“SWIC’s Dual Credit program lets eligible students earn both college and high school credit at the same time, completely free of charge!
Dual Credit is a program between SWIC and area high schools, allowing students to earn college and high school credit in the same class. College classes are taught at the high school by SWIC-approved high school instructors, using college materials and guidelines.
Why Take Dual Credit Classes Through SWIC?
- Students can receive free college credit while in high school, saving time and money
- Taking dual credit coursework allows for a smoother transition to college and enhanced career opportunities
- Credits easily transfer to most colleges and universities
- Research shows that dual credit students have enhanced ability and skills to complete college-level work and are more than twice as likely to enroll in college and earn a degree
First and foremost, dual credit students have the benefit of free tuition for dual credit classes offered in their high school classroom. There are no additional costs such as fees and textbooks. Additionally, research shows that dual credit students:
- Have enhanced ability and skills to do college level work and gain confidence for college success 1
- Are more than twice as likely to enroll in college and almost twice as likely to earn a degree 2 3
Dual credit students are SWIC students, and are entitled to the same privileges as on-campus students:
- SWIC Student ID Card: may be picked up using a current photo ID from the Public Safety office on SWIC’s campus upon successful registration in the course(s).
- MetroBus/MetroLink Pass: this may be picked up along with the SWIC student ID card from the Public Safety office upon successful registration in the course(s).
- Library/Fitness Center: students can access and utilize SWIC’s library and fitness center with their student ID card.
- Success Center: students may utilize the SWIC Success Center at any of the main campus locations.
- Student Discounts: students gain access to college discounts at local and national retailers.
How Do I Sign Up for Dual Credit Classes Through SWIC?
- Complete the SWIC application (you will need your Social Security number for this)
- Set up your eSTORM account
- SWIC staff will visit your school to get you registered
Dual credit students are also potentially eligible for the Top 20% Scholarship at SWIC based on their dual credit and/or dual enrollment coursework.
Additional resources:
2 Ben Struhl and Joel Vargas, “Taking College Courses in High School: A Strategy for College Readiness” (Boston: Jobs for the Future, October 2012), https://jfforg-prod-new.s3.amazonaws.com/media/documents/TakingCollegeCourses_ExSumm_120312.pdf
3 https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/the-benefits-of-dual-enrollment-programs
