Info for Students & Families: Dual Credit Programs

Dual Credit Programs

Information to Share With Students & Families

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) sends regular messages to our partners and stakeholders with resources and information about college planning, financial aid, and more. Please consider sharing this with students and families in your community.

Student & Family Messaging

Get a Head Start on College by Earning Dual Credit

Dual credit programs give students the opportunity to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Students who earn college credit are more likely to graduate high school, enroll in college, and complete college degrees.  

Each dual credit program is a little different, but there are three main types: 

  • Credit by passing a college course: College in the High School provides college courses that are taught at the high school, by high school teachers, with college curriculum, college textbooks, and oversight by college faculty and staff. Running Start students enroll in courses taught on-campus at Washington’s community and technical colleges and at select four-year colleges. 

  • Credit by exam: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and  Cambridge International typically offer credit through standardized exams. During COVID-19, in-person testing has been suspended, but students can still earn exam scores from home. 

  • Credit by articulation: Students can earn credit through some career and technical education (CTE) courses with CTE Dual Credit.

Not all programs are available at all high schools. Talk to your counselor for more information. 

Related Resources

The Washington Dual Credit Summit is hosting a series of free webinars to share information and best practices for equitably expanding dual credit programs. Register now—webinars take place each Wednesday through November 18 from noon to 1pm. Clock hours are available.

CHA Washington