Dual Credit (DC) Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to take a dual credit course?
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible to take a dual credit course:
- Be at least 16 years old or have successfully completed at least half of their high school requirements.
- Have a 3.0 GPA or instructor approval.
- Secure the approval of your high school representative and parent/guardian.
Are dual credit courses really at the level of a college course?
Yes, the dual credit courses are designed to meet university requirements, are often developed in collaboration with university faculty members, and must be approved by the university. These courses meet the standards set by the local university and prepare students for the rigor of college coursework.
Are IDLA teachers qualified to teach college-level courses?
All IDLA teachers are Idaho-certified, all have achieved HQT status, and most have additional degrees including master’s degrees, doctorates, and educational specialist’s certifications. Faculty who teach dual credit courses are qualified to teach at both the high school and college level and have been approved by the university for advanced coursework in the content area.
What colleges and universities offer dual credit courses through IDLA?
At this time, BSU, CSI, CWI, NIC, and NNU are the only Idaho institutions through which you can receive college credit with Idaho Digital Learning. We are currently working with other universities to provide additional options for our students. You can access the course list here: IDLA Dual Credit Courses
How much does a dual credit course cost?
Idaho colleges and universities charge $65 per credit for a dual credit course, but no application or registration fees will be assessed. There is no IDLA fee for dual credit courses.
What about textbooks?
You will almost certainly need to purchase a textbook for a dual credit course, and you can purchase the textbook from a distributor or retailer of your choice. Costs will vary. Textbooks will need to be purchased prior to the first day of class to allow for delivery time.
How do I register for a dual credit course?
Registering for a dual credit course is a two-step process. Please understand, registering with IDLA is not enough; you must also register for the course with the college or university. You are a dual enrolled student.
1. Register with IDLA
- Speak with your high school counselor and/or IDLA site coordinator to determine if you are eligible and to register for the IDLA dual credit course
2. Register/apply for admission with the college or university
- Most of our university partners have online registration sites, so once you know what class you are taking, and through which college or university, visit their Website.
- At the university Website, you will find registration forms that must be completed, signed (by you, your school’s counselor/IDLA Site Coordinator, and your parents), and submitted to the university.
- If two semesters must be taken in order to receive college credit, you will register with the university at the beginning of the second semester. Speak to your school’s IDLA Site Coordinator for clarification.
- You can link to the colleges or universities here: IDLA Dual Credit Courses
Can I drop or withdraw from a dual credit course?
Yes, but keep in mind that withdrawing from a dual credit course, like registering for a dual credit course, is a two-step process; you must drop with IDLA and the university. Each semester will have a specific deadline date for dropping the course, so please be aware of that date, otherwise you may be obligated to accept the grade earned and the cost of the course.