Dual Enrollment: A Faster Track Towards Success

Dual Enrollment (DE) at Carroll may feel like a sci-fi movie—one where you’re in two places at once: high school and college. By taking DE courses, you can earn college credits while finishing high school, and save money on tuition at the same time!

Why Do Dual Enrollment?

“Taking Dual Enrollment classes is an amazing way to transition safely into college-level coursework, see what it’s like, and build confidence in these courses,” said Candace Edwards, Senior Director of Enrollment Development. “It’s not based solely on a test score, but rather on your overall class performance.”

Dual Enrollment courses allow students to complete some of their General Education core classes before entering college. This can help them graduate earlier or spend more time on a more challenging degree path. For homeschoolers, Dual Enrollment also provides a great way for them to experience a typical classroom setting.

Dual Enrollment courses can also save students money, as these courses are discounted—and sometimes even free for the student! Plus, those who complete six or more college credits with a 3.0 or higher GPA are eligible to receive a $500 Jump Start Award scholarship once they enroll full-time in credit classes at Carroll after graduating high school.

It’s a great way to try out a subject area you may want to pursue in college.

Exploring Dual Enrollment Options

Dual Enrollment classes are open to all eligible students in 11th and 12th grades who are considered “College and Career Ready,” as defined by Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS), and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

There are two types of Dual Enrollment at Carroll:

• CCPS-Funded Dual Enrollment
  Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) will cover tuition, fees, and materials for up to two approved courses per semester (Fall & Spring) for CCPS students.
• Self-Funded Enrollment
  CCPS students can take additional courses, including those not on the approved list or in Winter and Summer semesters, at a 25% discount. This option is also available to private and homeschooled students.

Worried Dual Enrollment might be overwhelming? DE students receive the same support services as regular students at Carroll, such as academic advising and free tutoring, so help is always available when they need it. “Because we’re a very small community college that’s extremely student-centered,” Edwards said, “all decisions are made with impact to students at the forefront.”

How Are Dual Enrollment Classes Offered?

Carroll offers Dual Enrollment courses in-person on its campus as well as online, which helps students be able to fit these classes into their schedule.

Carroll also offers select in-person General Education classes at their high school, giving students the opportunity to complete their Dual Enrollment classes without having to leave their school building. “Students can take college-level core requirements like English 101 and Math right in their high school,” Edwards said. “If they are successful in the class, they earn both high school and college-level credit.”

DE students don’t just gain credit—they also gain confidence, often feeling more prepared for higher ed because they’ve experienced genuine college coursework earlier. Many credits earned through DE will transfer to four-year colleges as well, helping students stay on track for their degree.

Interested? Explore Carroll’s Dual Enrollment program and take a smarter, faster path to your future!