---
title: A Head Start for Southeast Ohio Students That’s Saving Millions
description: Hocking College is highlighting how the College Credit Plus (CCP) program is making college more accessible and affordable for students and families across Southeast Ohio. In Fiscal Year 2025, Hocking College students and their families saved an estimated $2,500,416 in tuition, textbooks, and fees through participation in the CCP program.
---

# A Head Start for Southeast Ohio Students That’s Saving Millions

[ Hocking College Communications ](https://hcpress.hocking.edu/editions/author/hocking-college-communications)

 May 19, 2026 11:25:23 AM

For a lot of families in Southeast Ohio, the question isn’t just where to go to college.

The question is usually: How am I going to afford it?

This is where Hocking’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program makes an incredible difference in the lives of students and families.

Last year, over $2.5 million was saved by students and families who received college credit before graduating from high school through the CCP program.

Through CCP, students in grades 7 through 12 can take college-level courses at no cost for tuition, textbooks, or fees. It’s a chance to step into a college classroom early, build confidence, and start working toward a degree without the financial pressure that often comes with it.

"College Credit Plus provides students with the opportunity to begin their college educational path early, while providing financial assistance," stated Dr. Betty Young, President of Hocking College. "For many students in not only Southeastern Ohio, but all of Ohio Counties, this opportunity can open doors that would have been difficult to obtain previously."

At Hocking College, that opportunity looks different for every student.

There are some students exploring various career options. Some students are earning College Credit , which will reduce the amount of time required to complete a degree. Most importantly, all students are gaining experience in a real college environment prior to graduating high school.

Some are exploring career paths for the first time. Others are earning College Credit, which will shorten the time it takes to complete a degree.

“CCP helps students get a head start academically while reducing the overall cost and time of college,” said Alicia Pae, director of Educational Pathways. “It’s about giving students the tools and support to move forward with confidence.”

Across Ohio, nearly 95,000 students participate in CCP each year. But at Hocking College, the impact stays close to home.

It shows in students who are more prepared, in families with reduced financial strain, and in communities that benefit from a stronger, more skilled workforce.

Because here, college isn’t just something that happens after high school. For many students, it’s already started.

For additional information regarding CCP at Hocking, please visit [https://www.hocking.edu/college-credit-plus-resource-center](https://www.hocking.edu/college-credit-plus-resource-center).

[Hocking College](https://hcpress.hocking.edu/editions/tag/hocking-college), [Nelsonville, OH](https://hcpress.hocking.edu/editions/tag/nelsonville-oh), [Community College](https://hcpress.hocking.edu/editions/tag/community-college), [Campus News](https://hcpress.hocking.edu/editions/tag/campus-news), [College Credit Plus](https://hcpress.hocking.edu/editions/tag/college-credit-plus), [Betty Young](https://hcpress.hocking.edu/editions/tag/betty-young)

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