The Dual Credit program at Kishwaukee College allows qualified high school students the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses for which the student receives both high school and college credit upon successful completion of the course.
Dual Credit:
- Provides access to affordable higher education
- Decreases the amount of time to earn a college degree or vocational certificate
- Reduces the cost of college
Please discuss this valuable opportunity with the high school guidance counselor.
Dual Credit courses are an important link in the transition from high school education to the college experience and create a smooth transition to postsecondary education.
Types of Dual Credit:
1. General Education (Academic Transfer)
Academic Transfer courses are offered on the high school campus and can be applied towards an associate degree or certificate program at Kishwaukee College or transferred to a four-year university or college (students should check with the university/college to which they plan to transfer for course compatibility). Students currently pay a $50 registration fee to Kishwaukee College for Dual Credit courses taught on high school campuses by high school instructors.
2. Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC)
KEC classes are offered in partnership with five area high schools: DeKalb High School, Genoa-Kingston High School, Hiawatha High School, Rochelle Township High School and Sycamore High School. Students register at their high school and apply to Kishwaukee College in the spring for career classes that begin the following fall term. These courses prepare students to pursue an occupational pathway, which may not require preparation beyond a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree to enter the workforce. These courses are offered at no cost to the student. Students enrolling in KEC Dual Credit courses must have a high school minimum GPA of 2.5 and display sufficient emotional maturity and study habits to benefit from the program.
3. Occupational Programs (High Schools or Technical Centers)
Occupational courses are offered at several high school and secondary education technical centers and can be applied towards a certificate or Associate in Applied Science degree. Students currently pay a $50 registration fee for Dual Credit courses taught on high school campuses.
4. On-Campus or Online Course Options/Dual Enrollment
With the permission of the student’s high school, a qualifying student may elect to take college classes through Kishwaukee College. Dual Credit status is determined by the high school. Students must meet all college requirements for the class, have parent/guardian permission and pay full tuition for those classes.
Eligibility for Dual Credit
High School students enrolling in Dual Credit classes must satisfy the same prerequisites as Kishwaukee students. A prerequisite is a requirement (such as a placement test score or a completed course), the student must meet before registering for a course. This requirement ensures that all students in the program have the same qualifications and preparation to perform college-level work.
State Laws and Regulations
To ensure the academic integrity of college-level courses offered by Illinois Community College, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has adopted Administrative Rules pertaining to dual credit (ICCB Rule Section 1501.313). Kishwaukee College endorses these rules and adheres to their intent.
All state laws, ICCB regulations, accreditation standards specified by the Higher Learning Commission and local college policies apply to college level courses offered by the college for dual credit. These policies, regulations, instructional procedures, and academic standards apply to students, faculty, and staff associated with these courses.
The Dual Credit Quality Act (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3117&ChapterID=18) requires the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to develop policies regarding dual credit.
The Dual Credit Quality Act was enacted to accomplish the following:
- Reduce college costs.
- Speed time to degree completion.
- Improve the curriculum for high school students and the alignment of the curriculum with college and workplace expectations.
- Facilitate the transition between high school and college.
- Enhance communication between high schools and colleges.
- Offer opportunities for improving degree attainment for underserved student populations. (Source: P.A. 96-194, eff. 1-1-10)
For more information on Dual Credit, please contact your high school counselor.
Articulated Credit
Kishwaukee College awards college credit toward applied degrees and/or certificates at Kish in several programs. This credit will be granted to students who have successfully completed the approved coursework through a variety of career centers and high schools. Students receiving this credit must meet the conditions of articulation. Please discuss this opportunity with your high school guidance counselor.
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