A student’s GPA, career interests and even whether they’ve failed a class could soon determine how much they pay to participate in career and technical education (CTE) programs. New Kansas legislation set to take effect this summer will change who qualifies for tuition-free college credit courses, prompting school districts and colleges across the state to prepare for a new set of rules.
Kansas lawmakers recently approved House Bill 2485, which changes how school districts partner with community and technical colleges to offer concurrent enrollment courses. The sweeping piece of legislation was signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly this April.
Starting July 1, 2026, colleges must pay instructors a standard rate of $600 per credit hour for teaching concurrent courses, up to 10 credit hours per semester. Colleges must also pay a designated high school site coordinator, with compensation capped at $1,500 per semester.
The legislation also makes significant changes to the Excel in CTE program, which allows high school students to earn technical college credit at no cost. Beginning in 2026-27, only Kansas juniors and seniors with at least a 2.0 GPA and who have completed at least half of their district’s graduation requirements will qualify for state-funded tuition.
USD 257 Superintendent Stacey Fager said the GPA requirement was one of the most debated parts of the bill. “I know there was a lot of testimony that was not in support of that 2.0 GPA threshold,” Fager said.
According to Fager, many critics felt the requirement could exclude students who struggled academically early in high school but later found success in career-focused programs.
“Sometimes you’re looking for avenues that engage students in the learning process and help them complete graduation requirements,” he said.
Fager noted that some students do not thrive until they enter CTE courses as juniors or seniors. For those students, a 2.0 GPA requirement could become a significant barrier if their freshman and sophomore grades were poor.
The law also changes how failed courses are funded. The state will only pay for an Excel in CTE course once. If a student retakes a failed course, the student or school district must cover the cost. Students who fail two Excel-funded courses will lose eligibility for future state funding, and colleges may charge tuition and fees.
ACCORDING TO the Kansas Board of Regents, Excel in CTE funding will be reduced by $16.7 million — more than 31% — for 2027. Funding will be focused on programs tied to the Kansas Promise Scholarship Act and careers identified as high-demand, high-wage, or critical-need occupations.
As a result, several career pathways, including business, hospitality, tourism, marketing, finance, human services, and arts and communications, are being phased out of Excel funding altogether.
Area colleges are now working with school districts to implement the new requirements.
In a message to participating districts, Allen Community College Vice President for Academic Affairs Kara Wheeler said the changes will affect both students and instructors involved in concurrent enrollment and Excel in CTE programs at Allen.
“We are still working out the details and will be in constant contact with staff over the coming weeks and months as we iron out all the new requirements,” Wheeler noted.
Allen officials also highlighted a potential issue related to recent statewide restrictions on student cellphone use during the school day. Because many online college courses use multi-factor authentication, schools may need to coordinate alternative login methods with the college’s IT department.
The Kansas Board of Regents has also directed colleges to verify student eligibility and maintain documentation for audit purposes.
