Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

More Than 17% of Acceleration Courses and Exams Do Not Result in College Credit, Which Costs State Almost $6 Million

Report 09-21, March 2009

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Report Summary

Approximately 17.5% of the acceleration courses and exams successfully completed by Florida high school students do not result in college credit to a state university or college, with Advanced Placement exams the least likely to transfer. This occurs for four reasons:

  • some students complete multiple exams that result in the same college credit;
  • some students do not submit documentation of exam scores or dual enrollment grades to their university or college;
  • state and institutional rules limit the number of high school acceleration credit hours for which students can receive college credit; and
  • some state universities and colleges fail to award appropriate college credit.

The state spent approximately $5.8 million on high school acceleration courses that did not transfer for college credit for students who entered college in 2005-06. If these students retook these courses at universities and colleges the state would have incurred an additional $2.3 million in costs. The Legislature could consider options to reduce these costs.

Related Reports
  1. University Students Benefit from Acceleration Courses, But Often Retake Math and Science Courses
    Report 09-30 June 2009
  2. Modifying Advanced Placement Program Incentive Funding Could Produce Significant Cost Savings
    Report 09-12 February 2009
  3. Student Participation in Acceleration Programs Has Increased; Legislature Has Taken Steps to Reduce Program Costs
    Report 08-70 December 2008
  4. State's High School Acceleration Programs Are Funded Through a Variety of Sources
    Report 06-27 March 2006
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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