allow for intense interaction among like-minded students and with VU faculty, and provides a certificate of recognition for completion of VU’s Gifted and Talented program.

You will be notified of your admission status as a special high school student in the Young Scholars Academy for Talented High School Students program you will be registered for a course. Tuition is $200 per credit hour. Students are limited to 12 credits under this program and should note that admission to this program should not be construed as admission to the undergraduate degree programs at VU.

To be eligible, you must:

  1. be at least a sophomore, with junior or senior standing preferred;
  2. provide a high school transcript indicating a high level of performance (e.g., GPA of 3.7 or higher) as well as A level performance or honors in the area of Young Scholars Academy for Talented High School Students study; or
  3. complete appropriate course entrance requirements as set by the program (e.g., a set of math problems, an audition tape, a piece of creative writing, etc.);
  4. have the endorsement of a high school teacher, adviser, or principal.


College Experience Program
Junior and senior high school students in the Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma program are eligible to take up to 8 credits of college coursework at Valparaiso University. In consultation with a high school advisor, you may apply these credits to your academic honors diploma. A list of courses open to high school students is available upon request and online.

Such students are admitted through the Office of Continuing Education as a “special high school student” at VU. High school students not in the Academic Honors program may be considered for this program on a case-by-case basis.

You will be notified of your admission status as a special high school student and whether you have been registered for a course. Tuition is $150 per credit hour. Students are limited to 8 credits under this program and should note that admission to this program should not be construed as admission to the undergraduate degree programs at VU.


Request Information
For more information about these programs, fill out our online request for information form.