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OnRamps at the University of Texas at Austin

Overview

OnRamps provides college credit opportunities to students across Texas through dual enrollment courses designed by faculty at The University of Texas at Austin. Students can enroll through a school or district that is partnered with OnRamps.

When a student enrolls in an OnRamps course, they are concurrently enrolled in a high school course and a college course with the opportunity to earn credit on a UT Austin transcript.

The high school and college courses are graded separately, and students can decline or accept the college grade and credit, if earned, at the end of the course.

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 167,000 students in Texas prepare for college rigor.  
  • Students can earn college credit and receive a TSIA exemption while still in high school  
  • 17 courses designed by The University of Texas at Austin faculty.  
  • 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. 

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