Getting a Head Start with Dual Credit

In 1994, Lone Star College partnered with Aldine Independent School District to offer Dual Credit courses to high school students. Forty students took part in the inaugural class and today more than 20,000 students take advantage of getting an early start on college each year. In addition, LSC works with local independent school districts to offer Early College High Schools which are open-enrollment high schools that allow students least likely to attend college an opportunity to receive both a high school diploma and either an associate degree or at least 60 credit hours toward a baccalaureate degree.

“I was a Dual Credit student, so I honestly believe Dual Credit is very important for the student,” said Miriam Saldívar, LSCS Board of Trustees Chair. “I was able to go to high school and take a couple of college classes which helped me to graduate early.”

It’s not just academic courses available to dual credit students. LSC has partnered with several ISDs to offer Workforce Dual Credit programs which are designed to allow high school students to enroll in LSC credit workforce programs and receive high school credit for career and technical classes while also working towards obtaining an Associate of Applied Science degree.  

“The first day that I walked onto the Lone Star College-Kingwood campus was the day I enrolled in Dual Credit classes,” said Salenah Cartier, LSC graduate. “I was 14 years old, and it was an amazing experience. I gained a new sense of independence and personal growth.” At age 17, Cartier had already earned degrees from both Lone Star College and University of Houston. 

Tuition costs for LSC Dual Credit students are waived (not including fees and textbooks), making them a tremendous value for high school students ready for college-level instruction.