OnRamps
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What OnRamps does
OnRamps is a dual enrollment initiative of The University of Texas at Austin, established in 2011 with support from the Texas Legislature, that enables Texas high school students to earn transferable UT Austin college credit while remaining enrolled at their home high school. The program delivers 18 college-credit-bearing courses in science, technology, mathematics, humanities, and arts, designed by UT Austin faculty and taught concurrently by high school instructors on partner campuses and by UT Austin instructors of record online. Courses are delivered through Canvas LMS (the University of Texas at Austin's learning management system), with enrollment and credit tracking managed via the OnRamps Student Information System (OSIS) and instructor coaching supported by the Sibme platform. Each course is structured around one of six research-based pedagogies — Flipped, Inquiry-Based, Peer Instruction, Project-Based, Team-Based Learning, or Rhetorical Pedagogy — and is paired with a yearlong Professional Learning Institute providing over 80 hours of training in an instructor's first year and 35+ hours annually thereafter.
The program is funded primarily through Texas state legislative appropriations and university support, with eligible students enrolling at zero cost through the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program, in which UT Austin participates. In the 2024–2025 academic year, OnRamps served 56,136 unique students across 458 campuses in 213 partner districts, supported 1,535 trained instructors, and students collectively earned more than 206,000 college credit hours and saved $58.7 million in tuition and fees. Since founding, more than 248,000 students have participated. Go-to-market is executed through enterprise-style district partnership agreements, with yearlong implementation, recruitment, and retention support delivered by a regional point-of-contact model; informational presentations in English and Spanish support district and parent outreach.
The operating model is anchored to a single geographic market (Texas) and a single institutional parent (UT Austin), with no disclosed geographic expansion or external investment. Leadership has been stable, with Dr. Jennifer Porter as Executive Director since 2020 after internal promotion from Director of Curriculum and Instruction. The program's value proposition is differentiated by the institutional brand of UT Austin, the regulatory eligibility of its completions for Texas CCMR accountability, and the scale of its professional learning infrastructure, but it does not exhibit material proprietary technology beyond its pedagogical framework and process.
OnRamps firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- OnRamps
- Legal name
- OnRamps at the University of Texas at Austin
- Website
- https://onramps.utexas.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
OnRamps industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Dual Enrollment Education Services
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dual Enrollment / Early College Programs (via Community Colleges) (EDAHADAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways) (EDAAABAK)
Keywords
Where OnRamps is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
OnRamps business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees (FAST Program): Eligible students can enroll at zero cost through the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program. UT Austin has opted into this program. For 2024-2025, eligible OnRamps students who accepted college credit saved $58,699,748 in combined tuition and fees.
- State Funding: Established in 2011 with support from the Texas Legislature. The initiative is a signature program of The University of Texas at Austin, funded through state appropriations and university support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Annual | Zero-cost enrollment for FAST-eligible students |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
OnRamps product offering
Product offeringCore offering
OnRamps designs and delivers dual enrollment courses for Texas high school students through partnerships with school districts, enabling students to earn transferable UT Austin college credit while still in high school. Courses are delivered concurrently in high school and college formats, supported by a year-round Professional Learning Institute that provides teachers with 80+ hours of training in their first year and 35+ hours annually thereafter. The program is funded through Texas state appropriations and university support, with FAST-eligible students able to enroll at zero cost.
Product overview
OnRamps is a dual enrollment initiative of The University of Texas at Austin offering a unified platform combining dual enrollment courses and professional development services. The core product includes 18 high-quality dual enrollment courses in science (Biology, Chemistry I/II, Geoscience, Physics I/II), mathematics (College Algebra, Precalculus, Statistics), technology (Computer Science, Arts & Entertainment Technologies), and humanities (Rhetoric, Economics, U.S. Government, U.S. History). Courses are delivered through Canvas LMS with concurrent high school and college enrollment. Supporting services include the Professional Learning Institute providing yearlong training for instructors, and Customizable Professional Development for broader educational audiences. The platform also includes district partnership services and the OSIS student information system for enrollment management.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Dual Enrollment Courses College credit-bearing dual enrollment courses designed by UT Austin faculty for Texas high school students. Students concurrently enroll in both a high school course and a UT Austin college course, earning transferable college credit recorded on a UT Austin transcript.
- Biology I + Lab Introductory Biology I lecture and lab covering molecular and cellular biology, including structure/function of biomolecules, energy flow, and genetic information expression, designed for Texas high school students to earn transferable UT Austin college credit.
- Chemistry I + Lab Principles of Chemistry I lecture and lab covering matter, energy, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and basic laboratory skills for Texas high school students seeking UT Austin college credit.
- Chemistry II + Lab Principles of Chemistry II lecture and lab covering equilibria, kinetics, water chemistry, electrochemistry, and modern analytical laboratory techniques, offering transferable UT Austin college credit.
- Geoscience Earth, Wind, and Fire: An Introduction to Geoscience covering the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geologic thinking skills for Texas high school students.
- Physics I + Lab Mechanics, Heat, and Sound algebra-based course with lab covering Newtonian mechanics, waves, sound, and heat through guided-inquiry investigations for Texas high school students.
- Physics II Electromagnetism, Optics, and Nuclear Physics algebra-based course covering electricity, magnetism, optics, photons, and atomic nucleus properties for Texas high school students.
- College Algebra College Algebra course exploring function families including linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions with inquiry-based learning for Texas high school students.
- Precalculus Discovery Precalculus: Preparation for Calculus through Inquiry-Based Learning, deepening and extending knowledge of functions, graphs, and equations for Texas high school students.
- Statistics Elementary Statistical Methods covering frequency distributions, sampling, experimental design, inference, and regression using interactive applications for Texas high school students.
- Computer Science Elements of Computer Programming using Python, covering algorithms, games, visualizations, software design, and real-world applications through Project-Based Learning for Texas high school students.
- Arts & Entertainment Technologies Foundations of Arts & Entertainment Technologies covering digital media, graphic design, sound design, video gaming, and mobile apps through Project-Based Learning for Texas high school students.
- Economics Introduction to Economics covering principles, models, supply/demand, market structures, and behavioral economics using Flipped Learning pedagogy for Texas high school students.
- U.S. Government Issues and Policies in American Government exploring constitutional principles, civil rights, representation, and civic participation through Flipped Learning for Texas high school students.
- U.S. History Two sequential courses covering U.S. History from 1492-1865 and 1865 to present, using Team-Based Learning and primary source analysis for Texas high school students.
- Rhetoric Two sequential writing-intensive courses covering rhetoric, argumentation, research, and analysis using Rhetorical Pedagogy with peer review and revision for Texas high school students.
- Professional Learning Institute (PLI) Yearlong professional learning and development for OnRamps Instructors including Summer PLI, Fall and Spring institutes, mentorship, monthly virtual conferences, ongoing coaching via Sibme, and weekly course-specific newsletters for high school teachers implementing dual enrollment courses.
- Counseling and Advising Learning Series Annual three-part professional development series for OnRamps counselors and advisors focusing on building a culture of success and student support at partner high schools and districts.
- Customizable Professional Development Tailored professional learning and development offerings for K-12 educators or higher education faculty addressing specific goals and outcomes for districts and institutions seeking unique supports.
- District Partnership Services Strategic partnerships with school districts providing recruitment, implementation, retention support, presentations, and professional development opportunities for delivering OnRamps dual enrollment courses across Texas.
- Cultivating Success in Advanced Academics Yearlong professional learning program for middle and high school teachers of honors, dual credit, and advanced courses with evidence-based practices to support advanced academic instruction.
Quantifiable outcome
- 248,000+ students prepared for college since 2011
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use OnRamps
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
OnRamps technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature3 records
OnRamps partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Texas School DistrictscoreOnRamps partners with over 213 school districts and 458 campuses across Texas to deliver dual enrollment courses. Districts receive yearlong support including recruitment guidance, implementation assistance, and ongoing professional development coordination for instructors.
- The University of Texas at AustincoreOnRamps is a signature initiative of UT Austin, established in 2011 with support from the Texas Legislature. UT Austin faculty design all courses and serve as instructors of record. The university provides the Canvas LMS platform and academic oversight.
- Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) ProgramcoreUT Austin has opted into the FAST program, allowing eligible students to enroll at zero cost. This state program enables OnRamps to provide tuition-free college credit to qualifying students.
- Texas LegislaturecoreOnRamps was established in 2011 with support from the Texas Legislature, which provides funding for the dual enrollment initiative.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
OnRamps competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- K12 Inc. (Stride): Stride (K12 Inc.) is one of the largest online K-12 education providers in the US, offering dual enrollment and credit-bearing courses through district partnerships. It is comparable as a broad incumbent with overlapping dual-enrollment offerings to districts, though at national scale and with a private-sector operating model.
- Pearson Online Learning Services (Connections Academy): Pearson's Connections Academy is a larger online K-12 operator with district partnership, dual enrollment, and curriculum services across many states. It overlaps with OnRamps' district partnership model and online dual-credit offerings but as a broader incumbent portfolio player.
Direct peers
- Florida Virtual School (FLVS): FLVS is a state-funded public virtual school offering online K-12 and dual enrollment courses in Florida with similar state-backed mission, scale, and teacher professional development. It is structurally comparable as a state-supported online/distance education program with college-credit pathways.
- VHS Learning (Virtual High School Collaborative): VHS Learning is a nonprofit cooperative of schools offering online courses, including dual enrollment options, to member high schools across multiple states. It is comparable as an online dual-enrollment and teacher-supported course provider serving partner high schools with college-credit-bearing offerings.
- UT High School: University of Texas High School is the K-12 accredited online high school also operated by UT Austin, offering dual credit and online coursework. It is the most direct peer because it shares UT Austin's institutional parent, brand authority, and a similar dual-enrollment-style mission for Texas students.
- Texas Tech University Independent School District (TTUISD): TTUISD is a fully accredited K-12 distance learning school operated by Texas Tech University, providing dual credit and college-aligned online courses to Texas students. It is directly comparable as another major Texas public university operating an accredited distance/dual enrollment program with statewide reach.
Emerging players
- StraighterLine: StraighterLine provides low-cost online college courses that transfer credits to partner institutions, often used by high schoolers seeking dual credit. It is comparable as an alternative college credit pathway competing for the same student/demand for affordable college credit.
- Modern States Education Coalition: Modern States offers free online CLEP-style college credit prep and dual enrollment pathways, aiming to expand affordable college credit access. It overlaps with OnRamps' tuition-savings value proposition and dual-credit-access mission, though it is organized around standardized exams rather than coursework.
- Accelerate Education: Accelerate Education provides online K-12 and dual enrollment course content to schools and districts, including partner-district delivery models. It overlaps with OnRamps on online dual-enrollment course catalog and district-channel GTM.
- Outlier.org: Outlier.org partners with top universities to deliver affordable, accredited online dual enrollment courses directly to high school students for college credit. It is comparable because it targets the same dual-enrollment-for-credit value proposition OnRamps offers, albeit with a different university-partner model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
OnRamps social profiles
Digital presenceOnRamps financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
OnRamps leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
OnRamps funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
OnRamps M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about OnRamps
What does OnRamps do?
OnRamps designs and delivers dual enrollment courses for Texas high school students through partnerships with school districts, enabling students to earn transferable UT Austin college credit while still in high school. Courses are delivered concurrently in high school and college formats, supported by a year-round Professional Learning Institute that provides teachers with 80+ hours of training in their first year and 35+ hours annually thereafter. The program is funded through Texas state appropriations and university support, with FAST-eligible students able to enroll at zero cost.
Is OnRamps a public or private company?
OnRamps is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was OnRamps founded?
OnRamps was founded in 2011. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is OnRamps based?
OnRamps is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does OnRamps make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees (FAST Program) is the primary driver. The others are state Funding.
Who are OnRamps's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are K12 Inc. (Stride) and Pearson Online Learning Services (Connections Academy). Direct peers are Florida Virtual School (FLVS), VHS Learning (Virtual High School Collaborative), UT High School and Texas Tech University Independent School District (TTUISD). Emerging players are StraighterLine, Modern States Education Coalition, Accelerate Education and Outlier.org.
Does OnRamps have an API?
No public API is recorded for OnRamps.
What industry is OnRamps in?
OnRamps's product category is Dual Enrollment Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHADAH, Dual Enrollment / Early College Programs (via Community Colleges), with a secondary code of EDAAABAK, College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.