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Dual Enrollment Option
Dual Enrollment
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Learn about the benefits, challenges and costs of participating in dual enrollment.
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Listen to what students and school counselors think about this option, if offered at your school.
Convenience
If the dual enrollment class you're in is taught by one of your high school teachers and is in a classroom in your high school building, it most likely fits into your class schedule easily which means you don't have to own a car and drive to a college campus to earn college credit. So convenient!
Different courses to explore
The dual enrollment classes your school offers may be different than the Concurrent Enrollment courses or other options your school has. Dual enrollment may be a great way for you to explore something you're interested in without making a commitment on a pathway just yet.
Tuition cost
There may be a tuition cost for dual enrollment courses that you and your family have to cover.
Transfer of credits not guaranteed
While many of the college credits earned in dual enrollment will transfer, they are not required to meet the stricter requirements of the Concurrent Enrollment program, such as: courses must apply to a postsecondary degree, certification, gateway course or is part of a statewide transfer agreement. Contact a college advisor to find out how your dual enrollment credits will be accepted.
A college course may take more time out of your schedule
Consider your current schedule (high school classes, sports and activities) when thinking about participating in dual enrollment. On average, for every one credit hour you take in college, you will spend approximately 2-3 hours outside of class studying. Use this formula: 3 credit hours (1 course) = 3 hours in class per week = 6-9 hours study time per week.
It may feel like a high school class to you
If the dual enrollment class you're in is taught by one of your high school teachers and is in a classroom in your high school building, it might feel like another high school class, but it is not a high school class. It is a college class that would be offered at a college campus for traditional college students. It is a college class with college grades and college consequences. The grade you earn in a dual enrollment class impacts your eligibility for financial aid, your future college GPA, and your ability to register in future dual enrollment courses.
Another email to check and a different student system/portal to use
You may be used to your high school's email system and student portal (like Naviance, Infinite Campus or PowerSchool) but colleges use different student systems, and you'll be given a new college email address to check. It may be frustrating to have to check two different emails and student portals, but you'll have to keep up with both so you don't miss any important messages.
You may have to pay for tuition, books, supplies and/or fees
Some schools cover these costs and some schools do not. Check with your school to find out who is responsible. Fees may include things like: course fees, lab fees, parking fees, etc. Check your college student account to review your bill.
You may have to pay the cost to get to your class if it is taught on a college campus
Your school district is not required to cover your transportation costs if you take a dual enrollment class at a college campus. Paying for gas in your car or a paying for a bus pass is your responsibility.
You may be required to pay tuition costs if you do not complete or fail your dual enrollment course
If you do not receive approval from your school to drop or withdraw from your course or if you earn a failing grade in the course, you may have to reimburse the tuition costs to your school district. Ask your school counselor for specifics.
Still have more questions?
If offered, talk with your school counselor about the specifics of participating in dual enrollment at your school.
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