Students: Important Information to Review with your Parents/Guardians

Dual Credit—Is it the Right Choice for You?

What are the benefits of dual credit?

• Get a head start and earn college credit while in high school

• Save money on tuition

• Save time and earn a college degree faster 

• Learn more about your career interest now

• Be more likely to complete a college degree

• Get college and career ready.

What is the impact on my academic record when I take dual credit?

• Grades earned in dual credit are part of your college GPA and will always be on your postsecondary transcript

• Your grades, the number of courses you take and/or withdrawals can impact your future financial aid—if you fail courses and/or withdraw from courses, it can negatively impact future financial aid opportunities

• Colleges may not accept all the classes you take for credit, or they may not count toward your degree

• Most colleges require a grade of C or better for the class to transfer

• High schools and college calendars are not the same. Check for conflicts with class trips, family vacations, or athletic events. College must come first.

What are the consequences if I withdraw or fail a dual credit course?

• If you are using a dual credit scholarship, you cannot repeat that course with a scholarship.

• If you are paying for the course, you may still have to pay the tuition for the course even if you do not complete the course and withdraw after the drop date. 

• If your school district is paying for your dual credit course, you may have to pay for the course if you do not complete it successfully—this is determined by your district.

• Withdrawing or failing a college course may affect your application for federal financial aid, depending on how many courses you do not successfully complete.

• You may not enroll in any further dual credit courses until your tuition bill is paid. 

Dual credit is a wonderful opportunity but also comes with responsibilities.  If you desire to take college level courses during high school, you must also assume college level responsibilities.  These include the following:

• It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the course request form is discussed with a family member, signed electronically by a family member, and submitted online.

• It is the student’s responsibility to understand the college calendar is not the same as the high school calendar. This is of particular importance when you take a course that is taught by an ACTC faculty member.

• It is the student’s responsibility to learn to access and use Blackboard and have a plan for completing online content as needed.