How will dual credit courses transfer? It depends!! 

Step One: Understanding the Common Numbering System and Texas College Core Curriculum

Every college has a specific set of courses that are considered to be the basic foundation of learning. It is very important for students to research what the common core curriculum is at any college they are interested in. For Texas State Colleges, there is a common core curriculum system that enables credits to be recognized and transferred easier.  

Step Two: Where do you want to go to college?

Step Three: What do you want your major to be?

Private colleges and colleges outside of Texas have their own set of "basic" courses their students must complete. When selecting dual credit courses in high school it is important to try to align those courses to future colleges/majors of interest. Students need to research different colleges AND majors to begin to understand what courses will be required for a certain degree. Degree plans for specific majors are available online through any college website. 

Step Four: Compare!!!

Most colleges will have their own transfer portal that students can use to see if their credits will transfer in to that specific college. In Texas, TCCN offers a free tool that will predict if and how a course earned at one Texas location will transfer to another Texas location. Remember, this is just a prediction tool. Colleges have the final say about if and how courses transfer into their institution. Some colleges, for example, require a student to complete all courses in the "major" field at their institution, whereas other colleges are more flexible. 

Have you considered an Honors College or Program?

(Publication from the Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors, 2024) 

Honors participation as an undergraduate student is completely different from achieving honors status in high school. Don't count yourself out --instead, spend time envisioning yourself as a university honors student. As you explore prospective university campuses, we encourage you to visit with an honors representative. Just as you tour residence halls, discuss course offerings and majors, explore career paths and submit financial aid packages, a meeting with an honors representative will provide valuable insight in understanding the overall university community.  

Texas honors administrators were invited to share key concepts surrounding honors. A sampling of their responses are provided below. Remember, each Honors Program has its own eligibility requirements and program plan. 

• University honors participation provides an exciting range of personal and professional growth opportunities in a challenging academic environment, with the characteristics of each university program as unique as the students they serve.

• Honors programs provide a deeper learning experience with Liberal Arts exposure, focus on individual connections for students, and may offer scholarship/financial aid resources.

• Honors offers a smaller learning community, more support and better connections for your next steps.

• College can be intimidating. A "home base" is provided through honors participation.

• Honors assists in identifying your next steps academically and in terms of career planning.

• Honors participation provides individualized instruction, mentoring, one-on-one interactions, collaboration and connections with departments across the campus.

• Honors provides a value-added classroom experience advancing who you will become through your college experience.

• Honors offers the best of both worlds -- providing access to the full range of campus resources with individual attention.

Check out a full list of Honors Programs in Texas here. Most Honors Programs require their own application so make sure to check deadlines! 

• Texas Workforce

  • Texas Workforce Solutions may offers tuition assistance for students with disabilities, usually with a 504 or IEP plan, who qualify.

• GI Bill

  • GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.  

• Hazlewood Act

  • The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees. 

• Texas Tuition Assistance Programs

  • Several colleges in Texas offer FULL scholarships for students who qualify based on their financial need and academic ability.  

• Texoma Promise

  • The Texoma Promise is a commitment and partnership of North Texas school districts, Grayson College, universities and the Texoma community. The Texoma Promise Program covers tuition and fees through a combination of grants and scholarships.

• Tuition Exemption for Students who are Blind or Deaf

  • Texas residents with a vision-related disability (e.g., blindness, significant visual impairment) are determined eligible by Vocational Rehabilitation Services Offices through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Students must contact their local TWC office to apply.

  • Texas residents with a hearing disability who meet certain criteria are determined eligible by Texas Health and Human Services (HHS). To apply, students must submit the Application for Certificate of Deafness for Tuition Waiver (Form 3900) to HHS. 

• Tuition Exemptions Related to Individuals Currently or Formerly in Foster Care in Texas

  • To find out whether you are eligible for this tuition exemption, contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and request Form 1810: DFPS Verification of the State College Tuition and Fee Waiver. The form is processed by either DFPS Adoption Eligibility staff or Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) staff.

Visit College for all Texans for more special types of Financial Aid!! 

Vocational and technical programs offer students a pathway to become credentialed in a specific area. These programs can be academically based (associate degree track) OR certification-only based (no "basic" academic courses). Although there are many private institutions that can certify students, junior colleges also offer a a wide variety of vocational and technical programs for a more reasonable price. Some junior colleges also offer housing options. Financial Aid (FAFSA) can be applied to most vocational programs taken through Junior Colleges. Let's take a look at few fields of study!