With the cost of college rising over the years, some students are finding a way to get the education for less, and for some that means Collin College with the dual credit permission form now available. 

“The benefits of taking dual credit would be for the student to earn college credit while also earning high school graduation credit for the same class,” Collin College advisor Shawna Chamberlin said. “Students will start a college transcript and have the benefit of earning college credit at a much lower cost than at a University. Dual Credit courses are College Level courses taught by College Professors. Dual Credit courses are 16 week courses, so in order for a student to earn a full year of high school credit, the student will be taking two college courses. The first course will be August through December and the second course January through May.”

For sophomore Gabriella Stiles the opportunity to get a head start on her future is an appeal of dua credit.

“I love the opportunity that they offer to simultaneously receive high school and college credit,” Stiles said. “While the courses are challenging, it allows me a chance to get a head start on my future. Some of the major benefits, in my eyes, are being able to gain college credit ahead of time. Along with that, it is a much more affordable option than the typical price of state colleges like UT, Baylor, and A&M”

There are several steps students need to take before being able to register for classes beginning April 20.

“To start: students need to have attended the Dual Credit Information night hosted by Frisco ISD or watch the recorded presentation on the district’ dual credit website,” Chamberlin said. “Students will need to complete a Collin College application and then speak with their high school counselor about course selections. Once the student speaks with their high school counselor, they should complete the Dual Credit permission form on the Frisco ISD website.”

Completing a dual credit class allows students to earn high school as well as get a head start on college credit.

“I would most definitely encourage others to get a jump start on their future and allow a chance to really challenge themselves intellectually,” Stile said. “However, there are some requirements and restrictions to this program, so it would be beneficial to do your research before making this large commitment.”

For sophomore Madison Gray dual credit offers an opportunity to experience college while in high school.

“I wanted to apply because I heard a lot of good things about dual credit, and I wanted to get college credit without having to take the AP Exam,” Gray said. “I think that the benefits of dual credit are the fact that you can get credit in college without having to take an AP Exam, meet new people outside of LIberty, and get a type of college experience before actually going to college. Yes, I think that while the application process is long, I think it will be worth it in the end since I’ll be getting college credit.”