Dual Credit
D303 high school students have a variety of ways to earn college credit while still in high school.
Early College Credit Night will be held on November 29, 2023 at 6:30 pm in the St. Charles North in the Auditorium. Information will presented about Advanced Placement (AP), Fox Valley Career Center (FVCC), and Elgin Community College (ECC) & College of DuPage (COD) dual credit options.
Full Time Dual Credit Program at ECC
The Full Time Dual Credit program provides several full-time program options. Qualified high school juniors and seniors enroll in a minimum of 12 college credits each semester. These courses meet the postsecondary requirements of the general education core curriculum as well as high school graduation requirements. Families are responsible for paying $200 in ten equal payments per year. ($1800 ECC Early Bird) (See specific district program agreement for cost details.) Students work in partnership with the ECC Academic Advising Office and their high school counselor to choose the appropriate transferable courses.
Senior Pathway includes a prescribed list of college courses allowing students to complete up to 32 college credits. The courses included are aligned with the general education requirements of a transfer degree.
Junior Pathway provides students with a more personalized academic plan to earn both their high school diploma and an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree (at least 60 credit hours) by the end of their senior year.
Program Qualifications:
Current sophomore or junior at the time of application.
Demonstrate college-readiness based upon PSAT/SAT/ACT and/or ECC placement tests in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.
Good attendance record.
Successful completion of entrance interview conducted at home high school.
Is full-time dual credit a good option for you?
Students are beginning the start of their college education. This will result in an official college transcript.
Students need the maturity and strong time management skills to complete assignments and plan ahead for exams, projects and papers.
Reliable transportation is an important consideration.
Part Time Dual Credit Program at ECC
Qualified juniors and seniors enroll in 2-3 college courses each semester. Courses are selected from a variety of academic disciplines, including general education and career and technical education (CTE) programs (i.e. fire science, certified nursing assistant, paralegal, etc.).
Students choose courses with the help of high school counselor to ensure courses selected meet high school requirements. The school district and high school approve enrollment of their students. Enrollment is limited.
The district pays 50% tuition and textbooks, families are responsible for paying the other 50%. See district program agreement for details. Students are responsible for transportation and non textbook course supplies.
Options & Qualifications:
Class options available in the Dual Credit Program & Application Guide
Current high school sophomore or junior at the time of application
Participation in high school activities may be limited
Maximum of 11 credit hours each semester (including in high school dual credit courses)
Course options are offered on the ECC campus and have been pre-selected by ECC and D303
General Education Courses
Students choose courses based on academic interests or goals
Courses meet part of the General Education Core Curriculum requirements for a two-year college degree, which may transfer to a four-year college
Demonstrate college-readiness based upon PSAT/SAT/ACT and/or ECC placement tests. Readiness requirements depend on ECC course prerequisites. See the Dual Credit Program & Application Guide for specific requirements
Career-Technical Education Courses
Students choose a CTE program of study
Each program includes courses from an Associate in Applied Science degree
Credits earned may not transfer to a baccalaureate program
Prepares students for careers and /or employment in a career or technical area
Some programs and courses require students demonstrate college-readiness skills. See the Dual Credit Program & Application Guide for specific requirements
Is part-time dual credit a good option for you?
Students complete the majority of coursework at Elgin Community College’s main campus.
Participation in high school activities might be limited because of commitment to college-level courses.
Students are beginning the start of their college education. This will result in an official college transcript.
Students need the maturity and strong time management skills to complete assignments and plan ahead for exams, projects and papers.
Students enrolled in part-time dual credit courses should recognize that class meeting times and locations may vary depending on the course/program. Review the class schedule carefully when making registration decisions.
Reliable transportation is an important consideration.
In High School Dual Credit Courses
Students take courses at the high school, taught by D303 staff and earn college credit. Students may take up to eleven (11) credit hours per semester. There is a course fee of $50 per course. Please see the course offering guide or your counselor for qualifications, prerequisites, or more information.
Current Offerings
ACC 100: Introductory Accounting
CMS 101: Fundamentals of Speech
ENG 101: English Composition I
ENG 102: English Composition II
FASH 1210: Fashion Studies
HOS 101: Intro to the Hospitality Industry
MTH 102: General Education Statistics
Dual Credit Program & Application Guide
Required Steps
Meet with your counselor to discuss your interest and how this would look in your schedule for next year.
Complete the appropriate (ECC or COD) online application. The application must be completed by Feb. 10, 2024.
After applying you will receive information on placement testing. Placement Tests must be completed by Feb. 24, 2024. (If you have qualifying ACT/SAT/PSAT scores, you may submit those to your counselor or the CCR Office in lieu of testing.)
Students and parents/guardians will be notified of admission by Mar. 3, 2024.