🎓 1. What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual Enrollment allows high school students to take community college courses while they are still enrolled in high school.

These courses can:

• Count toward high school graduation requirements (High School Credit)

• Also earn college credits (College Credit)

In other words, high school students can experience college-level learning early, and even complete some general education or degree requirements before graduation.

📝 2. Eligibility Requirements

Although rules vary slightly by state and by college, most community colleges require:

• Current enrollment in grades 9–12 (most commonly grades 11 or 12)

• Parent or guardian consent

• Recommendation and signature from a high school counselor or principal

• Meeting academic standards (e.g., minimum GPA 2.5, or passing English/Math placement tests)

• Some courses may require prerequisites

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💰 3. Tuition and Fees

In California, public high school students taking community college courses typically:

• Receive a tuition waiver (tuition is free or discounted)

• Still pay small student fees (e.g., health, transportation, or materials fees)

For example, in the Peralta College District (which includes College of Alameda, Laney College, Merritt College), high school students can usually take classes for free once they submit the Special Admit application form.

📚 4. What Courses Can Students Take?

Students may enroll in:

• General Education courses (English, Math, History, Psychology, etc.)

• College Preparation courses (e.g., Calculus, Chemistry)

• Career & Technical Education courses (Design, Culinary Arts, Computer Programming, etc.)

Some advanced students can even complete an Associate Degree before graduating from high school.

🚀 5. Benefits

✅ Earn college credits early✅ Save future tuition and time in college✅ Experience real college-level learning✅ Strengthen college applications and competitiveness

🌎 6. Can International High School Students Take Community College Courses?

✅ Yes, but there are two different situations:

Case A: You are an F-1 International High School Student Studying in the U.S.

You may take community college courses if:

• You have permission from your high school (with counselor or principal signature)

• The community college accepts you as a Concurrent Enrollment or Special Admit student

• You maintain a valid F-1 student visa (SEVIS record stays under your high school)

➡️ Usually, you can take 1–2 courses per semester, but cannot enroll full-time since your primary status is still “high school student.”

Case B: You are an International Student Living Outside the U.S. (e.g., in Taiwan)

You have two main options to study at U.S. community colleges:

1️⃣ Online Courses (Distance Learning)

Many community colleges — such as Foothill College, De Anza College, and Santa Monica College — offer online courses open to international students.

• You can register using your passport (no visa required)

• No I-20 or F-1 visa is needed for online study

• Tuition will be charged at the international student rate, typically👉 $250–$350 USD per unit

2️⃣ Full-time Study in the U.S. (F-1 Visa)

If you wish to study full-time (usually 12 units per semester):

• You must apply for an I-20 Form

• Obtain an F-1 student visa

• Usually need to provide a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)

  
  

💰 7. Tuition Comparison

📋 8. Common Application Documents

• Passport copy

• Official transcripts (English version)

• English proficiency proof (TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS)

• Proof of medical insurance (required by some colleges)

• Parent/Guardian consent form (if under 18)

  
  

🧩 9. Suggested Steps for Counselors or Schools

🎓 10. Common Course Options for Dual Enrollment

• General Education: English Composition, Psychology, Sociology

• Technology Courses: Computer Science, Design, Web Development

• Arts Courses: Digital Art, Music Theory

• Language Courses: ESL, Chinese, Japanese