Indiana high school students may be able to earn college credit without paying tuition through dual credit courses offered at their school. The exact courses, eligibility requirements, costs and deadlines depend on the high school’s college partner. Start by asking your school counselor which options are available to you, and confirm whether tuition and any additional expenses are covered.
For educators, counselors and families, understanding how dual credit works can help students choose courses that fit their high school plan and their next step, whether that is college, a career credential or entering the workforce.
What is dual credit?
Dual credit courses allow students to earn high school and college credit for the same course. They may be taught by a qualified high school teacher or college faculty, and can take place at the high school, on a college campus or online. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) describes the course as college-level work that counts toward both high school and college credit.
Dual credit is not the same as dual enrollment. In a dual-enrollment course, a student takes a college course separately from their high school classes, usually earning college credit only. The cost and enrollment process may also be different. Ivy Tech, for example, states that its high-school dual credit courses taught at partner schools are tuition-free, while separate dual-enrollment courses may have tuition and other charges. Check the details with the provider before registering.
Where can students find free dual credit?
Many Indiana high schools partner with a college to offer dual credit. A prominent option is Ivy Tech Community College’s high school dual credit program, which says its partner-school dual credit courses have no tuition cost for students. Its offerings include both career and technical education (CTE) courses and general education courses.
Other Indiana colleges and universities also offer dual credit. There is no single blanket rule that makes every dual credit course in Indiana free. Cost can vary by provider, course, school agreement and eligibility. Ask whether tuition, textbooks, fees, transportation or required supplies are covered. A course described as “free” may mean tuition-free, not necessarily free of every related expense.
For CTE students, start with your school’s pathway and the state’s current CTE dual credit crosswalk. It helps schools and students connect high school courses with postsecondary courses. Check the applicable year and confirm pricing and eligibility directly with the college partner.
Two common ways to use dual credit
1. Build skills and earn career-focused credit
CTE dual credit courses connect learning in a career pathway with college coursework. Depending on the program, students may earn credit toward a postsecondary certificate or degree while building skills in areas such as health care, manufacturing, information technology, business or the skilled trades.
Some sequences can contribute to a college certificate, but the result depends on the specific courses a school offers and how those credits apply to a student’s program. Ask your counselor and the college partner which credentials, if any, a course sequence supports. Indiana ACTE’s career clusters and pathways overview can help students explore CTE areas.
2. Work toward the Indiana College Core
Students planning to attend college may be able to complete the Indiana College Core (ICC) in high school. The ICC is a 30-credit block of general education coursework. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education says the completed block transfers to all Indiana public institutions and some private institutions.
The ICC is not automatically available at every school, and a student’s course plan must meet the program’s requirements. Ask whether your high school offers the ICC, which college partner issues the certificate, and how the planned courses fit its requirements. Learn more at MyCollegeCore.org and the Commission’s credit transfer page.
A practical checklist for students and families
Before enrolling, ask your counselor or dual credit coordinator to help you confirm:
Course availability: Which courses does your high school offer, and through which college?
Eligibility: Are there grade-level, placement, GPA, test-score or course prerequisites?
Cost: Is tuition covered? Are books, fees, supplies or travel extra?
Registration: What forms or college applications are required, and when are they due?
Credit destination: What college course number and credits will appear on the transcript?
Transfer plans: Is the course included in the Core Transfer Library (CTL) or supported by a transfer agreement?
Academic expectations: What grade is required to earn college credit, and how will the course affect the student’s college transcript?
The CTL identifies courses that transfer among Indiana public colleges and universities under its terms. But transferability is not the same as a guarantee that a course will meet every requirement in a particular major. Students should check with the college they expect to attend and review current transfer information. The TransferIN website offers resources for students and advisors.
What educators need to build or expand a program
A strong dual credit program takes coordination between the high school and its postsecondary partner. Educators and administrators considering new or expanded offerings can begin with these steps:
Identify student and community needs. Review student interests, local workforce needs and existing CTE pathways. Decide whether the priority is career-focused credit, general education, the ICC, or a mix.
Choose courses with a clear purpose. Map courses to high school requirements, the relevant state crosswalk and the postsecondary program or credential students may pursue.
Work with a college partner early. Confirm course availability, the agreement or memorandum of understanding, registration procedures, student eligibility, costs and deadlines.
Plan for instructor qualifications. High school teachers who teach college-credit courses must meet their partner’s faculty credentialing requirements. Ask the college about qualifications, onboarding, syllabus alignment, professional development and ongoing course review.
Make participation understandable and accessible. Share clear information with students and families about prerequisites, workload, fees, supports and the difference between dual credit and dual enrollment. Provide time for students to ask questions before registration.
Review outcomes and adjust. Track enrollment, course completion, credit earned and how well the courses fit students’ next steps. Use that information with the college partner to refine the program.
Keep the next step simple
If you are a student or parent, contact your high school counselor and ask for the current dual credit course list, registration dates and a written explanation of costs. If you are an educator or administrator, start with your postsecondary partner and the state’s current crosswalks to confirm how proposed courses align.
Indiana ACTE supports quality CTE programs and dual college credit opportunities for Hoosier students. Explore Indiana ACTE’s CTE pathways and teacher resources to learn more about building relevant, rigorous pathways.
