May 1, 2018 Robin Witte
Many local students take advantage of an option that helps them get a head start on their college degree: they enroll at Washtenaw Community College while still in high school.
The popular program allows high school students to take college courses free with the incentive that they will apply to a degree program.
In the 2016–2017 academic year, WCC enrolled 717 new students from 71 participating high schools giving those students an early taste of college.
“The exposure to college experience in dual-enrollment classes is invaluable,” said Linda Blakey, Vice President of Student and Academic Services. Students who take such courses are more likely to graduate from college, particularly from first-generation families for whom higher education is a new experience, Blakey said.
State law mandates that public school districts pay for dual enrollment courses for students if the courses meet certain requirements–that the college courses are not offered at the high school level and are academic, rather than hobby or recreational, for example.
According to Kelly Tamer of Dexter, Mich., taking dual enrollment courses at WCC was a great experience for her daughter Emma. “It helped her get a taste of college-level courses as well as have the opportunity to take courses not offered at her high school. It was a valuable experience.”
Dual enrollment is different from advanced placement (AP) classes that require students to pass a test to earn college credit. Passing an AP class does not guarantee credit, and colleges vary on their acceptance of AP class credits. Dual enrollment students receive a grade and credit for work completed throughout the year.
Save Money on Tuition and Books
By participating in WCC’s dual enrollment program, students earn college credit that can fulfill many college or university general studies requirements, including:
- Business
- Communications
- English
- Humanities
- Math
- Science
Students and parents also save money on textbooks, which are provided by the high schools, as well as being able to transfer credits, complete a four-year degree program and begin a career more quickly.
Learn more at: wccnet.edu/dual
Three Reasons to Dual Enroll at Washtenaw Community College:
- Start accumulating college credit early and save thousands of dollars in tuition costs.
- Take courses not offered at your high school—many courses are offered online.
- WCC offers numerous courses meeting Michigan Transfer Agreement requirements.