The expense of college courses is famously high. In response to this, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh runs the Cooperative Academic Partnership Program, CAPP for short, with high schools, which not only lessens financial burden, but also allows students to earn both high school and college credits. As the 2025-2026 school year begins to close, and the next school year comes into sight, those who have signed up for the college-affiliated classes are beginning to take the steps required to take CAPP classes.
“The application process wasn’t very hard, but getting your password can be a pain at first. When I first did it, I think it took me an hour because I didn’t know what I was doing,” junior Colin Dalton said.
After applying, those who are new to CAPP need to take a placement exam for most of the courses. Though they can be challenging, many see them as completely doable.
“They are no different than any freshman entering college. You take a math placement test or an English placement test to make sure that you are academically ready to take a college-level course,” math teacher Shawn Erb said.
CAPP classes also give students a “soft start” into college classes by getting them familiar with the coursework and workload, while still remaining a high school class.
“I am looking into getting an English literature degree, which is why I’m taking Public Speaking. I think it’s better to take college classes starting earlier than college. I also think it will give me more of a view of what my college experience will be like,” sophomore Elizabeth Kutzleb said.
CAPP courses also ease some of the monetary burden for those who plan to attend a university. While those taking CAPP courses do have to pay a fee, the cost of a CAPP course is about a third of the price of a standard college course.
“I think it gives students a leg up. It also reduces the cost of what you’ll spend in college. If you can knock out some of your gen-eds, that’s less you have to take on campus, and you get done sooner,” Erb said.
Taking CAPP courses, in the end, is also just an easier and slightly more relaxed way to get the knowledge a person needs in order to pursue their chosen career.
“I think it’ll be easier in the classroom than taking it in college,” Kutzleb said.
