Dual Credit is a partnership between Lake Land College and district high schools that provides students the opportunity to earn college credit prior to high school graduation. Dual credit courses are offered in the convenience of the high school classroom during the regular high school day. In addition to the convenience of gaining college credit during their regular school day, dual credit students experience the benefits of time savings, reduced college costs, college preparation, and early Lake Land College registration.

Currently, the Lake Land College Dual Credit program serves more than 1,500 students annually in 27 high schools. More than 80 dual credit courses are offered, including both transfer-level and career and technical courses. Course offerings are dependent on each high school’s number of qualified instructors.

Differences Between Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment/AP Credit

• Dual Credit: college course taught by a high school instructor in a high school classroom with no tuition costs (only a dual credit fee)
• Dual Enrollment: college course taught by a Lake Land College instructor in a nontraditional timeframe/location (online, on campus, at an extension center, during Zero Hour, etc.) with traditional tuition and fees being charged.  Additional Dual Enrollment opportunities are available at some partner high schools via the Dual Credit Program and offer a reduced rate.
• AP Credit: high school course taught by a high school instructor in a high school classroom where students must pay and pass an end-of-the-year exam by the College Board (not Lake Land College)

Student Requirements

• Must have a high school and Lake Land College GPA of 2.0 or ‘C’ average
• Must complete a Dual Credit Intent to Enroll

• Must submit ACT/SAT or Accuplacer scores to the Lake Land College Admissions and Records office and meet the minimum score cutoffs if enrolling in math and/or English courses
• Are responsible for any bills they acquire by registering for dual credit courses

Program Accreditation

The Dual Credit Program is regulated by the Illinois Community College Board, the Dual Credit Quality Act, the Higher Learning Commission and Lake Land College Board Policy. High school instructors are approved by Lake Land College division chairs and courses are regularly evaluated.

Cost

Students do not pay tuition for dual credit courses, resulting in significant savings toward college expenses. There is a fee associated with dual credit courses.

For 2019-20, dual credit courses have a dual credit fee of $18.42 x # of credit hours x # of students, unless otherwise specified.

Dual enrollment courses are subject to the current Lake Land College tuition and fee rates.

Textbooks

Unless otherwise specified, dual credit textbooks are rented to students and dropped off/picked up at the high school by Lake Land College. Dual credit fees cover textbook rental costs.

Unless otherwise specified, dual enrollment students must come to campus to pick up/drop off their textbooks.

Transcripts

Transcripts are free to access and sent from Lake Land College. Transcripts can be accessed through the Lake Land College online Hub or by contacting the Admissions and Records Office at 217-234-5058.

Students should check with their high school counselors on what dual credit courses to take and how they transfer to desired colleges/universities and programs of study.