What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is when a high school student takes a college class during their school day.  The college classes are taken in person at IHS or at the local college campus, or online.  There are specific guidelines to dual enrollment in the state of Michigan.  Please read the information on this site to get general information.  If you are interested in knowing more, please reach out to your counselor at IHS.

Where can you dual enroll?

Students in the state of Michigan can dual enroll at an eligible postsecondary institution in the state of Michigan. This means a state university, community college, or independent nonprofit degree-granting college or university. Most IHS students will dual enroll with Montcalm Community College (MCC). Please note the cost of classes and potential out-of-pocket costs will different depending on where you attend. 

Is there a cost?

 "The short answer is not usually.  That is one of the best advantages of dual enrollment during high school.  The state gives each school a certain amount of funding.  Schools may use that funding to pay the cost of tuition and books for dual enrollment, as long as the cost is not greater than the funding a school receives.”

IHS students usually dual enroll with MCC because it is so close to IHS and we have a great working relationship with their advisors.  Also, MCC instructors teach in-person college classes during the school day at IHS. Currently, we are teaching ENGL 100 semester 1 and ENGL 101 semester 2. MCC is also the most affordable option in the area. In general, students dual enrolling with a 4-year university/college are more likely to pay out of pocket. 

If a student fails a dual enrollment class, they are required to pay the school back the amount of tuition, fees and books.  In order to dual enroll the following semester, the cost must be paid back and the student must have an appointment with Mrs. First prior to the start of the semester. 

Here are forms we require for dual enrollment at IHS:

The Dual Enrollment Agreement form must be signed by students and parents and turned in to the Counseling Office each year.

The Montcalm Community College Authorization Form is used to register for classes through MCC. 

Is there a cost to dual enroll?

The short answer is not usually.  That is one of the best advantages of dual enrollment during high school.  The state gives each school a certain amount of funding.  Schools may use that funding to pay the cost of tuition and books for dual enrollment, as long as the cost is not greater than the funding a school receives.  IHS students usually dual enroll with MCC because it is so close to IHS and we have a great working relationship with their advisors.  Also, MCC instructors teach in person college classes during the school day at IHS.

However, if a student fails a dual enrollment class, they are required to pay the school back the amount of tuition, fees and books.  And, that student may also NOT dual enroll again for at least 1 semester.  

Is MCC the only college where I am able to dual enroll?

No.  If there is another college that interests you, please discuss this option with your school counselor.  Many colleges offer dual enrollment options to high school students. 

Resources for Dual Enrollment: