PCC Dual Credit

High School and College at the Same Time

Students can earn:

  • Lower-division college credit that counts toward bachelor's degrees in such subject areas as literature, history, science and math, or
  • Credit in professional-technical, associate of applied science programs, such as automotive service technology, computer applications, early childhood education and many more.

Two courses are said to be "articulated" when the high school course has the same content and outcomes as the college course. Although taught in the high school, the course materials, content and instructional quality are consistent with (or "articulated" with) courses offered by the community college. Because of that articulation, a student would be able, following high school graduation, to transition smoothly to the next level of college courses in the subject area.

Eligible students who complete the high school courses with an "A" or "B" grade can register for the equivalent college course through their teachers at the end of the high school year. PCC will bill the student for a $35 fee, rather than the per-credit tuition cost of the course. Savings to students (and their parents!) are considerable, and some students earn a term's worth of credits or more in this way. Credit is transferable to other colleges following the same guidelines for transfer as any other PCC course.

Since articulation is a match-up between high school and college courses requiring college level work, not all high school junior and senior courses are eligible. See Articulating High Schools for up-to-date listings, then meet with your high school counselors or teachers to explore your options and get a head start on your own college and career preparation.

Currently there are 40 high schools participating in the PCC Dual Credit program. During the 2004 - 2005 school year there were 1,796 students who earned 12,642 credits, representing a total savings to students (over regular 'per-credit hour' tuition costs) over $720,944.

To get started, see your high school counselor or the PCC contact person listed below.

Quick Facts

Academic admission standards:
Grades 11-12
Requires enrollment in high school?
Yes
Referral or permission required:
Teacher of your high school class
Regular PCC classes or special program classes?
Regular PCC classes, but taught at high school
Other restrictions:
Must be enrolled in an articulated high school and age 16 to 20.
Enrollment limit:
None
Financial obligation:
$35 per year for all credits earned. PCC will bill the student directly.
PCC contact:
Karen Jones