For Students
You and Dual Credit Courses
Qualifications
A student wishing to take courses through the Dual Credit Program must be either a junior or senior in high school. Some courses taken through the program have specific requirements that must be met prior to being registered. The high school principal or counselor recommends students for participation in the Dual Credit Program based on the students’ potential for academic success in college level courses.
Earning Credit for Your WKU Courses
Courses offered through WKU’s Dual Credit Program are "real" college classes. Students taking dual credit courses are registered and enrolled at WKU as a "non-degree seeking student prior to high school graduation." The grades earned in dual credit courses are the first college grades a student will receive. Whether a student decides to attend WKU or another institution after high school, grades earned in dual credit courses will be a permanent part of their academic record. Please note that participation in the Dual Credit Program does not guarantee admission to WKU as a "degree seeking freshman."
Things to Consider Before Enrolling in Dual Credit Courses
Prior to enrolling in dual credit courses, students should consult with their guidance counselor to discuss how the courses fit in with their schedules and the high school’s graduation requirements. Most colleges and universities will accept the credits earned through WKU’s Dual Credit Program. However, students are advised to confirm this with any college or university they are thinking about attending in the future. Students who have had success with dual credit coursework usually have a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0 and an attendance rate of at least 90%. Since dual credit courses apply toward high school graduation requirements, the signature of a principal or counselor is required on the application form.
Cost
Tuition for a course taken through the Dual Credit Program is $200. This is a substantial savings as the tuition for WKU courses that are not part of the Dual Credit Program is $289 per hour resulting in $867 per course. It is important to note that the tuition for the course does not include the cost of textbooks, which varies depending on the course. In addition to the course’s tuition, the student is responsible for the one-time application fee of $35. (Students who receive free or reduced lunch should talk with their guidance counselor about providing documentation to have the WKU application fee waived.)
Registration Process
The Dual Credit Program registers students to their chosen courses. The registration process begins at the high school.
At the beginning of each semester in which a student wishes to take dual credit courses, an application will need to be completed. This application (link to application) can be obtained from a guidance counselor at the high school who will provide students with school specific application information and deadlines.
It is important to note that students’ applications and fees must be submitted to the Dual Credit Program’s office by September 1 (Fall semester) or February 1 (Spring semester).
If mailing your applications and fees, please note that students are not to mail their applications to WKU’s Admissions Office, but rather to the Dual Credit Program’s office.
Policies and Procedures
This information is begin developed and will be posted soon; please check back.
Timeline
With the growth of WKU’s Dual Credit Program, new procedural changes and deadlines have been implemented in order to attempt a more effective and streamlined registration process.
- September 1 (Fall), February 1 (Spring) – deadline for applications, fees, and course rosters to be submitted to the Dual Credit Program
- Registration to courses will take place throughout September/February
- October 1 (Fall), March 1 (Spring) – deadline for payment to be received; last day for students to drop from their dual credit courses
- KHEAA will verify enrollment in dual credit courses in early October/March for the Mary Jo Young Scholarship recipients
- October 15 (Fall), March 15 (Spring) – drop for non–payment
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