A G U I DE TO
DUAL ENROLLMENT
Our Dual Enrollment Program and FAQ
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE ACADEMY’S DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM Through a partnership with Liberty University, high school juniors and seniors enrolled in LUOA can take online college courses and begin earning college credit while satisfying their high school requirements. The dual enrollment program launches your student into college early, offering most courses in eight-week sub-terms throughout the year at a discounted tuition rate — approximately 75 percent less than Liberty University’s residential part-time tuition rate. In addition, students will have their course materials provided to them at no cost through Inclusive Access, a learning platform that replaces traditional textbooks with electronic resources. We recommend that your student take two courses, such as ENGL 101 and 102, through Liberty University’s online program to equal one full credit for their high school class. This schedule would provide your student with six college credits and one high school credit. However, some courses will transfer as elective credits at the high school level and can stand alone as half-credit classes, without the need for another course.
WHAT IF MY STUDENT HASN’T DECIDED ON THEIR MAJOR OR UNIVERSITY? At this point in their education, declaring a major is unnecessary because most courses will be applicable to most degrees and will transfer to Liberty University. Most other universities will accept these credits as well, although some courses may transfer as elective credits.
HOW DOES A DUAL ENROLLMENT SCHEDULE WORK? After enrolling in this program, you should work with our admissions team to plan the rest of your student’s high school schedule. Call an advisor at (866) 418-8741.
WHAT IS THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM? This is the best way to maximize the benefits of LUOA’s dual enrollment program. Upon completing all requirements, your student can graduate with both their high school diploma and enough college credits to qualify for an associate degree from Liberty University. Your student will save time and money on their bachelor’s degree, regardless of which university they decide to attend.
WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? To be eligible for dual enrollment, your student must be either a junior or senior in high school and have at least a 2.7 GPA. We encourage your student to ease into dual enrollment and add more courses as they become comfortable with the program.
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Compare some of the most common ways to earn college credit while still in high school and see why dual enrollment may be the best option for your student.
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Advanced Placement (AP)
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If your student takes an AP high school class, they must pass the AP exam to receive credit.
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College credit is awarded based on the exam score only.
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Homeschoolers will need to locate a local school willing to administer exams. The cost varies per school.
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Some institutions do not award college credits for AP exam results.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
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CLEP exams allow your student to earn college credit for knowledge and skills learned outside the classroom.
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CLEP exams cover material taught in courses that your student would generally take in their first two years of college.
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By passing a CLEP exam, your student can earn 3–12 college credits. Each exam costs approximately $90 (through CollegeBoard.org).
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CLEP results do not earn any high school credit.
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The cost of exams can add up.
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Some institutions do not award college credits for CLEP exam results.
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Dual Enrollment •
Dual enrollment courses allow your student to earn high school and college credit at the same time.
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Although it varies by school, generally, each course taken through a college counts as a half-credit course in high school.
Three Avenues for Earning College Credit in High School
YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR STUDENT’S EDUCATION — AND WE WANT TO HELP!
How Do They Compare? CLEP
Advanced Placement (AP)
Dual Enrollment
Saves time and money Offers high school and college credit
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Provides instructional support through the learning process
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Does not require a testing center or local school
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X
Credit is based on course grade
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Prepares students for the demands of college coursework
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X
Can help students explore areas of interest for future major
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Gives students the opportunity to earn an associate degree immediately following high school graduation
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It's important to understand the pros and cons of a dual enrollment curriculum. Here are some of the most common ones:
+ PROS:
- CONS:
Dual enrollment significantly decreases the cost of college tuition and fees by allowing your student to begin earning college credit while still in high school.
Your student earns both high school and college credit based on the final grade received in the course — not just on one exam. Your student can earn up to 60 credits designed to transfer to almost any college.
Up-front investment can be more than CLEP or AP.
Most courses are general studies classes (ENGL 101, COMS 101, etc.) that will apply to any major.
Unlike CLEP exams and AP classes, dual enrollment courses allow students to experience a college class, setting them up for success as they continue their education.
If courses are taken at a local college campus, your student is responsible for transportation to and from classes. However, LUOA dual courses are all online.
TAKE IT FROM ONE OF OUR LUOA STUDENTS: “I took four dual enrollment courses, which fulfilled several of my prerequisites. This has helped me pursue my degree much faster. I’ll only be in undergraduate courses for three years, which is awesome since I’m pursuing a medical degree.”
Abigail
Associate Degree Program Tracks*
Through our dual enrollment program, students can earn an associate degree upon the completion of all high school coursework. By following a specific course of study, students fulfill all requirements for both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Liberty University.
Program Benefits: • 100% online • 8- or 16-week courses • Taught by Liberty University professors • Most classes worth 3 or 4 college credits
APOLOGETICS
BIBLICAL STUDIES
BUSINESS
CREATIVE WRITING
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
EDUCATION
HISTORY
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT
MILITARY HISTORY
PARALEGAL STUDIES
PSYCHOLOGY
RELIGION
STEM MATHEMATICS
*Associate degrees are awarded by Liberty University upon completion of high school requirements.
LUOA’s certificate program can also enhance your student’s marketability with employers, and these programs transfer into an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Program Benefits: • Develops program-specific skills • Provides a credentialed certificate • Transfers into a college degree
Preschool
Web Development
International Business
Health Sciences
Project Management
Database
Christian Ministries
Application Development
Business Administration
Information Assurance
Online Certificate Program
Completing one of our online certificates is one of the fastest ways to get the skills your student needs while also helping them work toward their long-term educational goals.
(866) 418-8741 | LibertyOnlineAcademy.com/Dual-Enrollment LUOAinfo@liberty.edu | FACEBOOK spotify @LUOnlineAcademy