High School Partnerships

Franciscan High School Advantage Program

Applications for admission to Franciscan High School Advantage with partnered schools for the 2026-2027 school year must be returned on or before September 30, 2026.

The Advantage of a Franciscan Education

Several high schools—including Chesterton Schools Network, Kolbe Academy, and Homeschool Connections—have partnered with Franciscan University. Students earn credit by taking courses at their high school that are aligned with Franciscan University’s curriculum and successfully completing college-level examinations.

These courses are taught in the student’s own classrooms by their high school teachers so that students earn both high school and college credit.

View Franciscan High School Advantage Courses.

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum age of 16
Enrolled in high school as a junior or senior
Posses a cumulative 2.4 GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale)

Contact

Mr. Thomas J. Costello

Program Manager for the Franciscan University High School Advantage Program

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 740-283-6230

Students: Speak to your headmaster or principal about applying to the Franciscan High School Advantage Partnership program.

Headmasters and principals: Please contact Tom Costello for more information on partnerships.

Documents to download:

Frequently Asked Questions

Download the FAQs Here

What is the Franciscan Advantage Program?

Allows qualified students to enroll in Franciscan University courses that align with their existing high school curriculum prior to high school graduation.
Eliminates geographic barriers to Franciscan University learning and resources.
Decreases the cost of a Franciscan University education to families.
Enhances the access to Franciscan University education and formation for students and families.

Who will teach these courses?

Your high school teachers will teach the course.
Students will concurrently enroll in a Franciscan Advantage course and complete Franciscan assessments.
Direct instruction between Franciscan University faculty and the high school students is limited.

Where/when will these courses be taught?

These courses will be taught at the student’s school during the normal school day.
Students are enrolled concurrently in their high school class and the Franciscan class.

What is the cost?

As a result of the partnership between Franciscan University and high schools across the nation, Franciscan Advantage Partnership course tuition is $150 per credit hour. You will pay this cost directly to Franciscan University.

How many credits may a student earn?

Currently, students may earn up to 29 credits at Franciscan University prior to high school graduation.
Students earn grades and an official transcript.

How will student learning be evaluated by Franciscan?

Franciscan University faculty will create a midterm exam and final exam, which will be administered on the University’s learning management system during the normal school day.
Students will need to use two-factor authentication for security purposes.

Where can I use these Franciscan credits?

Credits earned are immediately applied to Franciscan University.
In most cases, credits earned at Franciscan are transferable to other colleges and universities.
Each college or university has its own policies regarding transferability of credits.
Each student may request a transcript with grades and credits earned by going to franciscan.edu/registrar.
Select “Transcript Request.” Next, click “Transcripts from Parchment” and follow the prompts to order your credentials.
Current students can go to The Port or go to port.franciscan.edu and select the link for “Transcript Request” under student. Please create a new account using a personal email, not a Franciscan University email.

What are the timelines for the application registration, drop, and withdraw?

Priority course registration must be completed no later than Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The last day to officially drop a course is Wednesday, January 20, 2027. This allows for 100% refund and no record on transcripts.
The last day to officially withdraw from a course is Wednesday, March 24, 2027. This allows for 50% refund and a “W” on transcripts but does not impact GPA.

What other benefits are available for the students?

Students who complete and pass one course automatically receive a $2,000 scholarship each year for four years at Franciscan University.
Students who complete and pass three courses are automatically accepted into Franciscan University.
Students can also take part in our unique Franciscan Life Online for community and faith formation.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Junior or senior year in high school.
Minimum age of 16.
Possess a cumulative 2.4 GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale).

Who is your point of contact at Franciscan University?

Tom Costello is the program manager for the Franciscan High School Advantage Program. His email is [email protected]. His office phone number is 740-283-6230. His cell phone number is 973-459-0863. The webpage for this program is franciscan.edu/advantage.

What is Franciscan University of Steubenville?

Franciscan University was founded in 1946 by friars of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance (TOR) of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Franciscan University integrates excellent academic programs with a dynamic faith environment to serve 2,500 students from all 50 states and 18 countries on campus and an additional 1,300 students online.
Franciscan University offers 45 undergraduate degrees, 10 graduate, 2 doctorate, and 17 online programs.

About Franciscan University

Franciscan University is one of the premier faithfully Catholic universities in the world. At Franciscan, every member of the community embraces the call to dynamic orthodoxy through education, evangelization, and sending forth joyful disciples. Students at Franciscan seize the opportunity to serve the Church and transform the world as they’re empowered to pursue their vocations through the power of the Holy Spirit.