Vestavia Hills High School

The Alabama Legislature established the Move On When Ready (MOWR) Program through Alabama Act 2025-412. MOWR allows eligible Alabama public high school juniors and seniors to complete their remaining high school coursework through full-time enrollment at an Alabama public college or university, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously at no cost to the family beyond what state funding covers.

This is not the same as dual enrollment. MOWR students leave the high school setting entirely and attend college full-time. They do not attend high school classes or extracurricular activities while enrolled, though they remain eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies per local policy.

Is my student eligible?

To qualify for MOWR, a student must:

• Be entering Grade 11 or 12 for the upcoming school year
• Have attended an Alabama public high school during the prior school year
• Have earned the minimum required credits in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Career Preparedness, and Health Education
• Have a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
• Receive written approval from their high school principal and counselor confirming academic readiness and maturity for full-time college enrollment
• Meet all admission requirements of the participating college or university

What does MOWR cover financially?

State funding covers tuition, mandatory fees, and textbooks up to the lesser of actual college costs (minus a $200 records fee retained by the school system) or the equivalent per-pupil state funding amount. Families are responsible for any costs exceeding the state allocation and for transportation. Students enrolled in MOWR may not simultaneously receive other state-funded scholarships for the same courses.

What are the student's responsibilities?

MOWR participants must maintain full-time enrollment of at least 12 credit hours per term, remain in good academic standing, and comply with all college policies and codes of conduct. K–12 special education services and daily high school supervision do not transfer to the college setting.

How do I find out more or get started?

If you believe your student may be eligible and are interested in learning more, please contact your student's school counselor. Mandatory pre-enrollment counseling for both the student and parent or guardian is required before any MOWR application can be processed.