Head Start on College: Dual Credit Saves Time and Money

Sounds like something right off a student's wish list: take one course and earn double the academic credit, fulfilling both high school and college requirements. Dual credit isn't just a dream - it's a reality for many high schools. As families look for more non-traditional ways to achieve and fund a college education, students are encouraged to participate in these arrangements in rapidly growing numbers.

Dual credit enables high school students to enroll in college-level coursework and earn both high school and college credit. Another option is dual enrollment. Here, high school students take a college courses but only earn college credit for them. Most often, the arrangements for these programs are struck between community college and the high schools that are located within their district. According to Patty Yadgir, Dual Credit Coordinator at west suburban Chicago's College of DuPage, 17 high schools in their district offer dual credit courses, and arrangements with additional schools are in the works.

"Typically juniors and seniors have the opportunity to take courses for dual credit, according to Yadgir. "After an initial application fee of $20, tuition may be free or discounted, depending on the school. This provides a significant savings for families."

Illinois has been offering these programs in some form since 1984. They have experienced two growth spurts. The first came after both high schools and colleges could count the students in their enrollments, no longer competing for state funding based on enrollments. The second surge in enrollments occurred when Accelerated College Enrollment (ACES) grants were initiated in 2001 to cover part or all of the students' tuition and fees.

Dual enrollment and dual credit have become common options in Illinois high schools. Statewide, over 20,000 students participated in credit courses in the 2003-2004 school year. College of DuPage alone had over 800 students earn dual credit during fall semester of 2008 and project the enrollment to increase due to the economy. Because these programs have different implications for school revenue allocations and costs, schools may promote them differently. It is often up to parents or students who want the savings advantage and a head start on their education to seek out the opportunities.

What do students gain from participation in dual credit and dual enrollment programs?

1. Facilitates the transition between high school and college
2. Enhances readiness for college level work and reduces need for remedial courses
3. Reduces high school drop out rates
4. Increases curriculum options and degree of academic challenge
5. Raises student motivation and aspiration
6. Increases post-secondary enrollment
7. Higher college grade point averages
8. Reduces cost of attendance
9. Increases student retention in college
10. Reduces the time to graduation

Are there any downsides? Not really. But you do need to be an informed consumer. "There is only one school that I know of, the University of Illinois, that will not award college credit for courses taken as dual credit," said Yadgir. Students should consult the college or university to which they are considering transferring to ensure credits will be recognized and that the appropriate paperwork and fees are paid in a timely manner.

Also, the list of dual credit courses available may not be included in a high school's course catalog. Each year, students should consult their guidance counselor to find out what courses are on the list, since the list may change from year to year. If you don't see a particular course, ask.

Finally, a caution: high school students should carefully consider the number of courses which they take for dual credit. If a student takes enough classes for dual credit they can reach "sophomore" standing and may become ineligible for financial assistance or scholarships that would be available only to an incoming freshman.

More information on Dual Credit from the Illinois Board of Higher Education

© Copyright 2009, Career Vision. Article may be reprinted with permission.

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