Dual Enrollment for High School Students
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Save money and earn your college degree faster. With dual enrollment courses, you can earn college credit while pursuing your high school diploma.
Overview
Dual Enrollment programs in California let high school students take community college courses. This means you can earn both high school and college credits at the same time through the same class. It's a great way to get a head start on your college education, explore different subjects, and graduate high school with up to a year or more of college credits already under your belt.
Opportunity & Benefits
Get a jump start on your future. Enroll in community college classes and earn credits toward your college degree and high school diploma.
Benefits for High School Students
For most students, you can access college courses, in most cases, tuition-free. Check with your counselor for more information where some fees may apply.
Take college courses available at your high school or enroll in courses on campus at your local California community college.
Accumulate college credits that are transferable to colleges and universities.
Boost your chances of earning a college degree in a timely manner.
Get a taste of college life, expectations, and requirements while in high school.
Build confidence and skills for your future.
Explore majors that interest you.
Challenge yourself with college-level coursework.
Other Considerations
Application Process: Fill out an online application, complete an orientation, submit your transcripts, turn in a dual enrollment form, and register for classes. Check with your high school counselor or Admissions & Records Office at the California community college you plan to attend to make sure you are up to speed on all the requirements.
Eligibility Requirements: While open to most any high school students, you should know that eligibility requirements can vary slightly between different colleges and Dual Enrollment programs.
Cost: Tuition fees are typically free for Dual Enrollment students. Check with your high school counselor or the Admissions & Records Office at the California community college you plan to attend to make sure you are up to speed on the cost to enroll.
Credits for Transfer: Meet with your college counselor to help you determine that the college or university you plan to transfer to will accept the college credits earned through your Dual Enrollment program.
Course Load: Balancing high school and college courses can be challenging; make sure you can manage the workload.
Support Services: Take advantage of support services such as tutoring or academic advising to help you succeed in your college courses.
How to Enroll
Steps to enroll in the Dual Enrollment program as a high school student may vary from college to college. The general steps may include:
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Dual Enrollment allows high school students to take college courses while earning their high school diploma. As a high school student, you can also take Dual Enrollment classes at your nearest California community college.
Pretty much everyone is eligible to apply. California high school students, including students pursuing a GED, are eligible.
Tuition fees are typically free for Dual Enrollment students. Check with your high school counselor or the Admissions & Records Office at the community college offering the Dual Enrollment program to make sure you are up to speed on the cost.
Steps for students to apply for Dual Enrollment can vary by high school and college, but generally include the following steps:
Start your application online with a California community college.
Complete an orientation.
Submit your current high school transcripts.
Meet with your high school counselor.
Complete and submit a dual enrollment form to your local California community college.
Register for college classes.
Meet with your college counselor to help you determine that the college or university you plan to transfer to will accept the college credits earned through your Dual Enrollment program.
You can take a variety of college-level courses, including general education, electives, and courses related to your interests or career goals. Meet with your high school counselor to learn more about qualifying college courses offered.
Depends on the dual enrollment program. Check with your high school counselor and California community college for specific limits and recommendations.
The grades you earn through Dual Enrollment can affect your high school GPA, but also your college GPA.
Although open to anyone, Dual Enrollment expands college and career pathways for those in historically underrepresented communities.
Benefits include:
Free college classes
Saving time and money on a college education
Challenging yourself with college coursework
Easing the transition to college life
Exploring your interests
Earning college credits before you even go to college.
By exposing you to college-level coursework, you’ll strengthen your academic skills and confidence. Dual Enrollment also lets you explore potential careers and majors, setting you on a quicker path toward reaching your educational goals.
Meet with your high school counselor or contact your local California community college for more information about enrollment requirements.
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