What's so special about dual credit?

 A number of things, the least of which is that students get the opportunity to earn high school AND college credits with the same coursework.  Students that complete the course with a passing grade earn credit at both Burroughs High School and at Cerro Coso Community College.  Successful dual credit students start their college careers with advanced academic standing that reflects their hard work and directly contributes to their professional and post-secondary academic goals.  

Do my credits transfer to my college of choice?

Absolutely!  Cerro Coso Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This means that all reputable institutions within the United States have already agreed to accept the credits earned. Many colleges already have a published crosswalk that allows you to view how the course can apply to your future academic goals.  

Can dual credit courses significantly impact my future college costs?

This is a huge win!  Other than some very small fees, the tuition costs for these courses are completely taken care of.  Students who take full advantage of this opportunity begin college with junior or better academic standing.  While they cash in by not having to pay for the courses that they complete in high school, the windfall is in the semesters of room and board that they would have spent to earn those credits during their college career.  This is a five or even six-figure bonus that students get once these avoided costs are all added up.  

Does dual credit cost teacher jobs or lose school district money?

Dual credit professors are teachers, too.  Those who teach dual credit must have relative advanced coursework, and they are often required to hold advanced degrees within the field they are teaching.   Districts often offer financial incentives as well as other assistance to teachers who wish to earn advanced standing within their field.   

Dual credit courses often actually free money up for teacher salary additions because of the contribution to these costs shared by partnering institutions.  Other advanced programs do not have this significant impact on district bottom lines.  

Dual credit courses impact school performance ratings for college and career readiness to the same degree as other advanced courses.