Dual Credit Parent Resources
As a parent, you want to give your child every opportunity to succeed. Dual credit can help your child save money on college while earning college credit before graduating from high school.
What is Dual Credit?
How it Works
Students typically take two dual credit courses each semester. By doing so, they can graduate from high school with 24 or more college credit hours.
Even better, dual credit courses receive a 75% discount on tuition and fees. Students can also earn additional college credits by taking courses during the summer.
More Benefits
Dual credit can give your child a head start on college.
Dual credit is widely accepted by public colleges and universities in Texas. Credits may also transfer to some out-of-state and private universities.
Encourage Success
- Check their email daily and email their instructor or the dual credit office when they need help. They should always include their G# in emails.
- Take advantage of the College's many resources, including student support, tutoring, and the library.
- Read and print the syllabus and course calendar to stay familiar with the class and important deadlines.
- Create a study routine and plan to spend at least three hours studying each week.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA protects the privacy of student education records. When a student attends a postsecondary institution, FERPA rights transfer to the student, regardless of age. For dual credit students, San Jacinto College generally may not disclose education records without the student's consent, except as permitted by law.
View San Jacinto College FERPA rights information
The U.S. Department of Education explains how FERPA applies to high school students who also take college courses.
View U.S. Department of Education Guidance on FERPA and Dual Enrollment
Enrolling in Dual Credit
Dual credit vs advanced placement
AP and dual credit can both help students earn college credit while they're in high
school. The programs work differently, so it's important to understand how they compare.
Dual credit courses are taught by qualified San Jacinto College faculty, giving your
child the opportunity to experience college-level coursework while still in high school.
| Dual Credit | Advanced Placement (AP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Earn both high school and college credit by successfully completing an approved San Jacinto College course. | AP offers college-level courses and exams. Students may earn college credit or placement based on their exam results. |
| Class/Course Length | Term/Semester | Academic year |
| Cost | 75% discount on tuition and fees | $96 per exam |
| Credit | Students earn high school and college credit by successfully completing the course. | Colleges and universities set their own AP score requirements for awarding college credit. |
| Higher Education Acceptance | Accepted by public colleges and universities in Texas. Credits may also transfer to some out-of-state and private universities. | Colleges and universities typically look at your AP exam score, not your final course grade. A score of 3 or higher is often accepted, but requirements vary by college. |
| Location | San Jacinto College, high school campus, online and/or hybrid. | High school campus. |
More Knowledge = More Support
High School Dual Credit Partnerships
San Jacinto College partners with high schools to support students who participate in the dual credit program. These partnerships give students the opportunity to take college courses while still in high school and earn college credit.
San Jacinto College has established multiple dual credit partnerships to support student participation in the dual credit program. These partnerships give students a head start on their college journey, allowing them to take real college courses while still in high school—saving time, money, and setting them up for success. View the list of high schools participating in a dual credit partnership with San Jacinto College.
