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Earning College Credit while Still in High School through Dual Enrollment

What is Dual Enrollment? 

Upper Iowa University offers online courses to eligible high school students to increase the students’ opportunities to take college-level courses. Students can take courses on their own, through Iowa’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program if they are eligible and have school district approval, or through other partnered states and school districts. The program is open to 9th – 12th grade students. All students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to take courses through UIU’s Dual Enrollment program or have been accepted and admitted into UIU. Check with your local high school counselor to see if you are eligible.  

Four Easy Steps  

  • Complete the Dual Enrollment Application Download the application. 
  • Meet with your school counselor to complete the application and discuss the course options 
  • Obtain all signatures required for the application 
  • Send your application either via email to [email protected] or mail to Upper Iowa University Attn: Dual Enrollment PO Box 1857, Fayette, IA 52142 

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS DUAL ENROLLMENT?

Upper Iowa University offers online courses to eligible high school students to increase the students’ opportunities to take college-level courses. Students can take courses on their own or through Iowa’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program if they are eligible and have school district approval.  

WHO IS THE PROGRAM FOR?

The program is open to 9th-12th grade students. All students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to take courses through UIU’s Dual Enrollment program. Check with your local high school counselor to see if you are eligible for PSEO today!  

HOW MANY CREDIT HOURS CAN I ENROLL IN PER SEMESTER?

Each student is eligible to take up to 11 credit hours per semester at Upper Iowa University if going through PSEO.  

WHAT COURSES ARE AVAILABLE?

Available courses will vary each session depending on demand. We offer courses in Arts & Humanities, Communication, History, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Business. 

Students enrolling for dual enrollment courses offered through the Fayette Campus can elect to take 100 or 200 level courses that do not require a prerequisite (unless otherwise approved through the cooperating high school and UIU).

WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR IOWA STUDENTS?

Students eligible for the PSEO program have all courses paid for by their school district. The cost of textbooks, including the necessary materials and fees will be covered by Upper Iowa University. If the student is not going through PSEO, the tuition is $250 and the student will have to pay for textbooks, course material and fees.  

For PSEO, if courses are dropped within the allotted time for a tuition refund, the student and/or parent will be responsible for the incurred expenses by the school district. If dropped during the partial refund period, the student and/or parent are responsible for paying the remaining balance to the school district. If the course is failed, the student becomes responsible to the school district for all course expenses.  

HOW DO I TRANSITION TO COLLEGE?

Following successful completion of the course, credit will be recorded on your official Upper Iowa University transcript. All courses will be applied toward completing a degree through Upper Iowa University should you choose to attend any of our locations after high school.

Consult with school representatives for transferability of credits to institutions outside of Upper Iowa University.

CAN I USE THE CREDITS AT ANOTHER COLLEGE OTHER THAN UIU AFTER COMPLETING THE COURSES?

Yes you can, but you will need to confirm with that specific college. 

HOW LONG IS EACH COURSE?

UIU dual enrollment courses are normally 8 weeks long with one 6 week summer session each year. 

IS ON-SITE CAMPUS ATTENDANCE REQUIRED?

No, all UIU dual-enrollment courses are currently offered online. However, students can take courses at Fayette Campus if approved through their dual enrollment counselor and college professors.   

ARE HOMESCHOOLERS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?

Home-schooled students are eligible for UIU dual enrollment courses, but students will need to get confirmation from their counselor. They are also required to send in two letters of recommendation that demonstrate the students’ ability to succeed in our college courses with their application.  

WHO TEACHES DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES?

Upper Iowa University faculty members teach all dual enrollment courses. 

WHY SHOULD I TAKE DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES?

Why not? Getting college credit while in high school enables you to complete your college degree sooner, saving you and your family tuition costs, and putting you a step ahead of your classmates when launching your career. 

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Calendars and Schedules

Learn more about UIU’s academic calendar and what classes are offered.