The Dual Credit program at College of DuPage allows qualified high school students the opportunity to enroll in a college-level course and gain high school and college credit upon successful completion of the course. Students are able to get a jumpstart on earning college credit and at a lower cost.
By taking dual credit courses, students can experience reduced college costs with tuition-free courses. They can also:
- Engage in college curriculum and course work, creating a college-going and college-completing culture.
- Enhance their ability and skill to complete college-level work and gain confidence for college success.
- Decrease time to degree completion and reduce college costs.
How Dual Credit Works
High school freshmen, sophomore, juniors and seniors who attend a dual credit high school are eligible to participate in dual credit. All students participating should have the appropriate skills, academic preparedness and motivation to meet and exceed the expectations of dual credit courses.
COD offers tutoring support for dual credit courses, along with accommodations for eligible students with disabilities.
Dual Credit High Schools
COD has teamed up with high schools surrounding District 502 to offer dual credit courses at no charge. Dual credit courses are available in accounting, architecture, automotive, cosmetology, fire science, math, motion/picture television, nursing, photography and more.
Courses are taught at the student's high school by high school teachers who have met the same hiring credentials as an adjunct professor at the College. Learning objectives and student learning outcomes for the class are the same as college courses, even though the class is being taught at the student's high school.
Dual Credit Registration
All course prerequisites must be met before a student can be enrolled in a dual credit course. Registration for dual credit courses take place at the student's high school during the first week of class with the high school dual credit instructor.
COD Stories
“Sign up for classes that interest you, talk to people and care what they say back, sign up for clubs and attend seminars. COD is honestly a really vibrant community if you’re willing to try new things and step out of your comfort zone.” - Olivia Voegtle
Olivia's COD StoryCOD Stories
“My advice to anyone who joins the Culinary Arts program at COD is to not be afraid to ask questions, as the instructors and your peers have great knowledge to share. COD helped me gain firsthand experience on how restaurants work and what to expect in real-world situations." - Juan Gallegos
Juan's COD StoryCOD Stories
"For anyone still in high school, I highly suggest taking as much dual credit as possible." - Kenji Balderas-Sato
Kenji's COD StoryFrequently Asked Questions
If you are a high school student interested in dual credit and don't know where to start, read through the following list of frequently asked questions. For more information on dual credit, complete the inquiry form.
It is important you do your best in your dual credit course as you are establishing a college transcript that will contain the course, grade and credits earned. College of DuPage offers resources for dual credit students including tutoring assistance and accommodations for eligible students with disabilities to help you in your studies. Once the dual credit class is completed, the course and credits cannot be removed from your college transcript.
If you want to withdraw from the college course, contact your teacher high school Dual Credit instructor before the course ends.
College credits earned in the Dual Credit program will count toward your associate degree. College of DuPage courses transfer to most institutions across the United States and general education courses transfer easily to other colleges/universities.
Career and Technical Education courses usually transfer to specific Institutions within the program area or to other institutions as elective courses fulfilling credit hour requirements. For more information, visit transferology.com or itransfer.org for Illinois transfer school requirements.
You can order a transcript from College of DuPage and have your transcript sent to the college or university you plan to attend.
All state and federal laws, Illinois Community College Board regulations, accreditation standards and College of DuPage policies and procedures apply to college-level courses offered by the college through participating high schools. Students are required to meet course prerequisites and other college academic standards.
