Students don't have to wait until they graduate from high school to take classes at Richland. "Dual credit" allows students to take college-level classes for both high school and college credit. Students can supplement their high school course offerings.
Why take dual credit courses?
- Explore options - Some students need time to find what they want to pursue. Many students discover Richland to be a great place to take classes, be exposed to many career options, and then transfer on or enter an occupational/technical program at RCC.
- Transferability - Students transferring from RCC do as well or better than those who begin at a 4-year college.
- Save money - RCC tuition is at least one-half the cost of 4-year colleges, universities, and technical schools.
- Save time - Students get a head start on their college career
College Policies
High school students participating in Credit or Dual Credit Courses will be evaluated as college students and are expected to follow the rules and regulations and to abide by Richland's Student Rights and Responsibilities as found in the Student Handbook.
Transfering College Courses
High school students who plan to attend another college or university (particularly a private or out-of-state school) should check with that school to be sure the college credits earned transfer appropriately.
Information Disclosure
Even though you are in high school, you are an Richland Community College student when taking our classes. All Richland students are covered under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that prohibits Richland Community College from disclosing information to anyone, including parents, without the student's written consent.
Uncompleted Courses
Students must check with their high school guidance counselor regarding their high school's policy on course withdrawal. The time frame to withdraw from classes at your high school may be tremendously different from Richland's policy. High school students' transcripts can reflect a final grade of "F" for a course because they did not comply with their high school's withdrawal policy.
Student's Required Attendance
High school students are required to abide by the College's calendar of classes, which may vary from their home school. High schools often make accommodations for their students to take family vacations, attend special school functions/events/camps. Richland Community College does not differentiate between high school students and other students; all students need to make the necessary commitment required of their class.
Admission Procedure
High school students must complete and submit:
- Admission Information Form form
- Copy of high school transcript
- ACT scores (if available)
- Principal's Approval form
- Parent/Guardian Dual Credit form
Assessment Test and Procedures
High school must take the following:
- English assessment test (or have an ACT score of at least 19 in both English and Reading
- Math assessment test
- Meet course prerequisites, when applicable
Registration and Textbooks
High school students may register for classes when Richland Community College's Director of Recruitment is scheduled at their high school or at Richland Community College's main campus. Tuition is due 2 weeks prior to the begining of the semester. Textbooks are not included in the tuition amount. Textbooks and any other required materials are the student's responsibility to purchase prior to the start of class. For assistance or more information on Dual Credit classes at RCC, students may contact the Director of Recruitment at (217) 875-7211, Ext. 558.
