Free college credits for high schoolers? What to know about Arizona's dual enrollment program

Some Arizona students will soon be able to take college classes for free while in high school as part of a new financial aid program in the state budget.

The initiative aims to expand dual enrollment programs, which let high school students earn community college credits by taking college-level courses at their high school. State officials hope the program will ultimately boost college-going rates across the state, particularly among low-income students.

Higher education attainment rates in Arizona have trailed national averages for years. In 2016, the state set a goal of achieving a 60% postsecondary attainment rate by 2030. Since then, Arizona has slipped off track of hitting that target. Currently, 48% of adult Arizonans hold a postsecondary certificate or degree, according to the education advocacy group Education Forward Arizona.

"Dual enrollment allows students to hit two birds with one stone: to meet their high school graduation requirements and to begin earning college credits," said Erin Hart, higher education policy advisor in the Governor's Office. "This makes a student's path to a postsecondary degree faster — and at less cost to students and their families. It also gives students a vision for their future."

The state budget, passed in May, allocated $15 million toward funding college credits for high schoolers and $500,000 to help high school teachers skill up and instruct dual enrollment classes. That money will be available during the 2023-24 academic year.

Here's what to know about dual enrollment and how to access the funding.

How many college credits can a high school student get for free?

First- and second-year high school students can get up to $300, which will pay for up to six credit hours.

High school juniors and seniors can get up to $600, or 12 credit hours.

Who is eligible for the dual enrollment program?

Students may be eligible to have their dual enrollment costs covered by the state if they have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and attain a passing grade in their dual enrollment class. If a student fails the dual enrollment course, they could be billed for the cost of the class by the community college that offered the class at their school.

Priority will be given to low-income students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, officials said, but there will likely be funds available to cover interested students from households of all income levels in the 2023-24 school year.

Community colleges providing dual enrollment classes for eligible students will get reimbursed by the Arizona Department of Education.

High school students interested in dual enrollment opportunities should consult an academic advisor at their high school for more information.

Maricopa Community Colleges maintains a list of dual enrollment programs at high schools in the Valley at https://www.maricopa.edu/students/early-college/dual-enrollment.

Are undocumented students eligible?

Yes. The program does not require proof of U.S. citizenship.

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How can a high school teacher become certified to teach dual enrollment classes?

The new initiative also provides a one-time incentive bonus of up to $1,000 for teachers who teach a dual enrollment course.

To become certified to teach dual enrollment courses in Arizona, teachers need a master’s degree. That degree must include at least 18 graduate-level credit hours in the subject area they wish to teach.

Teachers can get the necessary certifications to teach dual enrollment classes through the Arizona Teachers Academy at Arizona State University or Northern Arizona University. The academy is a state program that provides scholarships to train teachers for Arizona schools, so teachers may qualify for funding that helps cover their tuition and fees.

Why is the state investing in dual enrollment?

Research from the Helios Education Foundation, a nonprofit supporting higher education attainment in Arizona and Florida, shows that high school students participating in dual enrollment programs are more likely to attend college, stay enrolled and earn higher GPAs.

Currently, just under 25% of high school students in Arizona take at least one dual enrollment course, according to Helios, and low-income students are less likely to participate in dual enrollment classes than their peers from higher-income backgrounds.

The same study found that about 200 local high schools in Arizona do not currently provide dual enrollment courses. By giving bonuses to teachers who choose to teach dual enrollment classes, Helios President Paul Luna said state officials hope to build a larger network of educators offering the courses.

Sasha Hupka covers higher education for The Arizona Republic. Do you have a tip on Arizona's universities, community colleges or trade schools? Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to know about Arizona's new dual enrollment program