Dual Enrollment Program
Dual enrollment in South Carolina gives eligible high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses while still enrolled in high school. Students earn both high school credit and college credit simultaneously, allowing them to begin their college education early and potentially reduce the time and cost required to earn a college degree. These courses are offered through partnerships between school districts and colleges or universities and may be taken at the high school, on a college campus, or online.
Participation requirements vary by institution, but students typically must demonstrate college readiness through GPA, test scores, or other admissions criteria and receive approval from their high school. Dual enrollment courses are taught under college standards and become part of the student’s permanent college transcript. Credits earned may transfer to other colleges and universities, depending on institutional policies.
Dual enrollment provides students with valuable exposure to college expectations while helping them develop academic confidence and career readiness. In South Carolina, the program is available statewide through technical colleges, community colleges, and universities, offering students access to both transfer-focused academic courses and career and technical education pathways. We are currently building partnerships with 16 technical colleges in SC that serve the various counties.
Benefits
Earn high school and college credits at the same time.
By completing college credits in high school, students may be able to finish college earlier—saving time and money.
Concurrent enrollment course credits are valid at the granting institution and may transfer to other colleges or universities.
Eligibility Requirements
Students must be enrolled full-time at COA and be eligible for admissions to the college or university to which they are applying under regular admission criteria. To discuss your student’s eligibility for dual enrollment, contact your COA assigned school counselor. Students must be in grades 11th and 12th.
Things to Consider
State law requires that all concurrent enrollment courses be entered on a student’s high school transcript as either academic or elective credit.
Concurrent courses count toward a student’s GPA and class rank.
What are the costs?
In South Carolina, dual enrollment is not automatically free for all high school students, but the state helps offset costs through Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) and other funding mechanisms. Eligible students who take dual enrollment courses through South Carolina technical colleges may receive Lottery Tuition Assistance, which can significantly reduce or cover tuition costs, depending on the number of credit hours taken and available funding. Many school districts and college partners also provide additional support for tuition, textbooks, and fees.
State law allows high school students to enroll in college courses through partnerships between school districts and institutions of higher education.
The exact cost to a student depends on the college and local district agreement. In many districts, students pay little or no out-of-pocket cost because tuition assistance, district funding, or grant programs cover most expenses.