Dual enrollment frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about ASU’s dual enrollment programs, designed to make higher education accessible and earning college credit for every high school student.
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About
Every school or organization can now offer dual enrollment credits to their students through Accelerate ASU. Our program provides unmatched flexibility, allowing schools to implement dual or concurrent enrollment using their existing faculty and support staff. Please note that dual enrollment policies may vary by district or state—be sure to consult your local or state education authority for the most current guidance.
Accelerate ASU courses and certificates give students the opportunity to earn college credits in high school that can be applied toward a degree program. They also provide valuable career exploration in key industries, helping students discover their interests before choosing a major. By following a structured academic pathway, students gain foundational skills that prepare them for college-level coursework. Plus, earning college credit early can lead to cost savings, reducing the time and expense of a future degree.
Accelerate ASU offers a high-quality, flexible approach to dual enrollment that helps schools expand access and impact without adding administrative burdens. Our program utilizes Universal Learner Courses, which provide unique advantages over traditional dual enrollment models:
• No faculty credentialing barriers – Schools can offer college courses without the challenge of securing credentialed instructors, enabling broader access to dual enrollment.
• Flexible course delivery – With online, asynchronous and structured course options, schools can customize dual enrollment to fit their students’ needs.
• Seamless integration – Accelerate ASU certificates align with degree and career pathways, making it easier for schools to structure intentional dual enrollment programs that support student success.
• Scalable and sustainable – Schools can expand dual enrollment opportunities without straining existing faculty, resources or budgets.
Dual enrollment opportunities for high school students are typically offered through partnerships with local community colleges or through programs like AP and IB. These programs enable students to earn college credit in high school, with courses often taught by credentialed high school instructors, either in the high school or at a local college. It’s important to note that AP and IB credit is awarded based on exam performance and is not guaranteed simply by completing the course. In contrast, Accelerate ASU’s dual enrollment program allows students to earn college credit in high school by passing their course with a grade of C or better. Students have the flexibility to decide when a passing course is added to their official ASU transcript, ensuring they are guaranteed credit without the risk of negatively impacting their future college GPA.
There is no age requirement to enroll in Accelerate ASU courses. Students of any age, including middle and high school students, can participate as long as they have an internet connection and a valid ID (or a birth certificate if under 18) to verify their identity for credit eligibility.
Accelerate ASU is open to all students who want an opportunity to earn college credit, regardless of their academic history, in a risk free academic environment. There are no placement tests or prerequisite requirements to enroll in courses. Every student has the opportunity to try and complete a course in a supportive, risk-free environment. This approach promotes greater equity in access to dual enrollment, ensuring all students—regardless of their background—have the chance to earn college credit.
Accelerate ASU offers multiple pathways to meet your students’ needs. ASU can work with your organization to enhance a dual enrollment program or start one.
Accelerate ASU partners with both schools and organizations to provide dual enrollment opportunities to students worldwide. However, pathways leading to certificates or associate degrees can only be offered by schools, and only U.S. schools can provide an Associate of Arts (AA) degree pathway through ASU. Organizations can still support students in earning individual college credits through Accelerate ASU courses.
Yes! Accelerate ASU partners with international schools and organizations to provide dual enrollment opportunities, including college courses, structured pathways, and ASU certificates. Tuition rates remain the same for international students, making college credit just as accessible worldwide. The only limitation is that the Associate of Arts (AA) degree pathway is only available to U.S. schools. Please note that all course content is delivered in English.
Accelerate ASU provides resources for teachers and staff, including an assigned partner manager who can offer support, onboarding guides, course syllabi and course facilitation guides through the Partner Portal. A data dashboard and various reports are available to partners with FERPA-level access including student registration data, course enrollments and grades, and more in the Partner Portal.
Verify that your school’s technology meets the technical requirements for Universal Learner Courses. ASU recommends PCs or Macs for all college courses. While many of our courses can be completed on a Chromebook, several courses will require a PC or Mac. iPads are not recommended and courses are not compatible with cell phones. Schools need to verify that their technology security settings allow for the viewing of content delivered through an Accelerate ASU course and that students are able to receive emails from an ASU email address. We recommend working with your IT department to ensure that all necessary websites and ASU communications are accessible. Course-specific technology requirements can be found in the course syllabi.
No, all required course materials are provided when the course opens—there’s no need to order textbooks or additional resources. However, if your school is providing technology for students, please ensure that it meets course requirements, security settings and website access permissions for a smooth learning experience.
Accelerate ASU provides comprehensive support to partners, including resources for administrators, teachers, and staff. Each partner is supported by a dedicated partner support team, including a Partner Manager who offers personalized guidance. Partners receive access to onboarding guides, course syllabi, and course facilitation materials — all available through our Partner Portal. Additionally, partners have access to a data dashboard and FERPA-compliant reports, which provide real-time insights into student registration, course enrollments, grades, and more — all accessible within the Partner Portal.
Yes. Academic support is built into the Accelerate ASU experience, with resources available to help students succeed in their college-level courses. Support may vary slightly by course, but often includes access to discussion forums, tutoring services, instructor office hours, and supplemental learning tools. For more details, connect with an Accelerate ASU expert.
Courses
Schools can browse Universal Learner Courses and review the syllabus for each course.
Accelerate ASU provides access to over 70 Universal Learner Courses, designed and taught by ASU faculty. These courses align with high school graduation requirements and college general education pathways, allowing students to earn transferable college credits while progressing toward a degree.
Schools and organizations can curate a selection of courses that fit their students’ needs or offer the full catalog. With a continually expanding course list, including options that fulfill general studies requirements and common prerequisites, Accelerate ASU integrates seamlessly into existing dual enrollment programs, empowering students to explore academic and career pathways.
Universal Learner Courses offered through Accelerate ASU deliver a rigorous college course experience designed to serve diverse student audiences in partnership with schools and organizations. Each course is evaluated and developed by ASU faculty to reflect the same learning objectives, outcomes, and academic standards as those taught on campus. These courses are intentionally structured to uphold university-level expectations while supporting high school learners through accessible, flexible delivery.
Schools and organizations can enroll students in on-demand courses for maximum flexibility or in structured 8 or 16 week sessions with set start dates. These options allow schools and organizations to tailor college credit to fit within their academic calendar.
On-demand (previously called self-paced) is a course you can start at any time that can be completed at your own pace. You must spend a minimum of six weeks enrolled in the course and have one year to complete it. On-demand courses do not have assignment due dates built into the course. Session-based (previously called instructor-led) is a course with a specific start date and the structure of a cohort with other students and due dates. Session based courses are offered in either 8 or 16 week options.
We recommend on-demand courses to allow for flexibility with pacing and scheduling to meet the needs of your school. Session-based courses are recommended when students are comfortable moving at a faster pace and won’t be overwhelmed with the pacing of the content. Session-based courses follow the ASU academic calendar.
Study Hall courses provide the same content as Universal Learner Courses, but there is a key difference for partners. Students who take Study Hall courses cannot be tracked in the partner portal, meaning schools and organizations won’t have access to enrollment, progress or completion data. Universal Learner Courses allow partners to monitor student progress and ensure better support throughout the course.
According to the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), each college credit hour equates to approximately 45 hours of total study and coursework. For a standard 3-credit course, that equals about 135 total hours.
Estimated weekly time commitment:
• 8-week course: ~18 hours per week
• 16-week course: ~9 hours per week
Time expectations may vary based on course design. While some courses follow a session-based format, others are offered on-demand, allowing students to work at their own pace with more flexibility.
College credit
Dual enrollment courses offered through Accelerate ASU appear just like courses taken by admitted ASU students — online or on campus — and carry full university credit. However, how these courses impact a student’s high school GPA can vary by district.
Schools should consult their district’s dual or concurrent enrollment guidelines to determine whether these courses are weighted, how they appear on transcripts, and how they factor into GPA calculations.
Credits earned through ASU are widely transferable and reflect the rigor of one of the nation’s largest research universities.
Yes! However, on-demand courses cannot be retaken in the same school year. Students at your school or organization may take the course the next time it is offered in a session-based format or wait until a new version of the on-demand course opens at the beginning of every academic year on the first day of class in August. Students also cannot retake a course that they have converted for credit.
Arizona State University courses are widely transferable to a majority of institutions. Please check with your transferring institution on credit transfer guidelines as well as degree applicability.
ASU Certificates
It’s easy! Simply begin by having your students complete the courses listed on the specific certification program page. Once students successfully complete all the courses required for a given certificate, they will receive an email containing their certificate.
Certificate programs consist of 3-6 courses and average completion time of each course is 8 weeks. Programs usually offer 1-2 courses per academic year, alongside other high school classes. Accelerate ASU offers partners the flexibility to design their pathway to meet the needs of their students.
The certificates provide your students with college credits that can count towards a degree program and are widely transferable to other colleges across the country. Students have the ability to explore interests before attending college, which helps them narrow down majors and can make college more affordable.
While both certificates benefit your students, industry-recognized ASU certificates provide more focused career skills and Accelerate ASU certificates give students a foundation so students can explore a particular subject area.
Yes! The credits earned through these certificates are widely transferable to ASU and many other colleges and universities. Schools should work with their higher education partners to confirm specific transfer pathways.
No, courses taken during high school do not count toward credit-to-enroll programs. However, it is a great way to get a credential that you can put on your resume while on your way to pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
No, there is no minimum GPA requirement for certificates. However, if a student is using these courses to earn admission to ASU, you must pass each course with a C or better and have at least a 2.75 GPA to earn a certificate.
Accelerate ASU certificates are designed for seamless integration into your school’s dual enrollment program. Schools can enroll students in these certificate courses just as they would with other dual enrollment offerings. Our team will guide you through the process, from selecting certificate pathways to integrating courses seamlessly into your existing offerings. Contact an Accelerate ASU dual enrollment expert to set up certificate pathways for your school.
Degree programs
Earned Admission is a program that allows students to apply to ASU after completing Universal Learner Courses. Earned Admission is only available for students who have earned their high school diploma or GED and may be a great option to students at your school that graduated recently. To learn more about Earned Admission, please visit ea.asu.edu.
Accelerate ASU provides Universal Learner Courses that meet general education requirements to satisfy common coursework across a wide variety of degrees. ASU certificates are another way to provide courses to students that align with specific industries and degree programs.
Credits earned through Accelerate ASU in high school do not count toward Earned Admission, ASU’s admission pathway for post-high school students. However, high school students can still apply to ASU through the standard undergraduate admissions process. While Accelerate ASU courses help students earn college credit and prepare for university-level coursework, they do not guarantee admission to ASU. Students who complete dual enrollment coursework will apply to ASU as first-time freshmen rather than transfer or Earned Admission students.
At ASU, a transfer student is someone who has completed 12 or more transferable college credits after high school graduation. Students who take college courses while still in high school are considered first-year students, not transfer students, regardless of the number of credits earned.
Pricing
There are no fees to establish a partnership with Accelerate ASU. Schools and organizations can decide which costs to cover for their students and only pay when a student enrolls in a course or chooses to transcript their credit. students can start a course for $25, with no application or transcript required, and if satisfied with their final grade, they can transcript their earned credit for $400 per course. Partner schools and organizations also have the option to cover course costs upfront at a discounted rate, creating a more seamless and affordable experience. Connect with an Accelerate ASU partner manager to explore pricing options for your school or organization.
No. There are no hidden course fees, textbook costs, or partnership fees. All required materials — including textbooks and software — are provided within Canvas at no additional cost.
Schools and organizations only pay if they choose to cover learner costs. Otherwise, learners are responsible for enrollment and transcript fees. The only additional charge is a $15 transcript fee if a student requests an official transcript from ASU.
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