Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

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Dual Credit

Dual credit programs are cost-effective ways for students to earn college credit while in high school, and studies show they increase college enrollment, on-time graduation, and help expose students to career possibilities.

Kentucky's 2030 Dual Credit Attainment Goal

The first of its kind nationally, Kentucky’s Dual Credit Attainment Goal emphasizes the importance of access to dual credit for all underserved populations. It creates expectations for the level of dual credit access students should have, sets aspirational participation and success levels for Kentucky, and sets aspirational participation and success levels for specific populations of students.

50% of Kentucky high school students should graduate high school having completed at least one dual credit course with a qualifying grade of a C or higher.

Dual Credit Defined

A dual credit course allows a student to earn high school credit and college credit simultaneously. This course may be taught on a college campus or at a high school, but it will be associated with a college or university.

To qualify for the program, courses must comply with KRS 158.007(8) which defines dual credit as

"...a college-level course of study developed in accordance with KRS 164.098 in which a high school student receives credit from both the high school and postsecondary institution in which the student is enrolled upon completion of a single class or designated program of study."

To learn which Kentucky colleges offer dual credit courses in high schools, visit KHEAA's website.

Dual Credit Differentiators

These courses differ from standard dual credit courses:

Dual Credit Admissions

To participate in a dual credit program, high school students must have an unweighted, cumulative high school GPA of 2.5. Once admitted, they must meet the college's minimum GPA requirement to remain enrolled. To take in dual credit courses, they must meet a course's prerequisites, if any.

Dual Credit Courses Transfer

As set in the dual credit policy, Kentucky's colleges and universities must recognize courses that meet general education requirements set in the transfer policy. Career and technical courses must meet certain learning outcomes and program requirements in order to transfer. For more information, consult the Council's dual credit policy.

Guiding Policy

Why Dual Credit Is a Priority

Studies show that dual credit programs increase the chances of college enrollment, on-time graduation, as well as reducing college costs. Dual credit programs also expose students to many career possibilities prior to college, helping refine major and degree program selection.

The Council's Data Studies

The Council conducts research on dual credit regularly. Our studies show that dual credit experiences are a good predictor of academic success in college, among other advantages. However, outcomes vary based on race, gender and income.

Our Research

Our Interactive Data

The Council's Role

The Council, with other education and legislative leadership, coordinates the statewide Dual Credit Advisory Council, which promotes best practices and monitors each program's quality, growth and success.

Also, the Council works with other education and community partners to provide training programs for teachers and school leadership. These programs help prepare K-12 teachers for the offering and teaching of dual credit courses.

Guiding and Related Legislation

Dual Credit Scholarship

Dual credit courses are a great way for students to save on college tuition, especially when utilizing dual credit scholarships, which are available to juniors and seniors in Kentucky public or private high schools or are participating in comparable home school programs.

Kentucky's Dual Credit Scholarship Program allows Kentucky students to take up to two eligible courses for free. Scholarships are administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. More information can be found on their website.

Guiding Legislation

For more information

For more information about implementation of dual credit programs on Kentucky's public campuses, use the contacts listed below.

Last Updated: 4/12/2024