Dual Enrollment: Earn College Credit in High School

Dual enrollment lets high school students take real college classes and earn college credit before graduating high school.

For many students, it’s one of the smartest ways to lower the cost of college (Increase RoEDU™) and get ahead academically.

What Is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses while still in high school.

These courses are typically offered through:

• Community colleges
• Public universities
• Approved online programs

The credits you earn usually count toward both high school graduation requirements and future college coursework.

How Dual Enrollment Works

While details vary by state and school, the process usually looks like this:

1. A student meets eligibility requirements (often GPA- or grade-based)
2. The high school or state approves enrollment
3. The student takes college-level coursework
4. Credits apply to high school and college transcripts

In many cases, the process is simpler than students expect and your school counselor can help guide you through it.

The Benefits of Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment offers real advantages for students who are ready for the challenge:

• Earn college credit early
• Reduce the total cost of college
• Save time toward a degree
• Build confidence in college-level coursework
• Strengthen college applications

Starting college with credits already completed can mean fewer required courses and less tuition to pay later.

Is Dual Enrollment Right for You?

Dual enrollment isn’t one-size-fits-all. It works best when it aligns with your goals, schedule, and readiness.

Dual enrollment may be a good fit if you:

• Are academically prepared for college-level work
• Want to challenge yourself
• Are thinking ahead about college costs
• Can balance additional responsibilities

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Already feel overwhelmed by your schedule
• Don’t need transferable college credits
• Prefer a more traditional high school experience

Being honest about readiness matters more than rushing to earn credits.

Dual Enrollment vs. AP and IB

Students often compare dual enrollment with Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

Here’s the key difference:

• Dual enrollment earns credit by passing a college course
• AP and IB typically earn credit through a final exam score

Credit acceptance, difficulty, cost, and structure can vary widely across all three options. The best choice depends on your academic goals and the colleges you’re considering.

If you’re exploring all early-credit options, you may also want to review our guide to early college credit programs like AP and IB.

How Much Does Dual Enrollment Cost?

One of the biggest advantages of dual enrollment is affordability.

Depending on where you live, programs may be:

• Fully funded by the state or school district
• Offered at reduced tuition rates
• Free, aside from books or materials

Costs vary, but dual enrollment is often far less expensive than taking the same course later in college.

Will Dual Enrollment Credits Transfer?

Transferability depends on the college you attend after high school.

In general:

• Public colleges are more likely to accept dual enrollment credits
• Private colleges set their own policies
• Course alignment and grades can matter

Before enrolling, it’s smart to confirm how credits may transfer to the schools you’re considering.

How Dual Enrollment Fits Into Paying for College

Dual enrollment is one piece of a bigger college-planning strategy.

By earning credits early, students may:

• Reduce future tuition bills
• Shorten time to graduation
• Borrow less in student loans

It works best when paired with other planning tools like scholarships and financial aid. You can explore those options in our High School Student Guide.

Next Steps for High School Students

If you’re interested in dual enrollment, here’s how to get started:

• Talk with your school counselor
• Review your state or district’s program
• Understand eligibility and deadlines
• Compare dual enrollment with other early-credit options

Planning early gives you more flexibility and more control over future college costs.

👉 Return to the High School Student Guide to explore more ways to plan and pay for college.