What is the Dual Enrollment College-in-High School program?

Dual Enrollment enables qualified high school students to take college courses at a reduced rate of tuition and earn college credits while still in high school.

How does a high school student enroll in Penn State Greater Allegheny's Dual Enrollment program?

The first step that an interested student should take is to contact their high school guidance counselor to discuss Dual Enrollment at Penn State Greater Allegheny. Students can also contact the Penn State Greater Allegheny Admissions Office at 412-675-9010. Students must complete the Dual Enrollment Registration Form. This form includes consent signatures from the student and parent. Ideally, the student and parent would complete the form together and submit it to the high school counseling office. The school counselor typically faxes the form, along with a copy of the student's high school transcript, to the Penn State Greater Allegheny Admissions Office at 412-675-9010.

What are the benefits of enrolling in Dual Enrollment?

The primary benefit of Dual Enrollment is the ability for students to earn college credits prior to graduating from high school. Beginning college with existing college credits may allow a student to graduate sooner, save money, and/or avoid taking summer classes. Because Penn State credits are highly valued by other institutions, they also can be easily transferred to other colleges and universities.

What is the reduced tuition rate for Dual Enrollment?

Participants in the Dual Enrollment program will receive a grant-in-aid equal to a minimum of 50 percent of the current cost of tuition. In addition, students are responsible for the cost of books, which varies according to the class in which the student is enrolled. Dual Enrollment students do not receive financial aid and are not eligible for loans.

How soon may I register for a class before the semester begins?

If there's room in the class, students may enroll in a course up to two weeks before a semester begins. Penn State Greater Allegheny recommends that students interested in a fall semester course enroll by May 31, a spring semester course by November 30, and a summer semester course by April 30.

How many classes can a high school student take?

According to the Penn State University Faculty Senate policy, a high school senior may enroll in up to eight credits per semester, beginning in the summer semester prior to the senior year, for a maximum of 24 credits. High school juniors may enroll in one 3- or 4-credit course in the fall and spring semesters of the junior year. Once a student graduates from high school, he or she is not eligible to participate in the program.

How does a high school student qualify for the Dual Enrollment program?

Students who have completed their junior year or are currently in their senior year are eligible for dual enrollment.  Exceptions for current high school juniors to participate in dual enrollment are made on a case-by-case basis.    

To be considered for the program, submit the following documents: 

  • Dual Enrollment Registration Form 
  • A current, official high school transcript, provided by your school 
  • A current standardized test score from one of the following:  SAT, ACT, PSAT, or Keystone  
  • A letter of recommendation from your guidance counselor.