OnRamps at the University of Texas at Austin
The OnRamps Model
- The high school course is taught on campus by a high school teacher with extensive OnRamps training and professional development.
- The college course is taught online and graded by a UT Austin instructor of record.
- The two courses are graded separately. The college grade does not impact the high school GPA.
- Students eligible for college credit at the end of the course can accept or decline the college credit and grade. A declined credit does not impact the college GPA.
Increasing Access to Advanced Academics
OnRamps was established in 2011 with the mission to increase the number of students who access and engage in learning experiences aligned with the expectations of leading research institutions.
There are no applications, tests (such as TSIA) or other eligibility requirements to enroll in OnRamps, and students can take the college course without having to leave their home campus. Learn more about how OnRamps opens college doors for more students.
Benefits of OnRamps
- Dual enrollment courses have helped over 298,000 students in Texas prepare for college rigor.
- Students can earn college credit and receive a TSIA exemption while still in high school.
- Students meet state accountability for college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) after completing one 3-hour OnRamps course.
- Eligible students can take courses at no cost due to the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program.
Course Fees
Course fees are kept as low as possible and are a fraction of the typical tuition cost at a public university. Labs, books and materials are all included.
Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
Through the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program, students who are educationally disadvantaged may qualify to take OnRamps courses at zero cost.
Review the FAST FAQ to learn more.
Courses Offered
OnRamps course offerings include a full range of science, technology, math, arts and humanities courses that fit graduation plans for career and technical programs.
College Credit Transferability
College credits accepted through OnRamps appear on an official UT Austin transcript and are guaranteed to transfer to public universities in Texas. UT credits also can be transferred to many private or out-of-state institutions. For any additional questions or concerns, contact the OnRamps Support team at support@onramps.zendesk.com.
Instruction
High school teachers who become OnRamps Instructors receive extensive training and gain access to UT Austin faculty and a supportive statewide professional network. New OnRamps Instructors receive more than 80 hours of professional learning and development in their first year, followed by more than 35 hours each subsequent year, to continually enhance their instructional practice and further student learning.