Laura Berlinsky-Schine July 18, 2019 21 Academics,Choosing Classes

Dual-Enrollment Programs by State

Earning college credit in high school can be enormously beneficial to students. By taking college-level courses, students can both prepare themselves for college-level work and demonstrate to colleges that they can meet the demands of a rigorous curriculum. As a further bonus, students can, under some circumstances, even save on tuition costs down the road.

There are several ways students can earn college credit, including dual enrollment programs and concurrent enrollment programs. In this two-part series, we’ll first list dual enrollment programs (in this post); in the next post, we’ll dive into how to decide whether a dual enrollment program is right for you.

What are Dual Enrollment Programs?

In dual enrollment programs, high school students take courses at two- or four-year colleges and earn college credit, high school credit, or both. This enables students to get a taste of a college curriculum and potentially pursue subjects or courses that aren’t available at their high school. Note that the term “concurrent enrollment program” is sometimes used interchangeably with the term “dual enrollment,” though some states use these terms to describe distinct programs.

Though these programs have a significant upside, there are some potential drawbacks to consider, too. For one, credits won’t always transfer to a student’s future university. Moreover, not all high-schoolers are prepared for a college-level curriculum. And though some states require the district or state to pay for dual enrollment, others place the financial burden for dual enrollment courses on the student or parent.

However, there is some evidence that indicates that these programs successfully boost student outcomes, correlating with stronger retention and graduation rates and higher college GPAs for participants.

Below, we’ve outlined the guidelines, details, and requirements for dual and concurrent enrollment programs in every state. In particular, we’ve highlighted whether districts are required to offer these options; this will determine the ease and extent of access you will have to dual enrollment options. Furthermore, we’ve also noted whether the student/parent, district, or state bears tuition responsibility if a student pursues dual enrollment.

State-by-State Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Programs

Alabama

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• The student/parent’s responsibility, “unless otherwise negotiated between the college and the local board of education”

Requirements and other information:

• Students in grades 10-12 with a minimum B average in their high school courses may be eligible to participate in Alabama’s dual enrollment program.
• They must receive written approval or a recommendation from their high school, and they must meet the postsecondary institution’s entrance requirements.
• Private school and homeschooled students may also participate, pending an agreement with the college or university. 

Alaska

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• No state policy.

Tuition responsibility: 

• Student/parent

Requirements and other information:

• Dual enrollment is offered on an institutional basis; there is no statewide policy in place.

Arizona

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory (the decision on whether to offer community college courses in high school is up to the community college’s governing board)

Tuition responsibility: 

• Local decision
• Tuition is the responsibility of the student/parent unless the student’s high school or postsecondary institution volunteers to pay
• The contract or agreement between the school district and community college district must specify tuition and financial aid policies

Requirements and other information:

• Arizona offers two options: (1) a dual enrollment program, which they define as courses are offered on high school campuses or a joint technical education district campus; and (2) concurrent enrollment, which offers courses on college campuses.
• Courses offered at high schools are limited to 11th- and 12th-grade students. Students under 18 who meet the prerequisites and entrance requirements of the postsecondary institution are required to be admitted. Students must achieve a combined or composite score of 93 on the PSAT, 930 on the SAT, or 22 on the ACT to be eligible. 

Arkansas

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• Local decision
• The student/parent are responsible, unless paid for by the school district, college scholarship, grant, or private foundation

Requirements and other information:

• Arkansas offers three programs: (1) an endorsed concurrent enrollment course, which is a single-course program offered at high schools, through which students earn both high school and postsecondary credit; (2) a dual enrollment program, through which students earn college credit; and (3) the opportunity to enroll in a publicly-supported community college or four-year institution, thereby earning both high school and postsecondary credit.
• Students must receive approval and a recommendation and achieve certain test scores to qualify. Private and home-schooled students may be eligible. 

California

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• The student/parent is responsible for financial obligations under California’s original dual enrollment 
• The tuition responsibility is unclear for College and Career Access Pathways partnerships

Requirements and other information:

• There are two dual enrollment programs in California. The original program enables high-school students to enroll in colleges or universities part-time, while the College and Career Access Pathways partnership offers dual enrollment opportunities to underrepresented students and those who may not intend to go to college.
• For the original program, students must receive written approval or a recommendation and meet the postsecondary institution’s entrance requirements. Criteria for participation in the CCAP program are not specified.

Colorado

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• The local education provider is responsible for tuition

Requirements and other information:

• Colorado also offers two programs: concurrent enrollment for students in grades 9-12 who seek to complete college-level coursework, and ASCENT (accelerating students through concurrent enrollment) for students who have completed 12 hours of postsecondary coursework before the end of 12th grade and are currently in their “5th year” of high school.
• Students must receive written approval or a recommendation, meet the postsecondary institution’s requirements, and develop an academic plan of study. For ASCENT, students must be recommended by their principal and the department of education.

Connecticut

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• The student/parent is responsible for tuition costs

Requirements and other information:

• Students may complete courses at accredited institutions and apply these credits toward fulfilling high school graduation requirements.
• Requirements for participation are not specified.

Delaware

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• Tuition responsibility is decided locally
• This responsibility will depend on the type of dual enrollment and district policy

Requirements and other information:

• In Delaware, students have access to dual enrollment. The state stipulates that students must have “multiple points of access” for dual credit (earning both high school and postsecondary credit) and dual enrollment courses. This can include courses offered at high schools, on college campuses, online, or a combination of these approaches.
• Eligibility requirements are not specified.

District of Columbia (DC)

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• This responsibility is decided locally

Requirements and other information:

• DC offers a dual enrollment program through its postsecondary institutions.
• Requirements for eligibility are not specified.

Florida

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory

Tuition responsibility: 

• The student’s district (for public institutions) is responsible for tuition expenses

Requirements and other information:

• Students in grades 6-12 may participate in Florida’s dual enrollment program, provided they have at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA or a 2.0 unweighted GPA for initial and continued enrollment in career certificate dual enrollment courses. The student must achieve a minimum score on a placement test to verify that he or she is prepared for college-level coursework. Private and home-schooled students may also participate. 

Georgia

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory

Tuition responsibility: 

• The state is responsible for tuition expenses

Requirements and other information:

• The “Move On When Ready Act” enables students to receive dual credit at their high school through a postsecondary institution, or via a virtual program.
• Eligibility requirements are not specified.

Hawaii

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Not specified

Tuition responsibility: 

• The student/parent is responsible
• If the student is eligible for free-/reduced-price lunch, she or he may apply for a GEAR UP Hawaii Running Start Scholarship to cover dual enrollment costs

Requirements and other information:

• Students may receive dual credit at a postsecondary institution.
• They must receive approval and meet the requirements of the college or university, and they must also pass an exam administered by that institution. They must also be under the age of 21 at the beginning of the academic year in which they take the course (which begins on September 1).

Idaho

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary
• High schools must provide dual credit, Advanced Placement, Tech Prep, or International Baccalaureate options or offer students the opportunity to take college courses

Tuition responsibility: 

• Tuition responsibility is decided locally

Requirements and other information:

• Idaho offers postsecondary enrollment options through high schools, postsecondary institutions, and virtual programs.
• Students must indicate whether they are seeking secondary, postsecondary, or dual credit at the time of enrollment.
• Individual admissions requirements are established by the school district, institution, and State Board of Education Governing Policies and Procedures. Students under the age of 16 must petition their high school and the postsecondary institution.

Illinois

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• Tuition responsibility is decided locally

Requirements and other information:

• Students may take a dual credit course for both high school and college credit. Students must demonstrate a high level of motivation and have time to study for college-level courses.
• They will also need to meet the entrance requirements set by the college or university, which may include placement testing.

Indiana

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory
• Additionally, high schools must provide at least two dual credit and two AP courses to students who qualify

Tuition responsibility: 

• Usually, this responsibility is student/parent’s, although the commission for higher education may receive state funding for “priority” dual credit courses
• Tuition may cost no more than $25/credit hour (as of 2013–2015)
• The school corporation may be required to pay tuition at Ivy Tech Community College for students enrolled in the postsecondary enrollment program

Requirements and other information:

• Indiana offers three options: (1) dual credit courses taught by high school, college, or adjunct faculty members for both high school and college credits; (2) a concurrent enrollment course taught by a high school teacher for high school and college credit, pending an agreement between the institutions; and (3) a postsecondary enrollment program that enables high schools to offer courses taught by postsecondary faculty.
• Eligibility requirements are set by the institution and school corporation.

Iowa

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory for postsecondary enrollment options
• Voluntary for other Senior Year Plus programs
• For all programs, eligible students must be allowed to participate

Tuition responsibility: 

• The student’s district is responsible for tuition expenses

Requirements and other information:

• Senior Year Plus is an umbrella program meant to encourage equal access to college credit for high school students. Specific programs include concurrent enrollment, Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO), AP courses, Career Academies, Regional Academies, and Project Lead the Way.
• Requirements vary by the program, but there are options for students in grades 9-12 who qualify.

Kansas

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory

Tuition responsibility: 

• The student or parent is responsible for tuition

Requirements and other information:

• Students in grades 10-12 who have received authorization from their high school principal and meet the postsecondary institution’s requirements may take advantage of Kansas’s concurrent enrollment partnerships, which enable them to enroll in higher education institutions or access college-level coursework from their high school.
• They can also make dual credit arrangements with their school district and the college or university.

Kentucky

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory

Tuition responsibility: 

• Local decision

Requirements and other information:

• Kentucky offers two programs: (1) dual credit courses, through which students receive credits from their high school and the college or university; and (2) dual enrollment, which simultaneously enrolls students in both their high school and the postsecondary institution.
• To be eligible, students must meet the requirements of the institution, be willing to participate in a rigorous curriculum, and demonstrate a mastery of prerequisite coursework.

Louisiana

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory for dual enrollment
• Voluntary for TOPS

Tuition responsibility: 

• For dual enrollment, the tuition responsibility lies with the state for public school students and with the student/parent for nonpublic school students
• For course Choice Dual Enrollment, the responsibility is that of the student/parent
• For TOPS, the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission will pay $150 for three-credit courses for up to two courses per semester for students in grades 11-12

Requirements and other information:

• Louisiana offers three options for students seeking to complete college-level courses as high schoolers.
• First, through dual enrollment, students may complete coursework toward degree completion or a career certificate.
• Alternatively, students may elect to complete this work under the Course Choice program, through which they are taught by approved providers. Dual enrollment candidates must be in grades 11-12 and meet the requirements set by the postsecondary institution.
• Students in grades 11-12 may also use a Tech Early Start (TOPS) Award to fund a technical course and earn a technical certificate. These students must have at least a 2.0 GPA and must prepare a five-year education and career plan; they also must meet certain testing requirements.

Maine

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• General program — not specified
• Dual enrollment career and technical education program — voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• The department of education and student/parent (general program)
• The DOE pays 50 percent of tuition for the first six credit hours per semester, for up to 12 credit hours per academic year
• If the student meets certain eligibility requirements, a student may receive a state subsidy

Requirements and other information:

• Maine’s general dual enrollment program enables students to enroll in postsecondary courses, while their dual enrollment career and technical education program allows 11th and 12th graders to enroll in postsecondary career technical education courses for high school and postsecondary credit.
• In the general program, students must receive school unit approval and a recommendation; they must also undergo an assessment by the school administration. Students must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA (a requirement that may be waived) and meet course prerequisites and institutional requirements.

Maryland

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• General dual enrollment program: not specified
• Dual enrollment career and technical education program: voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• The responsibility is shared between the district and the student/parent
• Students are eligible for tuition reductions if the courses are career-related
• Public institutions of higher education cannot charge dual enrollment students tuition

Requirements and other information:

• Students may dually enroll in public high schools and higher education institutions in Maryland.

Massachusetts

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• Not specified for the general dual enrollment program
• Students participating in the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership can take their first course at minimal or no cost; the cost of following courses will be determined by the higher education institution

Requirements and other information:

• Massachusetts offers a general dual enrollment program, which allows high school students to earn dual credit through postsecondary courses.
• Massachusetts also offers the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP). Through CDEP, two- and four-year institutions receive grants to offer courses for dual credit, focusing on providing access to first-generation students, low-income students, and students of color, as well as those who are interested in high-demand careers.
• Requirements are not specified for the general dual enrollment program. CDEP applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA or provide a recommendation from a guidance counselor, teacher, or principal. Home-schooled students should submit a letter from a parent or guardian. All students must meet their individual institution’s requirements.

Michigan

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory

Tuition responsibility: 

• PSEO and Career and Technical Preparation Act: cost responsibilities are shared between the district and the student/parent
• PSEO, Career and Technical Preparation Act, and Concurrent Enrollment: the district is responsible for tuition, with possible further support from Department of Education awards

Requirements and other information:

• Michigan offers three dual enrollment programs: (1) postsecondary enrollment options, which enable students to earn dual credit; (2) career technical education enrollment under the Career and Technical Preparation Act (CTE); and (3) concurrent enrollment, where advanced courses are taught at high schools.
• In order to qualify for postsecondary enrollment, the student must achieve a qualifying score in every subject area of a readiness assessment. If the student does not achieve a qualifying score in all areas, he or she will be limited to courses in the subject areas in which she has achieved a qualifying score. Students must also achieve qualifying scores on all subject areas if they have not taken the Michigan merit examination to participate in CTE program, although they may still be eligible if they receive a qualifying score in math and pass a job skills assessment test.

Minnesota

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• Local decision

Requirements and other information:

• Students in Minnesota may participate in dual enrollment for either postsecondary credit alone, or to earn both high school and postsecondary credit. The state also offers concurrent enrollment, where college-level courses are taught by high school teachers or faculty at a high school or an alternative location.
• These options are available to 11th- and 12th-grade students, though there are some exceptions for underclassmen.

Mississippi

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• Tuition responsibility is decided locally

Requirements and other information:

• In Mississippi, students may dually enroll in a community or junior college or state institution while remaining enrolled in high school. They may also receive dual credit, earning both high school and college credit.
• For both options, students must receive approval from their high school, meet a minimum GPA requirement, meet the postsecondary institution’s requirements, and have earned at least 14 core high school credits.

Missouri

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary
• Students “must have access to postsecondary preparation,” such as advanced courses, the AP program, IB program, technical skills attainment, dual enrollment, or dual credit options

Tuition responsibility: 

• Tuition responsibility is decided locally

Requirements and other information:

• Missouri offers a dual credit option, where college-level courses are taught by high school instructors. It also offers a dual enrollment option, which allows students to enroll in both a high school and a postsecondary institution.
• Requirements are only stipulated for dual credit. Students in grades 9-12 must have at least a 3.0 GPA to be eligible. 11th and 12th grade students who have a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 may receive written approval. To qualify, 9th graders must score in the 90th percentile or above on the ACT or SAT. All students must meet the postsecondary institution’s requirements.

Montana

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• Tuition responsibility is decided locally

Requirements and other information:

• Montana offers Running Start, a dual enrollment program that enables students to earn dual or college credit through the Montana University System. The state also offers concurrent enrollment, which enables students to earn college credit at their high schools. A third program, called Early College, allows high schoolers to take courses at a college or online to earn dual or college credit.
• For all programs, students must be in grades 11-12 and meet the admission requirements of the institution. Students who have not reached their junior year must be 16 years old and have completed the high school courses required for their grade; they also must be on track to graduate from high school in four years.

Nebraska

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• Not determined by state policy

Requirements and other information:

• Dual enrollment courses in Nebraska are taught at both high school and postsecondary institutions. The Educational Service Units Act provides guidelines for dual credit and concurrent enrollment (which offers college credit only), but these guidelines are not enforced by law.
• Typically, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, an ACT composite score of 20, sub-scores of at least 20, rank in the top 50 percent of their high school class, or demonstrate “the capacity for academic success in the desired course or courses” through other materials, such as a portfolio or recommendation.

Nevada

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• This responsibility is typically the student/parent’s

Requirements and other information:

• Students may apply credit received at a community college or university toward fulfilling their high school graduation requirements.
• To participate, they must have the approval of the institution and meet the procedures and requirements of admission for students who do not have a high school diploma at the given institution. Only 11th and 12th graders may enroll.

New Hampshire

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• No state policy

Tuition responsibility: 

• No state policy

Requirements and other information:

• New Hampshire has no state policy regarding dual enrollment.
• However, students may dually enroll through the Community College System of New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire University.

New Jersey

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Voluntary

Tuition responsibility: 

• Not set by state policy
• Eligible students may not be excluded because of inability to pay 

Requirements and other information:

• In New Jersey, school districts and public postsecondary institutions may enter into agreements to provide college instruction to high school students on high school or college campuses. The agreement must describe eligibility requirements and include a provision that ensures that students who are not able to pay are able to participate.

New Mexico

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory

Tuition responsibility: 

• This responsibility is the state’s

Requirements and other information:

• Students may receive dual credit from both two- and four-year institutions, as well as tribal colleges.
• They must receive high school approval and meet the postsecondary institution’s entrance requirements, including undergoing a course placement assessment.

New York

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• No state policy

Tuition responsibility: 

• The student/parent is responsible for tuition

Requirements and other information:

• There is no statewide dual enrollment policy in New York. Dual enrollment is offered on an institution-by-institution basis. 

North Carolina

Is offering access mandatory or voluntary?  

• Mandatory

Tuition responsibility: 

• The state is responsible for dual enrollment tuition

Requirements and other information:

• North Carolina offers the Career and College Promise program. In this program, students can pursue the Career Technical Education Pathway, which leads to a certificate or diploma associated with a high school Tech Prep Career Cluster. Alternatively, students can pursue the College Transfer Pathway, which leads to a certificate after students complete 30 semester hours of transfer courses.
• The College Transfer Pathway is open to students in grades 11-12 who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate readiness in English, reading, and math on an assessment. To participate in Career Technical Education Pathways, students must be in grades 11-12 or have a school official recommendation. Under some circumstances, students in grades 9 and 10 may also participate in the CTE program.