Dual Enrollment Information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Rio Salado College has over 20 years experience offering Dual Enrollment courses and is the only NACEP accredited program in the State of Arizona. Here are some FAQs from parents and students just like you:

How do Dual Enrollment credits transfer to my future college or university?
Course Transferability
Dual Enrollment students receive, upon request, a Rio Salado College transcript that may be submitted to the college of their choice. Articulation agreements are in place among all Arizona public colleges and universities, as well as several Arizona private colleges. Since Rio Salado College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Dual Enrollment or Advanced Placement?
Dual Enrollment courses focus on skills application, allowing for a more flexible curriculum which may include labs, computer applications and field trips. Students receive a grade and credit for the work performed throughout the school year. These credits usually transfer to the student's college of choice as direct course equivalents.

Advanced Placement classes prepare students to pass the AP test. Credit is awarded solely on the students' performance on this one exam and may transfer to college only as an elective credit.

What are the instructors’ qualifications and which courses are available?
High school faculty who meet the requirements to instruct community college classes teach the Dual Enrollment courses, and are supported by the corresponding Rio Salado College faculty chair. Dual enrollment faculty members are obligated to teach the community college curriculum, so students are assured of receiving a quality college experience.

Who is eligible to take Dual Enrollment courses?
To be eligible to take a Dual Enrollment course, students must meet the prerequisite criteria for the course. This may be a free assessment test of current skills in English, mathematics and/or foreign language. If no assessment is required, Rio Salado College and/or the high school may establish additional criteria, such as high school grade level, GPA, performance in prerequisite courses or teacher recommendation.

How do I Register?
The high school will distribute information on accessing online Dual Enrollment registration information and forms, or students can go directly to http://www.riosalado.edu/dual and select their high school link. This web site contains all of the information needed to take advantage of this opportunity. Once completed, the registration form must be printed, signed and submitted through the high school contact.

How does Dual Enrollment differ from Concurrent Enrollment?
Dual Enrollment classes meet at the high school during the regular high school day and are taught by college certified high school instructors using a college curriculum and text. The high school agrees to accept these college courses toward a student's high school completion, if needed.

Concurrent Enrollment classes meet at a college site or online and are not affiliated with the high school. Students interested in Concurrent Enrollment must submit a special admission form. Students need prior approval from their high school counselor or administration if they want these college courses to help satisfy high school requirements.

GPA Impact
High schools may opt to give Dual Enrollment courses a weighted grade (a 5.0 on a 4.0 scale). The high school registrar should have this information.

students are generally successful in transferring courses to other colleges and universities as well. It is recommended, however, that students confirm transferability of each Dual Enrollment course with their intended out-of-state college.

Tuition and Fees
Dual Enrollment students pay the same tuition rate assessed for all Maricopa Community College courses. This is a significant savings over private and out-of-state colleges, and about one third the cost of comparable in-state university courses. Current tuition rates are listed in the registration materials. As an additional savings, dual students do not have to purchase textbooks or pay lab fees because these materials are generally provided by the high school.

Financial Aid
Some high schools offer tuition waivers for eligible students. If this option is not available from the high school, students may contact Rio Salado's Financial Aid Office to inquire about a tuition deferment (payment plan) or a scholarship based on financial need. Scholarship funding is limited, so for the best chance of receiving tuition assistance, students should apply several weeks prior to the start of the course.

For all other questions, please contact the Dual Enrollment Department:

Dual.enrollment@riosalado.edu

480 517-8103

480 517-8128