The Dual Credit Program allows public
*and BIE high school students to earn credit for high school
and credit for college when you take Dual Credit college courses.
What is a Dual Credit course?Dual Credit courses are college courses taken for both high school and college credit while you are in high school. The courses need to be approved by both your high school and the college where you want to take courses, so check with your high school counselor first.
Courses must be able to apply toward a postsecondary degree or certificate program. Remedial and developmental courses at the college may not be taken for Dual Credit, since they do not count toward a degree or certificate program.
There are several reasons. First you get to experience a little bit of college while still in high school to help you get a head start determining what you want out of college. Another good reason is you can get some college credits without spending any money or using any financial aid. Finally, you may not feel your are sufficiently challenged by your high school courses; the Dual Credit program can allow you to try some more interesting coursework.
How do I know if I am eligible to take Dual Credit courses?Two things: You are eligible if you are enrolled in one-half or more of the minimum course requirements approved by the New Mexico Public Education Department or by being enrolled with a BIE-funded high school and receiving at least three documented contact hours per day. You also have to meet the academic standing established by your high school and the postsecondary institution. This is another reason to check with your high school counselor.
How do I know if I am ready to take Dual Credit courses?Talk to your high school counselor or teacher so he/she can help you determine if you will benefit from taking Dual Credit courses. Your Next Step Plan or Individualized Education Plan should also indicate whether you choose Dual Credit courses as an option. For students who began ninth grade in or after the 2009-2010 school year, students must take at least one honors, or Advanced Placement, or dual credit, or distance learning course to graduate from high school.
Taking Dual Credit courses does not prevent students from being eligible for the Legislative Lottery Scholarship. A New Mexico student must obtain a New Mexico high school diploma or New Mexico general education development (GED) diploma, enroll full-time 12 credit hours or more at an eligible New Mexico public college or university, and maintain 2.50 GPA or above during the student's first academic semester in college to be eligible for the Legislative Lottery Scholarship. When filling out the college admissions applications, a student must indicate they are a "first time freshman".
What do I have to do?Complete and sign a
Dual Credit Request Form and have your high school counselor, the college or university Dual Credit coordinator and (if you are under 18) a parent approve it.