Fulton County Schools announced it will launch a dual-enrollment program with Auburn University that allows students to receive college credit.

The partnership with the Alabama university is the school district’s first with an out-of-state institution. Superintendent Mike Looney unveiled the agreement at a recent board meeting.

“I think this is going to be something for us to be very proud of, and I’m excited to announce that our students from across Fulton County are going to be eligible for this program,” he said.

The district is still working out details of the partnership, which is expected to launch next fall.

Students accepted into the program will be able to take online courses taught by Auburn professors and receive high school credit as well as up to 24 credit hours toward a college degree.

The deal will allow students to pay in-state tuition instead of higher out-of-state rates. Those Fulton County students who qualify for free and reduced school lunches will be eligible for free tuition through the program, Looney said.

As part of the program, Fulton County Schools will create two Urban Learning Centers, one in Alpharetta and another in the district’s southern end.