Dual Enrollment
Get a Head Start on Your College Credits
If you’re excited to begin college and you’d like to save some time and money along the way, dual enrollment is for you!
Dual enrollment offers the opportunity to earn college credits while you’re still in high school, plus, your tuition will be significantly less. You can even choose the format that works best for you — on our Columbia, South Carolina campus, or fully online.
Course Delivery Options
No matter which option you choose, all dual enrollment courses are only $100 per credit hour.
Campus-Based
- In-person class experience
- Traditional classroom format
- Ideal for students who want face-to-face classroom interactions
Online
- Virtual class experience
- Asynchronous online learning format
- Ideal for students who want flexibility in coursework completion
CIU Dual Enrollment Benefits
- Save Time – Earning college credit before enrolling as a college student can reduce the time it takes to earn your degree.
- Save Money – At only $100 per credit hour, the cost savings of dual enrollment classes really add up.
- Gain Experience – Being enrolled in a college course gives you first-hand experience of what college courses are like.
- Show Initiative – Students who take dual enrollment courses are viewed as academically motivated, which provides a positive impression of you to your current and future teachers and employers.
- Diversify Your Interests – Our variety of course topics provide you the chance to expand your knowledge and even try something new.
- Learn From Exceptional Faculty – Mentorship and encouragement are just as prevalent in our classrooms as academic instruction.
Get Started
1. Complete Your Application
CIU Application Instructions
- Start by having your Social Security Number and your parent’s contact information available
- Create an application portal account. Please use an email that you check frequently, as important updates will be communicated via this address.
- Begin a new, on-campus high school concurrent application. This choice applies to both on campus and online formats.
- Request that your official high transcripts be sent to CIU. (An official transcript is one that comes directly from a school representative or homeschool association.)
- Ensure all information is correct before submitting your completed application.
- One of our admissions counselors will be in touch soon to help you with your next steps.
Requirements
- 3.0 GPA — High school sophomores, juniors and seniors with at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA may participate in dual enrollment.
- Official Transcripts — We must have official transcripts to review an application for acceptance. Official transcripts may be emailed to admissions@ciu.edu or mailed to the Admissions Office at 7435 Monticello Rd., Columbia, SC 29203.
High School Registration Instructions
Be sure to follow all registration steps provided by your high school or homeschool association in order to als get high school credit for your CIU dual enrollment coursework.
2. Register for Your Classes
Once your application has been processed, you will be responsible for registering for the courses you would like to take.
- You’ll get your MyCIU login information if you are accepted to the CIU dual enrollment program.
- Set up your login access.
- Register for your classes
- Please read our registration guide for step by step registration instructions.
- For a visual guide please refer to our Registration Tutorial Video.
While students are able to register for any 1000 and 2000 level course offered by CIU, some classes may have prerequisites (you’ll see this notated when you’re registering). If you think you have already met the prerequisite, contact academic advising or your admissions counselor to discuss your options.
3. Submit Your Payment
Payments for dual enrollment course(s) are due before the first day of classes for the semester. To pay your bill, simply visit the Finances tab within MyCIU and submit your payment in full or set up a monthly payment plan.
Please note that in addition to tuition, you may see additional fees on your bill, such as the cost to mail physical textbooks to you, or fees for supplemental course material.
My CIU Student Portal
Once you’re accepted to CIU, you’ll get access to your online student account, MyCIU. Here’s what you need to know:
About Your My CIU Account
This is where you’ll register for courses, check your student email, and manage your bill.
- Use Canvas — Canvas is the platform for all your courses. You’ll find course syllabi, instructor information and other important details here. (Most of your online learning will take place on Canvas, too.) To access Canvas, just go to MyCIU and click the Canvas link at the top. Your MyCIU username and password will work for Canvas.
- Check your CIU email — You’ll get access to your student email shortly after being accepted into the Dual Enrollment program. Simply click the email link at the top of MyCIU to find your inbox. (Note:The first time you log in, you’ll need to complete an authentication process.)
Pro Tip: Forward your CIU email to your personal or high school email to stay updated on important information from CIU. Or, set yourself reminders to check your CIU email.
Make sure you stay on top of these steps to make your transition to CIU smooth!
Resources & Services
- Academic Calendar —Stay updated on important dates.
- Textbooks
- Digital Textbooks: Log into MyCIU, go to the Quick Links menu and select Bookstore. Use your CIU email as your username and your Student ID as your password.
- Physical Textbooks: These will be mailed to the address you provided on your application. Remember to return them at the end of the course using the provided label.
- Student ID — To get your ID, just request it through the CIU Helpdesk.
- Student Services —You can access the CIU library, printing, tutoring, student center and gym with your student ID.
- Parking Decals — If you’ll be on campus, you’ll need a parking decal. Get it through MyCIU by going to Campus Life and then Vehicle Registration.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Form —You’ll need to complete this form to give your parents permission to access your records. You can find it on the dual enrollment application, but if you need to make edits, visit the Academics tab in MyCIU.
FAQs
If I want to attend CIU after I graduate high school, what do I do?
Dual-enrolled students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at CIU apply at CIU.edu/apply for their preferred location and semester they plan to begin full-time.
What is the format of dual enrollment classes?
It depends on whether you choose in-person or online classes. In-person classes are held at specific times during the week on CIU’s Columbia, South Carolina campus. Online classes are asynchronous, which means you can complete your work on your own schedule (within a set timeframe).
How much does dual enrollment cost?
It’s $100 per credit hour or $300 for a three-credit course. Dual enrollment is a big commitment, so make sure it’s the right fit before you enroll. If you’re motivated and ready for the challenge, it can be an ideal way to get a head start on college! If you have questions, reach out to the Admissions Office at admissions@ciu.edu or call (803) 807-5024.
Can I repeat a course to raise my grade?
You can only repeat a course if you earn a grade of D or below. The last grade you earn will be your official grade, and only that grade will count toward your record.
Can I withdraw from a CIU course?
Yes; you can withdraw from your dual enrollment course. Just fill out the Course Withdrawal Request Form in MyCIU. Check the Academic Calendar for the withdrawal deadlines.
Is there a maximum number of credits I can take?
You can take up to 12 credits per semester. If you want to take more, you’ll need special permission from your school and should contact the Registrar’s Office.
Can I get an associate degree at CIU through dual enrollment?
CIU doesn’t offer an associate degree track, but you can talk to an academic advisor about which courses might count toward an AA later on. Keep in mind that requirements may change, and you might need extra credits to earn the degree. You can also apply your dual enrollment credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
How do I request my CIU transcript to be sent to another college?
To request your transcript, just click on the Academics tab in MyCIU.
How do I access my 1098-T Form?
You can find your 1098-T tax document in the Finances tab of MyCIU.
Can I take online courses?
Yes, some dual enrollment courses are available online. Check the course offerings document to see which ones are available; online classes will have a “V” in the course code.
Can I take summer courses?
Yes; CIU offers summer courses, though options may be limited. You can view available courses by term.
Can I eat in the cafeteria?
As a dual enrollment student, you can use many CIU facilities. To eat in the cafeteria, request a student ID at the IT Help Desk (in the Library). You can add funds to your ID card in person or through the dining hall website.
Can I transfer the credits I earn through dual enrollment to other colleges?
Yes. In general the credits you earn are transferable to other colleges and universities. Just check with the college you plan to attend to confirm they will accept those credits and how they will count toward your degree.
