Get a head start on your college experience—even before graduating high school!
Thoughtful, motivated high school students can start their college experience early through Penn State Schuylkill's Dual Enrollment programs. Participants will be enrolled officially as Penn State students and earn college credit, preparing themselves academically for their freshman year of college. They'll also enjoy a 50 percent tuition reduction on all Dual Enrollment credits, which can help students graduate from college earlier and pay less tuition overall.
How do I know if Dual Enrollment is right for me?
Penn State Schuylkill's Dual Enrollment programs benefit curious, driven high school students who want to:
- Explore potential majors or careers
- Get a glimpse of life after high school
- Explore subjects not offered in traditional high school classes
- Take on a more rigorous or engaging courseload
- Experience college courses taught by Penn State faculty
- Get a head start on earning college credits that can be applied to a Penn State degree at any campus, or that may be considered for transfer to another institution
Dual Enrollment students become part of the Penn State Schuylkill campus community and have access to university resources including tutoring, academic advising, Penn State libraries, and computer facilities.
Eligibility
High school students who have completed their junior year or are currently in their senior year of high school are eligible for dual enrollment. Exceptions for high school juniors are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please see our How to Apply for Dual Enrollment page for more information.
Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (PACPSL) Compliance Statement
Annually, over 600 high school students schedule college courses from a multitude of disciplines at Penn State campuses. Additional information regarding Penn State's dual enrollment eligibility and registration process can be found on this page.
Per recent changes to the PACPSL, Penn State Schuylkill will continue to provide courses for qualified dual enrolled students,fully compliant with the required background checking requirements listen below.
Faculty who teach classes in which dual enrolled students under the age of eighteen are registered, as well as staff who provide professional or support services, such as advising, counseling, or tutoring and students who serve in peer roles such as advising, mentoring, or tutoring to these students, are required by State law to have the following three clearances: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4-164), Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check (Criminal History Report). Effective January 1, 2016, all individuals (current employees and new hires) interacting with dual enrolled students under the age of eighteen are required to have valid clearances in place.
In order to ensure compliance in all future semesters, Penn State Schuylkill will identify sections of courses that typically enroll the most high school students and can confirm that faculty teaching these courses have completed the required background checks. The course list will be shared with current and future dual enrolled students through their guidance counselors and academic advisers and through print and web information.
In addition, staff and students who provide services such as academic advising, tutoring and mentoring will be required to complete the three required background checks.
Questions regarding Penn State Schuylkill's compliance with PACPSL can be directed to the Office of Enrollment Services at 570-385-6252 for information.