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Earn college credit while still in high schoolDual Enrollment

You’ll be introduced to the college environment, where you can explore majors and earn credit toward your Bachelor of Science degree

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By earning dual-enrollment credit, you won’t just be preparing for college. You’ll also be getting a head start on your academic and career goals.

Earning college credit in high school allows the opportunity to create a more flexible schedule as a college student. This will allow more time for other academic or extracurricular interests. Dual enrollment also helps students reduce future college costs by earning college credits at a discounted per-credit rate now.

Traditional Dual Enrollment

Students may enroll in courses at Harrisburg University to earn college credit while still in high school. This program introduces students to the college environment, where they can explore majors and get a head start on a Bachelor of Science degree.

College in the High School (CiHS)

CiHS allows students to enroll in courses at the University to earn college credit while still in high school providing students the opportunity to be introduced to the college environment, explore majors, and get a head start on a Bachelor of Science degree.

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Dual Enrollment FAQs

Who is eligible to take dual enrollment courses?

At Harrisburg University, high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for dual enrollment. We welcome dual-enrolled students from public, private, charter, homeschooled and cyber schools.

Where are dual enrollment classes held?

Harrisburg University offers several options for dual-enrollment courses:

Traditional classroom courses at Harrisburg University campus, located in downtown Harrisburg, Pa. during the academic year
Courses offered at select high schools during the academic year
Online courses (limited number)

How much does traditional dual enrollment cost?

For Traditional Dual Enrollment on campus the cost is $200.00 per credit. There are no additional fees.

How many credits can traditional dual enrollment students take?

For traditional dual enrollment, students may take up to 11 credits per semester or 23 credits in a year.

What’s the difference between an AP class and dual enrollment?

Advanced Placement (AP) students prepare for college by experiencing college-level coursework taught by high school faculty. Students may receive college credit for the course if they score high enough on the AP exam. Dual-enrolled high school students are taught by university professors and earn college credits the same way a college student would, by taking and passing a college course.

Is Harrisburg University course credit transferable to other colleges?

Yes, Harrisburg University is an accredited university, so its courses transfer to other institutions. Depending on the college and the course of study, a Harrisburg University course may transfer as a general education course, a major requirement or an elective. If a student earns a C or higher, the course should transfer.

Does dual enrollment guarantee me admission to HU?

It depends; if you successfully pass and receive credit for a dual enrollment course from the university AND satisfy our minimum cumulative GPA requirement (2.75 upon graduation), you will be admitted to Harrisburg University.

Dual Enrollment Policies

A dual enrolled student may enroll in as many courses as their school district and their parent approves.
Only 11 semester hours (credits) may be taken at the agreed upon dual enrollment discounted price.
Semester hours greater than 11 will be charged at the prevailing semester hour rate.
A laptop computer is required for the program of study and the student must obtain any required textbooks and supplies, if any, prior to the start of the semester.
A Parent Consent Form must be signed by the student and a parent/guardian, which provides various required releases.
A student desiring to enroll in 12 or more semester hours will be billed at the existing undergraduate semester hour rate.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment programs were found to have positive effects on students in the following domains.

Degree attainment (college) – dual-enrolled students are more likely to complete a college degree
College access and enrollment – dual-enrolled students are more likely to enroll in a postsecondary institution
Credit accumulation – dual-enrolled students are more likely to return to college for their second year
Completing high school – dual-enrolled students are more likely to graduate from high school on time
Academic achievement (high school) – dual-enrolled students are more likely to pass end of courses exams

All of the above factors lead educators to conclude that dual-enrolled students are more likely to be successful college students.

Note – U. S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse. (2017, February). Transition to College intervention report: Dual Enrollment Programs. Retrieved from http://whatworks.ed.gov

Apply for Traditional Dual Enrollment

To apply, you’ll need to:

Submit an official high school transcript showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
Successfully complete any placement exams administered by the University
If your native language is not English, submit TOFEL or IELTS scores

Apply for Dual Enrollment

Get More Information

Harrisburg University Dual Enrollment – Harrisburg Campus
Contact Shani Schalles, Associate Director of CiHS Development by calling 717-901-5100, ext 1740, or emailing SSchalles@harrisburgu.edu.

Harrisburg University Dual Enrollment – Philadelphia Location
Contact Brett Vance, Associate Director of Secondary School Services, Programs and Partnerships, by calling 717-901-5100, ext 1684, or emailing BVance@HarrisburgU.edu.

For General Questions About The Dual Enrollment Program
Contact DualEnrollment@HarrisburgU.edu.

College in the High School Program
Contact Alex Gibson agibson1@harrisburgu.edu.

For Questions About Registration or Transcripts – Registrar’s Office
Contact RegHelp@HarrisburgU.edu.

More to Explore

Early College Program

Eligible high school students can attend Harrisburg University full-time through our early college program.

Enrichment Programs

Eligible students can attend virtual STEM Exploration Programs and Certificate/Credit Bearing Programs.