Dual credit allows high school students to take college courses that count toward both their high school diploma and a future college degree, potentially saving thousands in tuition and accelerating the path to graduation.
What is Dual Credit?
Dual credit (also called concurrent enrollment in some states) is a program allowing high school students to earn college credits while simultaneously fulfilling high school graduation requirements. The distinguishing feature is the dual counting: the same course satisfies both high school and college requirements. For homeschoolers, this typically means enrolling in courses at a local community college, university, or accredited online program. The parent records the course on the homeschool transcript for high school credit while the college issues an official transcript for college credit. Completing 30 dual credits, roughly one year of college, can allow a student to enter as a sophomore.
Key Takeaways
- Credits count toward both high school diploma and college degree simultaneously
- Available through community colleges, universities, and online programs
- Typical requirements include minimum age (often 16) and test scores
- Costs significantly less than regular college tuition, often $75-150 per credit
- Credit transfer policies vary by institution, so research target colleges first
How Dual Credit Works for Homeschoolers
The process is straightforward. Identify a college program accepting homeschool students, submit your homeschool transcript (parent-created, listing courses and grades), meet any testing requirements (SAT, ACT, or placement tests like Accuplacer), and enroll in courses. Upon completion, the grade appears on the college's official transcript. You then add the course to your homeschool transcript as high school credit, typically assigning the same grade. Homeschoolers have an advantage here: flexible schedules make it easier to attend daytime college classes, and parents control how the credits apply to graduation requirements.
Dual Credit vs. Dual Enrollment
These terms are often used interchangeably, and in many contexts they mean the same thing. However, some institutions distinguish them: dual enrollment may refer to taking college courses without necessarily receiving high school credit, while dual credit specifically means the course counts for both. For homeschoolers, this distinction matters less because parents determine what counts as high school credit. What matters more is confirming that the college credits will transfer to your student's intended university, which varies significantly by institution.
Benefits and Considerations
The financial case for dual credit is compelling. Community college courses often run $75-150 per credit compared to $300+ at universities. Completing a year of college during high school can save thousands in tuition while shortening time to degree. Academically, dual credit demonstrates college readiness to admissions committees and gives students experience with college-level expectations while still at home. However, there are real considerations: grades become part of a permanent college transcript, affecting future GPA. Poor performance or withdrawals can impact financial aid eligibility. The workload is genuinely college-level, requiring more independence and time management than high school courses.
Credit Transfer Realities
Before enrolling, research whether credits will transfer to your target colleges. Public in-state universities typically have articulation agreements with community colleges in their state, allowing smooth transfer. Private universities and out-of-state schools are pickier, sometimes accepting credits only as general electives rather than toward specific requirements. Tools like Transferology help research transfer policies. Focus on general education courses in English, math, and sciences as these transfer most reliably regardless of major. Never assume credits will transfer; verify with specific institutions before enrolling.
The Bottom Line
Dual credit offers a genuine head start on college while reducing overall costs. For mature, self-motivated homeschool students ready for college-level work, it's an excellent option. The keys to success are researching transfer policies before enrolling, choosing courses strategically, and understanding that college grades become permanent. When done thoughtfully, dual credit can save a year of college tuition while demonstrating academic readiness to admissions committees.
