Earn College Credits in High School

High school juniors and seniors can get a head start on college at Penn State Greater Allegheny through our Dual Enrollment program. Take college courses at discounted tuition rates while still in high school and begin building your college career early.

Who Can Participate

  • High school juniors and seniors who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.

  • Exceptions may be made for students with special circumstances.

  • Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.

How to Apply

  1. Review the list of approved dual enrollment courses for the upcoming semester.

  2. Ask your high school counselor for a copy of your transcript.

  3. Submit the Penn State Nondegree High School Enrollment and Supplemental Form along with your transcript to the Office of Admissions and Student Aid at [email protected]. Be sure to indicate which course(s) you want to take.

Course Load and Grades

  • Seniors can take up to 8 credits per semester, starting the summer before their senior year.

  • Juniors can take one 3- or 4-credit course per semester. Approval is needed for additional courses.

  • Maintain at least a C in each course to stay in the program.

Transferable Credits

Credits earned through Dual Enrollment transfer within the Penn State system and to other colleges, just like regular Penn State courses.

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Participants receive a 50% Penn State grant-in-aid toward tuition costs.

  • A small Student Initiated Fee applies per credit.

  • Some school districts may offer additional funding to help cover costs.

For more information about the Dual Enrollment program, please contact Admissions and Student Aid at [email protected].

 

High School Dual-Enrollment FAQ's

Dual Enrollment lets qualified high school students take college courses at Penn State Greater Allegheny. Students earn college credits while still in high school, and tuition is reduced.

Students should start by contacting their high school guidance counselor or the Penn State Greater Allegheny Admissions Office at 412-675-9010.
To apply, students must:

  1. Complete the Penn State Nondegree High School Enrollment and Supplemental Form.

  2. Submit the forms along with a high school transcript through their school counselor to the Admissions Office.

  • Earn college credits before high school graduation.

  • Potentially shorten time to complete a college degree.

  • Reduce overall tuition costs.

  • Penn State credits transfer to other colleges, giving students flexibility.

Students receive a 50% Penn State grant-in-aid toward tuition. Books and materials are the student’s responsibility. Dual Enrollment students are not eligible for financial aid or loans.

Students may register up to two weeks before a semester starts, depending on availability. Recommended deadlines:

  • Fall: May 31

  • Spring: November 30

  • Summer: April 30

  • Seniors: Up to 8 credits per semester, starting the summer before senior year (max 24 credits total).

  • Juniors: One 3- or 4-credit course per semester. Additional courses require approval.

  • Participation ends after high school graduation.

  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher. Exceptions may be made for exceptional students.

  • Meet all other eligibility criteria outlined in the Dual Enrollment policy.