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.
Campus • Online
August 25
$100/credit hour
ABHE, SACSCOC
Get Started
1. Complete Your Application
CIU Application Instructions
- Complete the online admissions application.
- Submit official transcripts from your high school or home school association. Transcripts may be sent to admissions@ciu.edu or mailed to the Admissions Office at 7435 Monticello Rd., Columbia, SC 29203.
- One of our admissions counselors will be in touch soon to help you with your next steps.
Admission Requirements
- 3.0 GPA — High school sophomores, juniors and seniors with at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA may participate in dual enrollment.
2. Register for Your Classes
You can register for classes in our student portal, MyCIU, after being admitted into the dual enrollment program.
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.
Note that some courses require a course fee in addition to the cost of tuition.
Admitted Students
Online Tools
After acceptance to CIU, you’ll gain access to several tools to help you succeed in the classroom. Here’s what you need to know:
- MyCIU: Use this portal to register for courses, check student email, manage your bill, and more.
- Canvas: This platform is your central hub for syllabi, instructor information, and online learning.
- CIU Student Email: Your student email address will be activated after you register for courses.
Resources & Services
- Academic Calendar: Stay updated on important dates, such as the start and end of classes as well as holiday breaks.
- Textbooks: You will be automatically enrolled in CIU’s textbook rental program through CIU’s bookstore, Slingshot, with charges billed directly to your student account. You may opt out of the Slingshot program and purchase textbooks independently.
- Student ID : You can get your student ID made at the front desk of the Library.
- Student Services: You’ll have access the CIU Library, printing, tutoring, Student Center and gym with your student ID. You can also add money on your ID to eat in our dining hall.
- Parking Decals: If you’ll be taking classes on campus, you’ll need a parking decal. Get it through MyCIU by going to Campus Life and then Vehicle Registration. Prepare for the semester by viewing student designated parking lots and our campus map.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Form: You can find this form on the dual enrollment application, but you can make edits in MyCIU. This form permits your parents or guardians to access your records after you start classes.
FAQs
If I want to attend CIU after I graduate high school, what do I do?
Dual-enrolled students seeking a bachelor’s degree at CIU can submit an additional application through the application dashboard.
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?
Transcript requests can easily be made online.
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 online.
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.
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.
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
