Dual Enrollment Explained: Is It the Right Choice for You?

Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit before high school graduation. It can save time, reduce costs, and give you a preview of college-level work at a Christian college or university. It can also stretch your schedule if you already juggle sports, music, or church commitments. But how exactly does dual enrollment work, and how can you decide if it aligns with both your academic goals and your faith journey?

Key takeaways

• Dual enrollment allows enrolled students to earn dual credit for high school and college, often through Christian colleges or community colleges.
• Benefits include saving money, faster progress toward a college degree, and an early college experience.
• Consider eligibility, transfer policies, workload, and how the program supports your faith and academics.
• Talk with your high school counselor and admissions teams before you register.

What is dual enrollment?

Dual enrollment is a partnership between your school district and a college or university that allows students to earn college credit while completing their high school diploma. Some courses take place on the college campus, others are offered online, and many are taught at local high schools by approved instructors. These programs give students the chance to experience college-level classes while still in high school. The credits often count for both high school and college—hence the term “dual credit.”

Now that you know what dual enrollment is, let’s look at the benefits it can offer.

Benefits that matter to students and families

Academic head start: You complete college-level work now, then step onto campus with confidence. Finishing general education courses early may open space for a minor, study abroad, or a lighter term when life gets busy.

Financial savings: Many school districts reduce or cover tuition, which means saving money on credits you would otherwise complete later in higher education. Books and fees can still apply, so ask for the full cost breakdown.

Real college experience: You learn the pace, expectations, and study habits of college classes before committing to a full load.

While the benefits are clear, there are a few things to check before you apply.

What to check before you apply

• Eligibility and admissions steps: Programs often require a GPA threshold or placement scores. Some colleges ask for a brief application and a transcript.
  
  
• Transfer and degree planning: Ask how dual enrollment credits will apply to your future major. Will they meet core requirements at the college or university you aim to attend, or count only as electives?
  
  
• Workload and calendar: College syllabi move quickly. Look at sports, youth group, work, and family commitments. Leave margin for rest, church, and relationships.
  
  
• Faith fit: If you plan to attend a Christian college, choose courses and partners that reflect your values and support spiritual growth.

Understanding how credits work can also help you plan your courses effectively.

How credits usually work

Most programs award both high school and college credit for the same course. If you complete English Composition, for example, it may count toward senior English at school and as a composition requirement for a degree. Community colleges and Christian colleges each have transfer policies, so always confirm how dual enrollment credits will be applied at your intended campus.

Quick prep tips

• Meet with your high school counselor to map graduation requirements.
• Contact admissions at several Christian colleges to compare how courses transfer.
• Start with one course in your first term, then add a second if the rhythm feels healthy.
• Use a simple tracker for assignments, readings, tests, and service or church events.
• Keep every syllabus and graded paper, which is helpful during credit evaluations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Enrollment

What is dual enrollment?
Dual enrollment is a program that lets high school students take college-level courses through a college or university while completing a high school diploma, often earning dual credit that appears on both transcripts.

Who qualifies for dual enrollment programs?
Eligibility varies by school district and institution. Many programs require a minimum GPA, counselor approval, and placement in math or writing. Ask your high school counselor and the college for specifics.

Do dual enrollment credits transfer everywhere?
Transfer depends on the receiving college or university and your major. Regionally accredited Christian colleges tend to accept more credits that match course outcomes. Always request a written evaluation.

Does dual enrollment boost your GPA?
Dual enrollment grades typically appear on both your high school and college transcripts, so strong performance can positively impact your high school GPA. 

Is dual enrollment better than AP?
Both can be valuable. AP offers standardized exams, while dual enrollment places you in college classes with graded assignments across a term. Many students mix approaches based on strengths and goals.

Is it hard to do dual enrollment?
Dual enrollment can be challenging because college-level courses move faster and require more independent work than typical high school classes. That said, many students succeed by starting with one course, staying organized, and using support from counselors, teachers, and family.

Next steps: Exploring Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment can give you a head start on college while staying grounded in your high school and faith community. Use THE Guide and our School Search to explore dozens of Christian colleges across North America and learn which schools might offer programs that fit your goals. To make the most of it, start by talking with your high school counselor—they can confirm eligibility, review how credits might transfer, and guide you toward the best options for your schedule and interests.