Dual Credit Information
What is Dual Credit?
Dual credit programs create structured pathways for high school students to begin earning college credit before graduation. NSHE institutions offer a variety of delivery models designed to expand access, improve college readiness, accelerate degree completion, and reduce educational costs for students and families.
Dual credit differs from Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) by the way credit is awarded. AP and IB award credit through the receipt of a score on a qualifying exam. Dual credit awards transcripted college credit through the successful completion of a college course.
Systemwide Definitions
Dual Credit
The umbrella term covering opportunities for high school students to earn college credit.
Concurrent Enrollment
College courses taught at the high school by institution-approved high school instructors.
Dual Enrollment
College courses taught by faculty at the college/university campus or online.
Transcripted Credit
Credit officially recorded on a college transcript.
Articulated Credit
College credit awarded after students successfully complete specific Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school courses that match college-level curriculum.
Student Success and Outcomes
Research consistently demonstrates positive outcomes associated with dual credit participation, including:
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Higher high school graduation rates
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Increased college enrollment rates
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Increased college persistence
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Higher credential and degree completion rates
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Reduced time to degree
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Lower educational costs
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Increased student confidence and college readiness
Eligibility
Eligible Grade Levels
Students in grades 9-12 may participate in dual credit opportunities when they meet applicable institutional, course, and school requirements.
Homeschool Students
Homeschool students may participate in dual credit opportunities. Enrollment processes and documentation requirements may vary by institution, so students and families should contact the institution offering the course for guidance.
Please Note
The minimum eligibility threshold for dual credit students is set by the NSHE Board of Regents. requirements may vary depending on the institution and/or the student’s high school.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to enroll in a dual credit course, a student must:
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Have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If a student does not meet this minimum threshold, exceptions may be granted as determined by the institution in consultation with the school district or charter school. The review will consider other indicators of college readiness that demonstrates adequate preparation for collegiate level coursework.
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Obtain documented approval from the high school principal or other designated high school official to enroll in dual credit courses.
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Obtain documented permission from a parent or legal guardian to enroll in dual credit courses.
Costs
Nevada dual credit students qualifying for discounted concurrent or dual enrollment registration fees are not charged an application fee.
Concurrent Enrollment Courses (college courses taught by qualified high school instructors)
2026-2027
$110/course at all institutions
2027-2028
$114.50/course at all institutions
2028-2029
$118.50/course at all institutions
2029-2030
$122.75/course at all institutions
No additional student fees or special course fees may be assessed for concurrent enrollment courses.
Dual Enrollment Courses (college courses taught by NSHE instructors)
2026-2027
$92.00/credit to $162/credit depending on the institution.
2027-2028
$95.75/credit to $168.50/credit depending on the institution.
2028-2029
$99.00/credit to $174.25/credit depending on the institution.
2029-2030
$102.50/credit to $180.50/credit depending on the institution.
Technology fees and any applicable special course fees may apply.
Please Note
The cost for concurrent and dual enrollment is set by the NSHE Board of Regents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dual credit is intended to help students make meaningful progress toward postsecondary credentials and degrees. Academic advising is available at NSHE institutions to help students understand how completed and planned dual credit courses may apply to certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree requirements.
Students are encouraged to connect with an academic advisor at the institution awarding the credit or at the institution they plan to attend after high school, particularly when selecting courses or developing a longer-term degree pathway.
Connect with an Academic Advisor at an NSHE Institution
Generally, credits earned through NSHE institutions are transferrable throughout NSHE.
However, transferability is not the same as applicability. The receiving institution (the one being transferred to) determines how transfer credits apply to degree programs.
If you are planning to attend a college or university out-of-state, please consult with that institution to see how your credits from Nevada will transfer and apply to your degree program at their institution.
Once you have completed your concurrent or dual enrollment course work, you should request that your transcripts be sent to your next institution before enrolling. Please note that electronic transcripts going to other NSHE institutions are sent free of charge, but transcripts delivered to out-of-state institutions may require a fee.
Once enrolled in a concurrent or dual enrollment course, students are college students. They are held to the same academic standards, course policies, deadlines, learning outcomes, and expectations as other students enrolled in the college course.
As college students, dual credit participants may also have access to institutional resources and support services beyond the dual credit program, such as academic advising, tutoring and learning centers, libraries, disability support services, writing centers, career services, and other student success resources. Availability and access procedures vary by institution.
Yes. Students may participate in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual credit opportunities simultaneously when permitted by their high school and the applicable college or university. Students should work with their high school counselor to select an appropriate course load based on readiness, graduation requirements, and future goals.
Dropping a course generally occurs before the institution’s published drop deadline and may remove the course from the student’s college transcript. Withdrawing occurs after the drop period and generally results in a withdrawal notation, such as a “W,” on the college transcript. Refund eligibility and specific deadlines vary by institution. Students should consult both their high school counselor and the NSHE institution before dropping or withdrawing because the decision may affect high school graduation requirements, college progress, and financial obligations.
A failing grade becomes part of the student’s permanent college academic record and may affect the student’s college GPA, high school graduation progress, future course eligibility, and future financial aid eligibility. Students who are struggling should contact their instructor, high school counselor, and available college support services as early as possible.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects student educational records. Dual credit students are college students and therefore are protected by FERPA regardless of age.
Parents generally do not have automatic access to:
- Grades
- Attendance information
- Academic progress reports
- Advising records
However, students may authorize information release via institutional procedures.
Students with disabilities may fully participate in dual credit programs.
IEPs and 504 Plans do not automatically transfer over to college coursework.
Postsecondary accommodations are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504. Students will need to work with the disability services office of the institution(s) they are enrolled with to request appropriate accommodation for their needs. Students should contact the disability services office before classes begin.
Institutional Contacts
Institution Specific Dual Credit Information
Learn more about how the Dual Credit programs work at a specific institution