What Is Dual Enrollment and How Does It Work

Dual enrollment lets eligible K12 high school students take college-level courses that count toward both their high school diploma and a college degree — at the same time. Courses are available through K12-powered public high schools in participating states and can help reduce future college tuition costs.

How to Earn College Credits While Still in High School

It’s never too early to start thinking about life after high school. Whether you’re heading to college or straight into a career, high school is the time to explore your interests and build the skills that set up a successful future. Taking rigorous, postsecondary-level courses can give students a real advantage — and that’s why K12-powered schools offer eligible students the opportunity to earn college credits through dual enrollment.

How does a dual credit program work?

Dual credit refers to a program where high school students take courses that are taught by high school instructors who have been approved to teach college-level courses. These courses are typically offered in partnership with a college or university, and students receive both high school and college credit for completing them. Dual credit courses are often taken as an addition to regular high school courses and may not have as strict eligibility requirements as dual enrollment.

How does dual enrollment work?

Dual enrollment is a program in which high school students enroll in college-level courses, taught by college instructors, and students receive both high school and college credit for completing them. Dual enrollment courses are often taken as a substitute for high school courses, and students may have to meet specific eligibility requirements to enroll, such as minimum grade point average or placement test scores.

What Are the Benefits of both the Dual Enrollment and Dual Credit Programs?

Completing college-level coursework in high school can have several benefits for high schoolers. Students enrolled in dual credit classes can:

  • Earn both college credit and high school credit for the same coursework
  • Save time in a postsecondary degree program by completing credit hours early
  • Save money on a degree program in states where reduced or school-funded tuition is offered†
  • Experience college-level coursework and greater academic rigor
  • Explore academic and career fields of interest in greater depth to discover their passion
  • Complete specialized courses that can provide an early path to a career

How Can I Learn About My Dual Enrollment Options?

Dual credit opportunities vary by state, by school, and by partnerships with individual colleges and universities. Eligibility requirements, available courses, and tuition arrangements differ depending on your location and school. To find out if your K12-powered school offers dual enrollment and to get full details on how to participate, reach out to your school’s administrative office directly.

Hear from Graduates of K12-Powered Schools

Evan

11th grade student*

“I’m getting ahead in my college credits so that I can get some of my general education courses out of the way. These [dual enrollment] courses are putting me ahead of the curve a little bit. They’re allowing me to make my college career once I’m out of high school a little shorter, and so I can get to what I want to do that much faster.”

Jacoby

parent**

“Our son, he’s going to be a junior. The opportunities that he’s going to have, it’s like Diamond. She was taking college classes the entire time. He’s been doing the same thing since he was in 10th grade. It’s preparing them. If you were to put them on a measurable scale of their peers or people their age, where their trajectory is, is years ahead, in my eyes.”

Maxwell

11th grade student***

“Since I’ve been ahead in my core courses, I’ll have an extremely flexible senior year, which I’m going to use to take college courses most of the time. I’m on track to graduate from [the local college] with an associate’s degree as I graduate from high school.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — K12-powered high schools offer dual enrollment programs that allow eligible students to take college-level courses and earn real college credits while still in high school.

Dual enrollment through K12-powered public high schools is often available at low or no additional cost to families, helping students get a head start on college while saving on future tuition.

Eligibility requirements vary by school and state, but dual enrollment is typically available to high school juniors and seniors who meet academic prerequisites — contact your school for specific requirements.

†Dual-credit opportunities vary by school; please check with your school directly for information on tuition and availability.
*Evan is a 2024 student at a K12-powered school in NC, and their statement reflects their experience at their school.
**Jacoby is the parent of a 2025 student at a K12-powered school in IN, and their statement reflects their experience at their child’s school.
***Maxwell is a 2025 student at a K12-powered school in OH, and their statement reflects their experience at their school.