District 303 Dual Credit Program

Program Options

Eligible District 303 students at St. Charles East High School and St. Charles North High School may enroll at Elgin Community College full-time or part-time. Options for students to enroll in ECC courses at their respective high schools are also available.

View the D303 Dual Credit Program Guide - PDF.

Contact your High School Counselor for a copy of the Application Guide.

Full-Time Programs

Academically qualified juniors and seniors may enroll at Elgin Community College full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) and complete all their coursework at the ECC campus. Courses are approved by District 303 to ensure students fulfill all high school graduation requirements. There are two pathways available:

Junior Enrollment (2-Year Program)

Enroll your sophomore year and start courses in the fall of your junior year to earn 60+ transferable credits and complete either an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree.

Senior enrollment (1-Year Program)

Apply your junior year and start courses in the fall of your senior year to earn 30+ transferable credits.

  • Cost

    There are fees associated with enrolling in dual credit courses. Please consult with your high school for more information.

  • Minimum credit hours per semester
    • High school juniors and seniors enroll in a minimum of 12 college credits each semester. Juniors must stay on pace to complete the 60-credit-hour degree requirement within two academic years (i.e., 15 credit hours each fall/spring semester).
    • These courses meet the postsecondary requirements of the general education core curriculum as well as high school graduation.
    • Students work in partnership with the ECC Academic Advising Office and their high school counselor to choose the appropriate transferable courses. Students who enroll as juniors need to complete the course requirements to earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree.
    • District 303 approves the enrollment of its students. Enrollment is limited.
  • Location

    Courses are held on the ECC Campus.

  • Schedules*

    Courses are scheduled Monday through Friday. Courses may be scheduled anytime between 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ECC's academic calendar may differ from District 303's academic calendar.

  • Qualifications
    • Standardized Testing or ECC placement tests to demonstrate college readiness.
    • Additional high school requirements may be considered. Please consult with your high school for more information.
  • Credit
    • You'll receive both college and high school credits.
    • Students complete courses required for a transfer degree (Associate in Arts or Associate in Science).

You are expected to commit to this timeframe and must be aware that the Dual Credit office manages all scheduling of class meeting times. Days and times are pre-selected to meet the needs of the program and your academic plans.

Part-Time Programs

High school juniors and seniors enroll in 1-2 college courses each semester. Courses offered at the ECC campus are selected from a variety of academic disciplines, including general education (i.e., English, math, history, science, etc.) and career and technical education (CTE) programs (i.e., automotive, culinary arts, paralegal, etc.). Limited options are available for courses offered at the high school campus.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program option allows you to choose a career-technical education pathway. Most CTE programs provide you with the opportunity to earn an academic and/or industry certification. It's ideal for high school students who want to earn college credit for coursework in subjects like accounting, culinary arts, fire science, and health professions. As a CTE student, you can immerse yourself in the Elgin Community College Campus.

General Education (Gen Ed) Program

This option allows academically qualified juniors and seniors to enroll at ECC part-time. If you choose this track, complete one to two college courses each semester, with classes meeting on different days and times of the week. Courses are selected from various academic subject areas (i.e., English, math, history, science, etc.). You can immerse yourself in student life on the Elgin Community College Campus as a Gen Ed student.

Students choose courses with the help of their high school counselor to ensure courses are selected to meet high school requirements. Students must choose between the general education or career and technical education program. District 303 approves the enrollment of students. Enrollment is limited. For more questions, please contact your high school representative.

  • Cost

    There are fees associated with enrolling in dual credit courses. Please consult with your high school for more information.

  • Minimum credit hours per semester

    1-2 courses each semester; Maximum of 7 credit hours each semester (including in-high school dual credit courses).

  • Location

    Courses are held at the ECC main campus or your high school.

  • Schedules*

    Courses are scheduled Monday through Friday. You may be in class from 12 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Some programs require you to enroll at ECC in evening courses due to availability.

  • Qualifications
    • ECC placement tests to demonstrate college readiness. Benchmark scores are based on the college's college's competencies.
    • Additional high school requirements may be considered.
  • High school credit, college credit, or both

    Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program

    You'll receive credit toward a college degree and high school graduation requirements. Depending on the program, credits earned may not transfer to a four-year college or university.

    General Education (Gen Ed) Program

    You'll receive credit toward a college degree and high school graduation requirements.

Informational Nights

District 303 hosts informational events for students and parents to learn more about the Dual Credit program. The sessions review the benefits of the program and the steps for applying. This year, a virtual presentation will be available. Visit St. Charles North High School or St. Charles East High School online for more information.

How to Apply

Speak to Your Counselor

If the Dual Credit program sounds like the right fit for you, reach out to your high school counselor. They will work with you to complete the application process and schedule any required writing, reading, and/or mathematics placement tests.**

Benchmark scores are based on the college's competencies, as stated in the course catalog.

Apply for the Program

If you meet the program requirements, your high school counselor will provide you with the next steps for completing an application. Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are accepted from December 1, 2022, through February 15, 2023.

Student Testimonial

Taylor Vitacco: Dual Credit at ECC Opens Up New Opportunities

Parent Testimonial

Beth McKinney: Dual Credit at ECC Helps Students Discover Their Potential