What Is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Courses may be taught on a college campus, at the high school by qualified teachers or online. It is common in the United States and is sometimes called concurrent enrollment or early college.

How it works

Eligibility rules vary by state and institution. Students usually need to meet GPA or test score requirements, get a counselor's approval and register through a partner college, often a community college. Once enrolled, you receive a college grade that becomes part of a permanent college transcript, whether or not you later attend that college.

Costs differ. Some states fund dual enrollment fully or partly, and others charge tuition, fees or textbooks to families. Early college programs may let students finish an associate degree alongside a high school diploma.

Benefits

• Earning credits early, which can save time and money in college.
• Testing readiness for college-level work.
• Exploring subjects, including those not offered in high school.
• Strengthening applications by showing rigor.

Risks and cautions

Grades are permanent. A poor grade in a dual enrollment course remains on your college transcript and may affect later financial aid eligibility and GPA calculations. Credits may not transfer to every college, and some highly selective schools limit credit for courses taken in high school. The workload and expectations are those of college, and the pace can be demanding.

Checking transfer

Before you enroll, check with the colleges you might attend. Look at their transfer credit policy, ask how dual enrollment credits are treated and confirm that the courses fit your planned major or general education requirements. Public state systems often have articulation agreements that guarantee transfer within the state.

Related terms

See AP credit, IB Diploma, articulation agreement, transfer student and transcript.