The Low Down On Dual Enrollment

What is dual enrollment? Does it mean going to two colleges at once? Or taking two degrees at once? It sure sounds like that, but in fact, it’s a lot more simple than any of those options. Dual enrollment means taking college courses while still in high school. It’s a way for high school students to earn college or high school credits outside of their regular curriculum, and in turn, take fewer classes during their college years.

What Is College Dual Enrollment?

College dual enrollment is also known as dual credit, and counts for high school and college credit. In general, the courses available for college dual enrollment are introductory classes such as English, Math, Science, and Humanities. They are most often taken either online or at the current high school of the student.

Students must receive at least a grade of a C to be given college credit. However, there is no exam required to receive the credit. Dual enrollment classes are not accepted by all colleges, and are more likely to be accepted by in-state colleges. In a sense, it can be seen as ‘’early college’.”

Benefits of Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment can help reduce college fees. Taking these courses while in high school often costs less than taking the same course while enrolled in college. It also means taking less classes throughout college, which also can reduce costs. For those that struggle economically, dual enrollment classes can offer a chance to take college courses that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to, making it more accessible to all.

College dual enrollment classes are also a chance to start one’s career earlier and can be beneficial for highly motivated students that are ready to jump in the water. Taking these courses can help students better prepare for college, and it can help increase the chances of students attending college.

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What Is Required To Be Eligible For Dual Enrollment?

The requirements for dual enrollment vary from state to state, but for the most part, only high school juniors and seniors are allowed.

Three U.S. states require students to be at least a sophomore, while 12 states require students to be at least a junior. Other states allow younger students if they prove to be highly gifted. Home-schooled students can also take dual enrollment classes.

In certain states, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in order to take dual enrollment classes. Other requirements often include a letter of recommendation, parental permission, and college course prerequisites. College entrance requirements of the specific college must also be met.

How Is Dual Enrollment Paid For?

Dual enrollment is financed in a variety of ways, depending on the state. Classes and materials tend to be refunded after completion of the course. In many cases, the student and their family don’t pay the full fees from their own pocket, but rather the state or the school district covers the costs. Sometimes part of the costs are covered, and only 9 U.S. states leave it up to the student to cover the entirety of the costs of dual enrollment classes.

How Dual Enrollment Works

Taking dual enrollment classes is a choice that a highly motivated, go-getter high school student can make. They then have to see if they are eligible based on their state requirements, find out how funding works for these courses, and look into whether the introductory courses will be counted for credit in the college of their choice.

Once the student has done their research and has decided that it’s right for them, they can then start taking classes either online, at their high school, and sometimes on a local college campus. It’s also important that the student realizes that this also comes with an additional time commitment.

Dual Enrollment Programs

If you are interested in taking college dual enrollment classes, then it’s important to know what your options are.

Northampton Community College, Grand Canyon University, Maranatha Baptist University, Northern Virginia Community College, Liberty University, Landmark College, Taylor University, LeTourneau University, Geneva College, and Oregon State University are considered to be the best online dual enrollment programs.

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What Are The Pros & Cons Of College Dual Enrollment Classes?

1. The Pros

Taking dual enrollment classes can help students save on college course costs, as well as on tuition fees once entering college officially. It also allows economically disadvantaged students to have a chance to take college courses.

Highly motivated high school students could graduate earlier and get a head start on their career. According to studies, students who take dual enrollment classes are more likely to graduate high school and attend college.

Many of these dual enrollment courses are online, making it accessible to a larger population, and it can give high school students a chance to see what college courses will be like.  There is generally a high limit on how many classes one can take, which can give students the chance to try out different subjects since most students change their majors several times throughout college.

2. The Cons

Some students feel as though taking dual enrollment classes doesn’t leave them enough free time for activities, which could also be important for enhancing their resume. It’s also important to note that a poor grade in a dual enrollment class could affect one’s college transcript, and in turn, hurt their chances of college acceptance.

The same classes may actually be offered in high school, and having a different class schedule than one’s peers may affect class trips and cause other scheduling issues.

In some cases, the credit is not accepted and should always be checked thoroughly prior to starting the courses. Taking college dual enrollment courses can be risky, and in some cases, the high school teachers that teach these courses are not as qualified as college professors.

Talk to your school officials to understand together what’s best for you. If you’ve weighed out the pros and cons and think you have what it takes for college dual enrollment classes, then it can be a great thing!

How Do I Get Started On College Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment classes may not be for everyone. Even if you want to save time or money, there are other ways to study online during college without putting too much pressure on yourself, such as the University of the People, which is an online, tuition-free university. Studying at University of the People can help students achieve their goals while still fulfilling their family and work commitments.

If you are set on taking dual enrollment classes and have understood what is dual enrollment, then be sure to check the requirements and payment options.

How Are The Grades Calculated?

Similar to how most things work with college dual enrollment classes, the process of how grades are calculated also varies from school to school, and sometimes are based on the state. Each course has a different weighted grade that will carry over to your college transcript.

Does Dual Enrollment Help Students with College Costs?

Dual enrollment does indeed help students with college costs! The fees of duel enrollment courses are often much less costly than they would be if taken in college.
It also means taking less courses once in college, and in turn, saving money. Those that struggle financially are also given a chance to take college courses that they might have otherwise not have been able to afford.

Will Dual Enrollment Help Your Chances Of Getting Accepted To College?

So now that we know everything about what is dual enrollment, what’s left is to know how it can help you get accepted to college.
Some colleges may see taking dual enrollment classes as double dipping, meaning that they are in two places at once, and are not fully invested in both their high school studies, nor the college classes that they have enrolled in. It could also potentially affect your ability to take part in other activities such as becoming a student athlete.

Make sure that you’ve done your research and are spending your time in the most productive way possible. With that said, however, taking college dual-enrollment classes is usually seen favorably and shows motivation as well as love of learning. Good luck with your studies!