What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit while still in high school. College courses may also apply towards high school requirements, if approved by your school. To qualify for dual enrollment a student must:
- Have a 3.0 minimum high school GPA and a minimum ACT 19 Reading score on the or a minimum 900 composite on the SAT or
- Have a 3.2 minimum high school GPA and the ACT or SAT requirement will be waived for one semester. An ACT 19 Reading score must be submitted in order to continue a second semester.
How Do You Apply?
Step 1 - Qualified juniors and seniors must submit an online application or paper application (PDF) for Dual Enrollment admissions. Applications are available online or at any of our five Columbia State campus locations. First-time students are required to submit a one-time $10 non-refundable fee with their application.
Step 2 - The State of Tennessee provides dual enrollment grants for students who fully meet the college’s dual enrollment admissions criteria. The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) oversees the grant program. The State grant pays up to $300 per semester, $600 per academic year. Students must maintain a 2.75 college GPA to retain eligibility each semester. To apply for the grant, students must complete the required on-line application, available here. Students must apply on-line for each semester. No paper grant applications can be accepted. Application deadlines are: Fall semester - September 1; Spring semester - February 1; Summer semester – May 1.
Step 3 - Have official high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores sent to the Office of Admissions at Columbia State.
Step 4 - After the application and supporting documents have been processed, you will receive information about registering for classes.
Other Important Information
- Students are required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative college GPA for continued dual enrollment program eligibility.
- Home-schooled students are eligible to apply for the dual enrollment program.
- Dual enrollment students are not eligible for federal financial aid until after high school graduation.
- Students wishing to take English, speech, math or math-related science courses must have appropriate ACT or SAT sub-scores in the respective areas.
For more information regarding dual enrollment contact any Columbia State campus..