Dual enrollment courses are a great way for your student to prepare for college. Whether they want to complete core college courses early or challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, these programs can give your student a head start on their path to higher education.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment allows high schoolers to simultaneously enroll in courses at an institution of higher learning, such as a community college or university. Programs vary by state, but the core characteristics are the same nationwide.
Students who pass their college courses can apply their credit toward their high school diploma, depending on their school’s course requirements, as well as toward a college degree or certificate.
Who Is Eligible for Dual Enrollment Courses?
Most states require dual enrollment participants to be in either tenth or eleventh grade. Age wise, students typically must be at least 16 years old.
Why You Should Consider Dual Enrollment
By testing out a few courses while in high school, students will have a leg up on their peers and potentially graduate from college early. According to a 2007 report, students who participated in dual enrollment had a higher high school persistence and retention rate and shortened the time spent completing their undergraduate studies.
Another national study found that students who earned dual enrollment credits completed their degree in 4.25 years on average compared to 4.65 years for students with no previous credit.
Dual enrollment also gives students an idea of what the rigorous college workload entails before leaving the comfort and support of home. Additionally, if your student didn’t qualify to take AP courses or they weren’t available at your child’s high school, taking a college-level class can help them demonstrate their ability to handle more difficult coursework.
Cost of Credits
Dual enrollment courses through a community college are also, in most cases, less expensive than taking the same classes at a four-year university.
For some perspective, the average yearly tuition at a public two-year community college is $3,440, while the average cost of a public four-year college for in-state students is $9,410.
By engaging in dual enrollment courses at iCademy Global, your family will save the per credit course cost because iCademy pays for the course instead!
Can Dual Enrollment Help During the University Admissions Process?
Research, research, research. If you’re considering taking dual enrollment classes, you need to research the admissions process for the colleges or universities you are interested in attending. If you plan to attend an out-of-state school, you may want to contact them directly to ensure your credits will transfer.
Taking dual enrollment courses shows admissions officers that you are a motivated individual dedicated to obtaining a college education. Dual enrollment programs show that you have a love of learning and an eagerness to challenge yourself. This will give you an edge in the increasingly competitive college admissions process.
How to Get Started iCademy Global students and parents can meet with the school counselor to understand all of the options and determine a plan for success.
Get a Head Start With an Excellent K-12 Education
Set your child up for success by enrolling them in a K-12th grade program like iCademy Global, where they’ll receive personalized attention from their teachers and an excellent education.
At iCademy Global, we help students develop pathways to success by building on their individual strengths and interests in an online setting. This flexible learning environment is not unlike college and allows students to receive a quality education regardless of other time commitments or obligations.
Enroll your child today by visiting us online or calling 616-446-1486 today!