Students Earn Double Credit for Free
Benefits
When students take classes via dual enrollment, they:
- Receive an introduction to and preparation for college life
- Explore interests, careers, and majors while still in high school
- Build skills that are needed in the workforce
- Develop motivation to stick with it and pursue a college degree or certificate
- Grow their understanding of the benefits of a college education
- Potentially save time and money with an accelerated pathway through college
2 Options for Enrollment
Tuition for dual enrollment is always free. Two options are available:
- On-Campus through the College and Career Access Pathway (CCAP) - Students take MPC classes as part of their regular school day at participating high schools. Textbooks, tuition and fees are provided at no cost.
- At MPC or Online through Traditional Dual Enrollment - Students take classes alongside other community college students, either at one of MPC’s campuses or online. Tuition is free but students are responsible for buying books and covering other registration fees.
Dual Enrollment - Parent FAQs
Tuition for dual enrollment is always free. However:
- Dual enrollment courses may count toward a total unit cap on financial aid or course enrollment limits.
- Students might be responsible for expenses such as textbooks and supplies, transportation to and from campus, and meals while attending courses at the campus.
Dual enrollment offers many benefits, such as a chance to begin college early, master college-level coursework, and learn to navigate the college environment. However, students and parents should know the following:
- The grades earned in dual enrollment courses will be part of the permanent student record and college transcript. Poor grades in dual enrollment courses can hurt students’ chances of receiving financial aid as well as their eligibility to enroll in a four-year college or university.
- Dual enrollment courses may count toward a total unit cap on financial aid or course enrollment limits.
- Students interested in dual enrollment should speak with a counselor at the high school or adult education school they are currently attending prior to enrolling to determine if the program is right for them.
It’s important to keep in mind that dual enrollment courses are taught to the rigor of a college course. Students will be covering college-level content. That means:
- Discussion topics and course materials may be designed for adults.
- Assignments will be graded using college rubrics and standards.
- The final grade received in a dual enrollment class will be recorded on an official Monterey Peninsula College transcript.
For these reasons, it is important to recognize the commitment a student is making before enrolling in a dual enrollment course.
Private school or home-schooled students typically follow the same steps in applying to dual enrollment as a student from a public high school. Students should check with their high school or adult education counselor, or contact Dual Enrollment Staff for guidance on enrollment requirements.
Parental involvement may be significantly different than in your prior K-12 schools..
Although dual enrollment students may still be adolescents, enrolling in college courses means they will be treated as college students.
That means we encourage student empowerment and expect students to advocate for themselves by communicating directly with instructors and/or college staff to navigate registration and manage their coursework.
When it comes to MPC class records and coursework, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents higher education officials and instructional staff from releasing any information to family, friends, family, or others without a written release from the student – even if the student is a minor.