About Dual Enrollment
Are you still in high school, but looking to get ahead? Start your college education early at CCAC!
The CCAC Dual Enrollment Program allows teenagers to take college-level classes while they're in high school. Students gain valuable college experience - and earn valuable college credits - before they even finish their high school diploma.
Credits earned through Dual Enrollment can be used to earn a CCAC certificate or degree. Students can also transfer credits to a four-year institution to continue their education elsewhere.
Why Start College at CCAC?
- Accessible: As an open enrollment institution, CCAC does not require entrance examinations - and there is no fee to apply.
- Transferrable: CCAC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, so our credits transfer to hundreds of colleges and universities across the country.
- Affordable: CCAC offers high-quality courses at a fraction of the tuition of other colleges and universities. No matter where students complete their college education, they can save thousands of dollars by starting at CCAC.
- Convenient: CCAC has four campuses and three centers across Allegheny County, plus a Virtual Campus for online learning.
- Meaningful: By completing introductory classes before your freshman year, you can free up your schedule during college. Then you can use the extra time to minor in another subject, pursue extracurricular activities, find a part-time job, or graduate early.
What Options Are Available?
This is the most flexible option, suitable for self-directed high schoolers. Students meet one-on-one with one of CCAC's academic advisors to select courses that match their individual interests and goals.
CCAC's University Academy is ideal for high schoolers who are preparing to pursue a degree. The program provides a two-year pathway to complete the college courses that are foundational for most degree programs, enabling students to transfer smoothly to a wide range of colleges and universities.
This program allows high schoolers in Allegheny County to study one of three professional tracks: Accounting, Business or Computer Information Technology. Students may take just a few classes, or complete an entire college certificate. These certificates provide an excellent foundation for students to either continue their education or join the workforce directly.
The BNY Mellon Early College Program is completely free to eligible students in Allegheny County! All tuition, fees and books are funded by a generous grant from the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Who is Eligible?
Dual Enrollment is open to high schoolers in 11th and 12th grade (or the home-school equivalent).
Students who are not yet in 11th grade may also apply if they provide a written recommendation letter from a school counselor, teacher or principal. These students also need to take all three placement exams regardless of what course(s) the student wants to enroll. This will be reviewed by a committee of CCAC representatives, who will recommend an admission decision.
Enrollment Steps
This is the application process for standard Dual Enrollment. To learn more about applying to the University Academy or BNY Mellon Early College Program, please visit their webpages.
Complete Your Admissions Application
As a dual enrollment student to CCAC, the first step to enrolling is easy! Simply complete the admissions application.
Complete the Dual Enrollment Parent/Guardian Authorization Form
The second step is to complete and submit the CCAC Dual Enrollment Parent/Guardian Authorization Form.
Send your transcript to CCAC
If you graduated from high school within the last five years and had an overall graduating GPA of 2.7 or higher, email your last semester/final high school transcript to dualenrollment@ccac.edu.
Another college? Send your official transcript from each college you attended to transcripts@ccac.edu.
Note to Seniors in high school: Have your transcript sent ONLY after the first two grading periods or first semester of your senior year. Any transcript sent without those grades and GPA on it cannot be used for placement test exemptions.
Prepare for Placement Tests
As a new student, you may need to take several placement tests before you register for classes.
These tests are not an entrance exam. They simply help you choose the right classes so you can succeed in college.
These tests are offered online, so you can take them anytime, anywhere.
Our Placement Testing page includes information about exemptions and accommodations, registration links, and additional resources.
Note to Seniors in high school: Have your transcript sent ONLY after the first two grading periods or first semester of your senior year. Any transcript sent without those grades and GPA on it cannot be used for placement test exemptions.
VISIT THE VIRTUAL REGISTRATION WELCOME CENTER
- To ensure the information that we have for you is on file, check in with the Registration Welcome Center to initiate or reactivate your academic record. Please have your Photo ID and proof of permanent residence with you when you join the Welcome Center.
- Once connected, you will join the waiting room and be invited in to work with a Registration staff member as soon as one becomes available.
Meet with an Academic Advisor
Meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss your course plan and courses to take.
If you have any questions or need help, please contact us for assistance.
*Please note if you choose to take dual enrollment courses in future semesters you do not need to reapply.
Meet the Director of Dual Enrollment