Counselor's Corner

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Every New Mexico high school student has the opportunity to enroll in college courses through the Dual Credit (DC) Program. The DC Program provides access to academic and career and technical education (CTE) courses that deliver simultaneous credit toward high school graduation and a post-secondary degree or certificate.

College courses are offered for dual credit based upon agreements between high schools and accredited public colleges. While most students take basic core courses such as English and math, coursework may include subjects such as culinary arts or criminal justice, depending on the student’s Next Step Plan and degree paths offered by each college.
Courses are accessible to students with a range of academic and career aptitudes. Research studies on dual credit participation have shown that students who take dual credit courses perform well in their courses, graduate from high school at a higher rate than their peers, require less first-semester remediation in college, and are more likely to obtain a college degree within four years.

While it is PCA’s goal to offer Dual Credit courses at no cost to our families, it is important to know that it is not always possible. The cost of college tuition is covered by dual enrollment, and PCA usually covers the cost of book(s) for the approved courses. Students could be responsible for course-specific supplies (lab goggles, lab coat, etc), fees that are incurred throughout enrollment (late registration fees, lab fees, etc), proctor fees, course delivery fees and books. If you are unsure of what fees that you may be responsible for please contact your enrollment advisor or Charli Poe. 

If this is your first time enrolling in Dual Credit, 1 course is allowed. Once the student passes the first Dual Credit Course with a "C" or better, the student can enroll in a maximum of 2 Dual Credit courses until ALL High School requirements are met. Most students will receive High School Elective Credit for Dual Credit courses. In order for a Dual Credit course to be transcribed as Core Course credit, the course would have to align with the state standards in relation to that specific course and be approved. 

Most courses are allowed as long as they align with a degree plan, please speak with enrollment advisor and/or Charli Poe. 

Central New Mexico College, Clovis Community College, Eastern New Mexico University, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University (Carlsbad), New Mexico State University (Main Campus), New Mexico State University (Alamogordo), Western New Mexico State University, Dona Ana Community College, San Juan College, New Mexico Tech, Luna Community College.

If you have additional questions please contact:
Charli Poe
PCA-Counselor
Dual Credit Coordinator