What is Dual Credit?
Dual credit is a form of concurrent enrollment that allows a student to take certain courses at San Jacinto College that earn both college and high school credit.
Typically, students take two courses each semester while in high school. By doing this, students can graduate from high school with 24+ hours of college credit. Additional hours can be earned by taking courses during the summer. Courses taken for dual credit enjoy a 75% discount on tuition and fees.
Courses may also be taken as early admission. Early admission is also a form of concurrent enrollment, but unlike dual credit, these courses only earn college credit and are not eligible for the 75% discount on tuition and fees.
Benefits
1. Accelerate time to degree completion -- A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete. By taking courses while in high school, you can earn up to a year of college credit.
2. Save money -- Community colleges offer substantial savings to students by charging lower tuition rates than larger institutions. San Jacinto College goes the extra mile by offering a 75% discount to students taking courses for dual credit.
3. Quality education -- San Jacinto College is recognized as one of the top five community colleges in the nation by The Aspen Institute. You'll enjoy small classes taught by nationally recognized, award winning faculty.
4. Easy transferring -- Most academic credits easily transfer to public universities in Texas. They may also be accepted at private or out-of-state institutions. Always check with the receiving institution to verify transferability and applicability to your major and degree.
5. Build confidence -- Going to college is stressful under the best circumstances. Participating in our dual credit program offers you a way to ease the transition from high school to college by supporting you with a strong system of services geared toward making you a successful student.
How to Participate
Prior to completing the admission's processes at San Jacinto College, students should meet with their high school counselor for additional details regarding how to register for dual credit courses.
Here's what you need to do to participate:
- Apply online and get an SJC Student ID (G-Number).
- Apply at www.applytexas.org. Be sure to complete the profile and the application!
- Your application will be processed within 72 hours. After that, you'll be emailed your San Jac Student ID (example: G0100123).
- Meet the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) requirements.
- All students must take the TSIA or prove an exemption or waiver in the areas of reading, writing, and math.
- An exemption permanently exempts a student from taking the TSIA.
- A waiver temporarily waives the requirement while the student is in high school.
- Testing may be available at your high school.
- Further details about the TSIA can be found by clicking here.
- All students must take the TSIA or prove an exemption or waiver in the areas of reading, writing, and math.
- Submit proof of or exemption from Bacterial Meningitis vaccination.
- Shot records or exemption forms should be emailed to Meningitis.Docs@sjcd.edu or faxed to 281-669-4720.
- Further details about Bacterial Meningitis can be found by clicking here.
- Register for classes.
- Web registration is not available for dual credit students. To register, complete a Dual Credit/Early Admission Enrollment Permission Form with your high school counselor.
- Turn the completed, signed, form into the Dual Credit Office or your high school counselor.
- Pay tuition.
- To remain in your classes, you must pay your portion of tuition and fees by the college's posted deadline.
- Payment can be made through your Secure Online System (S.O.S.) account or in-person at the college's Business Office. Installment plans are available.
- Some schools cover these costs for students. Check with your counselor for further information.
- Prepare for class.
- Get your San Jac ID card from the Admissions Office.
- Get your San Jac parking permit from the Business Office.
- Purchase textbooks from the San Jac bookstore or your preferred retailer.
- Set up your San Jac S.O.S., email, and Blackboard accounts.