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University Programming for High School Students

Purdue is committed to providing all students with services and programs that will aid in their success and help them thrive throughout their time at the university. This page highlights Purdue programs that can be beneficial for high school students as they begin to consider what their next giant leap will be following graduation. 

Make the first small step towards your next giant leap by enrolling in summer courses at Purdue! Experience the excitement of college life, explore academic majors, and put yourself on a pathway for success! Taking online or on-campus courses during the summer at Purdue allows high school students age 15 and older to experience college life by completing coursework alongside current undergraduate students. Students have access to more than 650 courses across all academic disciplines during Summer Session. There's no better time to get a jumpstart on your college experience!

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Offering accessible services to help our students thrive is at the top of our list here at Purdue. Students interested in admissions to Purdue can consider also applying for Horizons, which offers students quality support resources to aid them in their interests, challenges, and success throughout the duration of their time at the university. Horizons student support services, are designed to assist students in developing academic, social, and personal skills through services such as tutoring, mentoring, career development, academic support, cultural enrichment, and access to global experiences. Students interested must meet the eligibility criteria and apply directly for admission to Horizons. 

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Fast Start: Affordable and Assured Admission to Purdue

Many promising Indiana students now have the opportunity to take their first steps toward a Purdue degree with the new Purdue Fast Start program. Purdue's partnership with Modern States, a philanthropy and online learning program for earning college credit, provides free courses and textbooks online plus vouchers to pay for credit-bearing exams. Passing five courses, the corresponding CLEP exams, and meeting Purdue's standard admissions requirements assures admission into Purdue. Additionally, Purdue's Fast Start program is a great option for students to take college prep coursework that may be unavailable to them with virtual learning limitations. 

 Fast Start 

Purdue values not only providing a quality education for students, but also puts immense effort towards creating programs that will further the opportunities of students by offering support for graduating debt-free, and on time, while also being prepared for life post-graduation. Students who have been established as a 21st Century Scholar and continue to have a combined family adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $50,000 per year following high school graduation, may qualify for Purdue Promise. This program was created to help Purdue's Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars graduate in four years with little to no debt. In addition to the financial support, Purdue Promise includes the following:

  • Regular, one-on-one coaching meetings with professional staff
  • Safe spaces to ask questions and seek advice
  • A first-year course to help you transition from high school to college
  • And much more!

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