Dual enrollment means that a student is taking college courses and earning college-level credits while still in high school. These programs allow students to get a head start on higher education, focus on academic rigor, and potentially save thousands in the long run. Here’s a look at dual enrollment, eligibility requirements, course options, and more to help you decide if it’s right for your high school education.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment programs allow students to take college classes through their high school and earn credit towards a college-level degree, including an associate’s or bachelor’s.
The student usually also receives high school credit for completing the class, which you might also see referred to as “dual credit” or “concurrent enrollment.” However, some institutions are dual enrollment only, meaning you won’t receive credit toward your high school diploma at the same time.
Some dual enrollment programs also allow students to take courses at a trade school or to put credits towards a certificate.
Who Is Eligible?
State agencies, such as the state’s department of education, run the dual enrollment program. Availability and eligibility depend on the state, your school district, and the participating college. Some common requirements and stipulations include:
- GPA: Students generally have to demonstrate they can handle the academic rigor. As a result, these programs usually require a minimum GPA. For example, Florida currently requires a 3.0 GPA unweighted GPA and demonstrated college readiness for college credits or a 2.0 unweighted GPA for career courses.
- Age: Most students enrolled in these programs are high school students, though there are some exceptions. While New York’s program is only open to high school students, Florida allows 6th through 12th grade students to take the classes. Wisconsin requires you to be 16 years or older.
- Number of classes: Your high school or the college might also restrict the number of dual enrollment classes you can take each year. Some schools allow only two a year while others allow up to four.
If you’re curious about your eligibility, talk to your guidance counselor or academic advisor before you make your new schedule.
What Courses Are Available?
The exact courses available depend on the college. Even if your school allows you to take four or more college-level classes, you might not be able to fit more than that in your schedule as classes could be scheduled at the same time.
Here are a few common examples:
- English: Most high schools offer at least College English 101 and 102. Since colleges require you to take these two courses during your first year, it’s a great opportunity to get them out of the way. You could also see Introduction to Film, Technical Writing, and Argument and Persuasion.
- Math: Common classes include Calculus, Algebra, and Trigonometry. However, keep in mind that if you’re not majoring in a math-related subject in college, you might not have to take that many math courses.
- Foreign Language: Colleges often list foreign language courses as part of their general education requirements. You might have to take a proficiency test before you’re allowed to enroll at your school.
- Science: Colleges require both science and science with laboratory courses for graduation. Courses could cover biology, chemistry, physics, human anatomy, and more.
- Arts: Depending on your school’s resources, you could see classes for photography, drawing, or drama.
Other options could relate to business, physical education, computer science, health, and more.
When selecting dual enrollment courses, keep the college’s general education requirements in mind. You’ll have to get these out of the way before taking more advanced classes.
Dual Enrollment Vs. Advanced Placement
Advanced placement (AP) courses are similar to dual enrollment but they’re not the same.
At the end of an AP class, you have to take a test. If you score a 4 or 5, you’ll receive 1:1 college credit for the class. If you score a 3, you might receive elective credit. You’ll receive no credit for a 1 or 2. However, you technically don’t have to take the class to take the exam! You can simply sign up for the AP Exam, but we highly recommend preparing it.
In dual enrollment courses, as long as you have a C or better, you’ll receive credit for the course. Your grades in these classes will be considered part of your college academic record and GPA.
Should You Take Dual Enrollment Classes?
If you’re given the opportunity and you have the desire, you should absolutely take dual enrollment classes. Here are just some of the benefits:
- You’ll pay less in tuition. Students who take college courses in high school pay much less per credit than they would at a community college or 4-year school. You might pay as little as $150 to attend while you’re in high school vs. $300+ per credit in college.
- You could graduate college faster. Take enough classes and you could even graduate college faster, which equals less money spent on tuition, fees, and boarding and fewer student loans.
- You could have high college acceptance chances. Colleges love to see students challenge themselves. By taking college-level courses, you’re showcasing academic rigor and showing you have what it takes to excel above your grade level.
- You might win more scholarships. With higher academic rigor and demonstrated academic ability, you could potentially increase your chances of winning scholarships and grants. Some awards are even dedicated specifically to dual enrollment students.
- You have more time to explore your interests. If you’re not quite sure what to major in or just like learning, these courses allow you to explore your interests at a fraction of the cost.
Dual enrollment is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to get a head start on their college education, saving them money and time. Take enough classes and you could end up saving thousands. Talk to your academic advisor about the opportunities at your school before you sign up for next year’s classes.
As you sign up for your college-level classes, you’ll want to be thinking about where you’d like to earn your degree. Start exploring schools that match your goals with College Match. It’s free and easy to get started!
