BenU in High School

Introduction to Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Programs at Benedictine University

Unlock your future with Benedictine University’s Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment programs, designed to give ambitious high school students a head start on their college education. Our programs offer the unique opportunity to earn college credits while completing high school requirements, saving both time and money. Whether you’re aiming to get a jump on your college career through dual credit courses or looking to enhance your high school experience with college-level classes via dual enrollment, Benedictine University provides the pathway to achieve your academic goals.

Participating in our Early College program not only sets you apart in the college admissions process but also allows you to experience the rigor and excitement of university coursework. Imagine graduating high school with a transcript already showcasing your college accomplishments! Our dedicated academic advisors will guide you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless integration of your high school and college curricula. Join a community of forward-thinking students and take advantage of this innovative educational opportunity at Benedictine University. Your future starts now.

Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment: What’s the Difference?

Dual credit allows students to apply their college-level coursework to both their high school and college curricula.

Dual enrollment involves students taking college courses while still in high school, but only earning college credit for these courses.

All high school students who meet Benedictine University’s Early College admission criteria are eligible to participate, regardless of whether their school awards dual credit.

Does My School Have a Dual Credit Agreement With BenU in High School?

Benedictine University must have an agreement with the school district, home school, or private school. If your school is not listed and you would like more information, please email [email protected].  

How Do Students Request a Course for Dual Credit?

Students must confirm their high school’s dual credit/dual enrollment policy with their high school counselor or designated official. The high school is responsible for determining how credit is awarded and posted toward high school graduation.

Students must also meet with their Benedictine University academic advisor and submit a course request each term, indicating on the request if they plan to take the course for dual credit.

Public Schools in Illinois: If taking a course for dual credit, students will need to provide their parent/guardian, principal, and counselor’s email addresses. Benedictine University will send a dual credit approval email to the principal, counselor, and parent/guardian.

Private Schools, Home Schools, and Out-of-State Schools: If taking a course for dual credit, students will need to provide their parent/guardian’s email address. Benedictine University will email a dual credit approval form to the appropriate personnel based on the type of high school the student attends. Once all signatures are received, the student can register for the course.

When Do Schools Receive the Student’s Dual Credit Certified Grade Report?

After final grades are posted on the student’s Benedictine University transcript, a certified grade report will be sent to the student’s high school counselor or designated official for the course(s) listed on the dual credit approval form.

FERPA

Student Record and High School of Record (dual credit/dual enrollment) – Under Section 99.34(b), FERPA permits high schools and postsecondary institutions with dually-enrolled students to share information. Students enrolled in both a high school and a postsecondary institution may have their educational records shared without the consent of either the parents or the students under 99.34(b). If the student is under 18, the parents retain the right under FERPA to inspect and review any educational records maintained by the high school, including records that the college or university disclosed.