Dual Credit Program / High School Students

New Mexico Dual Credit Program

Every New Mexico high school student has the opportunity to enroll in college courses through the Dual Credit (DC) Program. The DC Program provides access to academic and career and technical education (CTE) courses that deliver simultaneous credit toward high school graduation and a postsecondary degree or certificate.

College courses are offered for dual credit based upon agreements between high schools and accredited public colleges. While most students take basic core courses such as English and math, coursework may include subjects such as culinary arts or criminal justice, depending on the student’s Next Step Plan and degree paths offered by each college.

Courses are accessible to students with a range of academic and career aptitudes. Research studies on dual credit participation have shown that students who take dual credit courses perform well in their courses, graduate from high school at a higher rate than their peers, require less first-semester remediation in college, and are more likely to obtain a college degree within four years.

New Mexico state law (NMAC 6.30.7) requires public colleges to waive tuition for students; mandates that Local Education Agencies (LEAs) purchase instructional materials for students, and expects students and parents to cover course fees and transportation expenses. For more information, please refer to the Dual Credit Policy and Procedures Manual and the links below.