Concurrent enrollment allows high school students to take college courses for both high school and college credit simultaneously, often at reduced or no cost, with courses typically taught by qualified high school instructors or taken at local colleges.
What is Concurrent Enrollment?
Concurrent enrollment is a dual-credit program where high school students earn college credit while still completing high school requirements. The term technically refers to college courses taught by approved high school teachers in secondary settings, though "concurrent enrollment" and "dual enrollment" are often used interchangeably depending on the state. For homeschoolers, the practical meaning is taking community college or university courses during high school years and receiving credit that counts toward both high school graduation and a future college degree.
Key Takeaways
- Many states offer free or heavily subsidized tuition for concurrent enrollment (California waives the $46/unit community college fee entirely)
- Grades become permanent on college transcripts and affect cumulative GPA
- Most programs accept students in grades 9-12, with some academic readiness requirements
- Homeschoolers often have easier access than traditionally-schooled students due to scheduling flexibility
Concurrent vs. Dual Enrollment
Technically, concurrent enrollment refers to courses taught by qualified high school teachers during the school day, while dual enrollment means students attend actual college classes. However, most states and institutions use these terms interchangeably. What matters for homeschoolers is the outcome: taking college courses during high school that count toward both your high school transcript and future college credit. Check your local community college's terminology—they'll explain exactly what programs they offer.
Benefits for Homeschool Students
The financial savings can be substantial. Colorado's concurrent enrollment program saves families approximately $57 million annually in college tuition costs. Florida funds dual enrollment for homeschoolers, covering tuition and books at public colleges. Beyond cost, concurrent enrollment provides exposure to college-level rigor while students still have family support, objective grades from outside evaluators (valuable for college applications), and the chance to explore subjects your homeschool might not cover. Research shows concurrent enrollment students are more likely to enroll in college within one year of high school graduation.
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements vary by institution but typically include grade level (usually 9th-12th, sometimes with junior/senior priority), academic readiness (placement tests like Accuplacer, ACT scores of 19+, or other assessments), and documentation (homeschool transcript, notice of intent, parental permission). Some states have homeschool-friendly policies—Arizona exempts homeschool students from submitting unofficial transcripts or standardized test scores. Start by contacting your local community college's concurrent enrollment or early college office; they're accustomed to working with homeschoolers.
Important Considerations
Grades matter permanently. Unlike high school courses that stay on your high school transcript, concurrent enrollment grades become part of your permanent college record, affecting cumulative GPA and potentially graduate school applications decades later. Choose courses strategically—start with subjects your student is strong in. Also note that students concurrently enrolled in college are typically ineligible for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for those courses, though this rarely matters given the subsidized or free tuition most programs offer.
The Bottom Line
Concurrent enrollment offers homeschool students a path to college credit at reduced cost while still completing high school. The flexibility of homeschooling makes this particularly accessible—you can schedule college classes during traditional school hours when they're less crowded. Start with your local community college, understand their specific requirements for homeschoolers, and choose courses strategically given that grades become permanent. For motivated students, concurrent enrollment provides academic challenge, college preparation, and significant cost savings on future degrees.
