Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit FAQ

What is Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit?

The purpose of this program is to provide the opportunity for advanced high school students to earn college credit prior to graduation from high school. 

A Dual Enrolled Student is a student who is enrolled in a community college or state institution of higher learning while enrolled in high school.  The student receives only postsecondary credit for coursework. Upon completion of each Dual Enrollment course, the student will receive the appropriate number of college credits (college credit is reserved until after high-school graduation) as listed in the Holmes Community College Bulletin. 

A Dual Credit Student is a student who is enrolled in a community or state institution of higher learning while enrolled in high school and who is receiving both high school credit and college credit for postsecondary coursework.  The student receives credit for coursework regardless of the course location (high school campus, postsecondary campus, or online). One three-hour postsecondary course is equal to one high school Carnegie unit. Four-hour postsecondary lab science course(s), either in a four-hour combined format or three-hour lecture plus one-hour matching lab format, is equal to one high school Carnegie unit. Upon completion of each Dual Credit course, the student will receive the appropriate number of college credits (college credit is reserved until after high-school graduation) as listed in the Holmes Community College Bulletin and will receive credit that will also be applied to meet high school graduation requirements as verified by the high school principal. 

What are some of the benefits?

• Enriches the opportunities for outstanding high school students
• Provides opportunities for advanced high school students to earn college credit prior to graduation from high school
• Provides students with college credit that is transferable to a college or university
• Eases the transition from high school to college by exposing students to the expectations and rigors of postsecondary education
• Motivates students to follow through to a postsecondary education as they become familiar with college responsibilities
• Allows students to use the college library, labs, and other facilities and equipment

What are the eligibility requirements?

1. Academic Requirements:
   • Must have junior status or higher OR ACT composite of 30.
   • Must have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
   • Must submit unconditional recommendation in the college’s approved format.
2. Career-Technical Requirements:
   • Must have sophomore status or higher.
   • Must have a minimum overall 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
   • Must submit unconditional recommendation in the college’s approved format.

Where may courses be taken?

Courses may be taken on Holmes Community College campuses, at the high school locations, or online through our Advanced College Enrollment (ACE) Program that is provided through the Holmes eLearning Division. 

Who is responsible for payment?

• The student or parents/legal guardians of the participating student are responsible for the tuition charges and other costs for the college course.
  • Federal Financial Aid (including Pell) not available.
  • State Grants (including MTAG and MESG) not available.
  • Possible funds may be available through:
    • High School Districts/Grants/Scholarships
    • Sumner Grant (Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, and Webster)
    • Coming Soon – Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program
      • 2023 Senate Bill 2487 signed by Governor 04/19/2023
      • Eligible students provided funding for up to six (6) hours credit
      • Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid will set application process and distribute funds

What courses are available?

• Courses for which a student qualifies (refer to placement table). Consideration should be given to potential academic or career technical pathway.
• Dual credit approved courses (list available through Mississippi Dual Enrollment & Accelerated Programs Manual).

What is the application process?

• The student must complete the Holmes Community College Enroll Now process and Orientation. ACT or placement tests may be required for certain courses.
• The student shall request that the high school principal send an official copy of his/her high school transcript to the Admissions and Records Office at Holmes Community College at least 10 days before the beginning of the enrollment period. A home-schooled student must submit a transcript prepared by a parent, guardian, or custodian with a signed, sworn affidavit. 
• The principal or counselor of the high school must submit an unconditional recommendation supporting the student’s enrollment in the program. The unconditional recommendation should verify that the student is academically advanced and has the maturity and self-discipline required to benefit from this type of program.  A home-schooled student must submit a parent’s, legal guardian’s, or custodian’s written recommendation in the college’s approved format. 
• The principal or counselor of the high school provides the registration information to the college for students who are taking courses offered at the high school locations. 
• The student taking courses outside their high school locations should request to be advised through Enroll Now and should register through the My Holmes student portal.