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Academic Support - Dual Credit

Earn College Credit in High School

Dual-credit programs allow students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Students can earn dual credit by completing college courses or by completing standardized exams.

The Launch Year Act of 2011 requires all public high schools in Washington to work toward increasing the number of dual-credit courses offered to high school students. Although there are a variety of dual-credit programs offered in Washington, not all programs are available at all high schools.

Students who earn college credit in high school are more likely to graduate, enroll in college, and complete college degrees.

  • These programs allow students to take collegelevel courses, taught by high school teachers, at the high school. Courses are offered in 9th–12th grades, and offerings vary by school. Upon completion of the course, students take a standardized exam. Scores from the exams are considered by colleges, and varying levels of credit are awarded. Students do not pay tuition, but do pay fees for the final standardized exams. Fee waivers are available for lower-income students.

  • College in the High School programs offer college-level academic courses to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Courses are taught at the high school, by high school teachers with approval to teach the course for college credit, with college curriculum, college textbooks, and oversight by college faculty and staff. Students pay tuition. Some state subsidies are available for rural and small schools and for low-income students.

  • The CTE Dual Credit (formerly known as Tech Prep) program helps students transition from high school to postsecondary professional and technical programs. Tech Prep is a cooperative effort between K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and the business community to develop applied, integrated academic and technical programs. Courses are taught by high school teachers, at the high school. Students do not pay tuition.

  • Washington’s Running Start program gives 11th and 12th grade students the opportunity to take college courses at Washington’s community and technical colleges and at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, and Northwest Indian College. Running Start courses are regular college courses offered on the college campus. Students pay no tuition; however, they do pay for textbooks, fees, and transportation.

  • Visit ReadySetGrad.org to find out more about the following programs: Bright Future Program, Career Link, Early College, Gateways for Incarcerated Youth, Gateway to College, and the Technical College Direct Funded Enrollment Program.

Academic Support & Alternative Education Options