Do the Credits Transfer?

More than 85% of colleges and universities, primarily public institutions, accept credits from our partner colleges. In general, public universities and Christian colleges tend to accept dual credit whereas elite private colleges and universities tend to not accept dual credit. Because transfer policies and how credits are applied can vary by institution and by departments, we encourage families to contact the specific college or university directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding transferability and consult with the institution of their choice regarding the transferability of credits earned.. VCHS can provide information received from alumni who attended colleges in recent years.

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. However, some institutions may have specific restrictions or limitations regarding the acceptance or application of dual credit. Because transfer policies vary by institution, families are encouraged to research the colleges they are considering and verify their specific transfer policies.

Many colleges and universities provide information about credit transferability and transfer policies on their own websites. Families are encouraged to review these resources as part of their research.

For California public colleges and universities, families can use ASSIST to research course articulation and transfer information. For colleges outside of California, including private universities, families should contact the college’s Registrar’s Office or Admissions Office directly 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.