
College Credit for High School Students
The pandemic may be an ideal time to challenge students to seek out activities with longer-term benefits than video games, streaming media, social media and the YouTube rabbit hole.
Students
62%
increase over five years in the number of students earning college credit while still in high school
Credits
228769
college credits earned by high school students in 2019-20
Motivated high school students, or those who want more of a challenge, may be able to get a head start on their college education through Dual Enrollment or Dual Credit opportunities. Students who complete a college course successfully may earn college credit without the tuition expense, saving time and money toward their degree. Some students even graduate high school having already earned an associate degree.
Juniors and seniors who meet certain requirements in public high schools may take college courses at a Wisconsin technical college. The credits earned will apply to both high school and college graduation, and the cost is covered by the high school.
There are various types of dual credit available to students, with slightly different applications.
The benefits of dual credit are worthwhile. Students may save time and money by taking college courses while in high school since they are earning college credits at the expense of the school district. Some students may even complete a high school diploma and a technical college degree or diploma at the same time.
Dual enrollment students tend to have higher academic achievement in high school, greater completion rates of high school, college access and enrollment, college credits earned at no cost and higher rates of college degree completion. In addition, students may be more likely:
Students who want to earn dual credit must be in good standing at the high school, they may need to apply to the college granting the credits, and they must be at least 16 years of age. All students should check with their technical college to make sure they understand and meet the requirements prior to enrolling.
If a student is interested in earning college credit while in high school, they should talk with their school counselor to learn if they qualify and what is needed to enroll. Not all dual credit courses may apply to both the high school and college transcript.
The pandemic may be an ideal time to challenge students to seek out activities with longer-term benefits than video games, streaming media, social media and the YouTube rabbit hole.
Students and families are increasingly interested in the ability of K-12 students to earn college credit while still in high school, saving them time and money after high school graduation.
Motivated students are now earning not only credit from a technical college, but they are earning technical college credentials - up to and including Associate Degrees - before high school graduation, at no cost to the student or family.
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