Introduction
Who says you have to wait until freshman year of college to start earning credits? With dual enrollment, high school students can take real college courses and get a head start on their degree—often for a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re looking to save money, challenge yourself academically, or just get ahead, dual enrollment could be the smart step you’ve been looking for.
This program has gained popularity across the country because it offers a rare opportunity: students stay enrolled in high school while earning credits that count toward both a high school diploma and a college degree. It’s flexible, widely available, and can give you a serious advantage when it comes time to apply to college.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses through a partnership between their high school and a local college—most commonly, a community college. These classes can be taken on the college campus, online, or sometimes even at the high school, depending on the school district and program.
Why It’s Popular Among High School Students
This program is appealing for several reasons:
You save time by completing college credits early
You reduce the cost of a future degree
You ease into college coursework while still having support from your high school environment
It’s a win-win situation for students looking to challenge themselves and lighten the load once they reach college full-time.
How Dual Enrollment Works
When Can You Start?
Most students begin dual enrollment in their junior or senior year, but some schools allow students to start earlier if they meet the GPA and placement test requirements. The classes you take will count toward your high school graduation and, depending on the college you eventually attend, may also apply to your degree.
What Classes Can You Take?
Courses vary by school, but most students choose from general education subjects like:
English Composition
College Algebra
U.S. History
Psychology
Biology
Some schools may even offer dual enrollment courses in career or technical subjects, giving you a head start in a trade or vocational field.
Will Credits Transfer to Your Future College?
The big question: will your dual enrollment credits count when you go to college? The answer is—it depends.
Many colleges accept dual enrollment credits as direct equivalents (like English 101 to English 101). Others may only award general elective credit. Some may not accept the credits at all if they come from non-partner institutions.
Tip: Contact the admissions office at your target colleges ahead of time to find out which credits they’ll accept and how they’ll apply toward your degree program.
Pros and Considerations of Dual Enrollment
Major Benefits
Save Money: Dual enrollment courses are often free or significantly discounted through your high school.
Graduate Faster: Fewer courses to take in college means the chance to earn your degree early.
Improve Your Transcript: These classes show colleges that you’re serious about academics.
Gain Confidence: Taking college-level coursework while still in high school can help ease the transition into full-time college life.
Things to Keep in Mind
Not All Credits Transfer: Always verify with potential colleges before assuming your credits will count.
Course Rigor: College classes can be more demanding than high school courses. Time management is key.
Impact on GPA: In some states, your dual enrollment grades may factor into your high school GPA.
How to Get Started
Step-by-Step
Talk to Your School Counselor: They can help you find out if your school offers dual enrollment and walk you through eligibility.
Apply to the Partner College: Even though you’re in high school, you’ll need to apply as a dual enrollment student.
Take Placement Tests: Some programs require testing to make sure you’re ready for college-level work.
Choose Your Classes Carefully: Work with both your high school counselor and college advisor to make sure your classes align with your goals.
Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, grades, and course credits to ensure a smooth transition when applying to colleges later on.