Do the Credits Transfer?

More than 85% of colleges and universities (primarily public universities) accept credits from our partner colleges. VCHS can provide additional information on the transfer policies of specific schools VCHS alumni attended in recent years. In general, public universities and Christian colleges tend to accept dual credit whereas elite private colleges and universities tend to not accept dual credit.  Policies can change year to year, so students are encouraged to consult with the institution of their choice regarding the transferability of credits earned.

I've Never Heard of Dual Credit. Does this Model Exist Elsewhere?

Dual credit programs have been popular on the East Coast and Midwest for years, beginning in the 1970s. The current model used by public schools in California involves high school students going to a community college campus in order to take college classes. This is becoming problematic since many California community colleges introductory classes are impacted and still facing budget cuts.

Our partner colleges are branching out and following the model used in other states by hiring our teachers as their own off-campus college professors. Our teachers must meet their existing rigorous faculty standards and teach the same college-level content, which enables these dual credit classes to be offered on VCHS's campus.

 Is there Additional Coursework Required If I want to Take a Class for Dual Credit?

Usually, our dual credit courses are covering the same content with the same rigor as an introductory college-level course. There are a handful of dual credit classes that require additional work outside of the existing VCHS workload. Seniors need to be mindful that those who take yearlong and spring courses for dual credit MUST take the final exam regardless of their grade in the course.

Please reference the dual credit course catalog to determine which classes have additional assignments. 

Can I Drop this Course After Signing Up?

Once enrolled as a student at one of our partner colleges/universities, students must adhere to that institution's policies. Please refer to the VCHS dual credit add/drop dates for each of the partner colleges/universities. If a student wants to drop the course after that date, a W/F (withdrawal/fail) will be on their transcripts.

How Can I Learn More About Transferability?

In general, most colleges and universities accept dual credit transcripts. There are some colleges that do have restrictions, so you should always research the colleges that you are considering. Not sure that your credits will transfer? Check out www.assist.org. For colleges outside of California including private universities, contact the college's registrar's office to verify credit transferability. 

What is the Benefit?

• College admissions could consider your student’s application as academically stronger because of the inclusion of a college course(s).
• The credits might transfer to the college of your choice at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at the four-year college.
• If the credits transfer, your student gains priority in registering for college courses at the college of their choice.

What is the Risk?

• The credits might not transfer and you lose the money paid for the class.
• If your student does poorly in the class that grade will be reflected on the college transcript and become part of the college GPA.
• If the class is dropped after the deadline, W/F will be given by the college.

Please contact the Academic Program Manager (dualcredit@vcs.net) for additional information about our dual credit program.