Some high school students are eager for more challenge in the classroom. Others want to save money on college, finish their degree faster or find out what college-level work feels like. If that sounds like you, dual enrollment could be the right path.
Through dual enrollment, you take college courses while you’re still in high school and earn credit for both. That means you can begin building your college transcript now, explore new subjects and prepare yourself for the expectations of college life. Along the way, you’ll discover the many benefits of dual enrollment, from cost savings to transferable credits to building early momentum for your future college journey.
At Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the dual enrollment program makes this opportunity accessible to more students. If you’re a high school junior or senior — or even an exceptional freshman or sophomore — you can apply. Classes are available at your high school, on a NOVA campus or through online dual enrollment, giving you the flexibility to learn in the setting that works best for you.
Many families ask, how much does dual enrollment cost? With NOVA’s school partnerships, it can even be free. These benefits of dual enrollment are exactly why so many high school students choose to get started here.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment means you don’t have to wait until graduation to start college. With NOVA’s program, you take real college courses that count toward both your high school diploma and your NOVA transcript. You’ll complete the same assignments as other NOVA students, but you’ll have the advantage of starting early.
What makes NOVA unique is that you can go beyond just a few courses. Students have the chance to finish a certificate, a transferable general education certificate or even an associate degree while still in high school. That means you could begin your freshman year of college with a year or more already completed — saving you time and making your move into college smoother.
Dual enrollment is one way to challenge yourself with college-level academics. Many students also consider Advanced Placement (AP) courses. If you’re deciding between the two, you may want to explore how dual enrollment compares to AP.
How Much Does Dual Enrollment Cost?
One of the biggest questions students and families ask is about dual enrollment cost. The answer depends on your school district and the courses you choose:
- Through your high school: If your school offers dual enrollment through a contract with NOVA, courses may come at little or no cost. Families often ask, is dual enrollment free? — and while not every class is, many are covered.
- Directly through NOVA: If you take classes on campus or through NOVA Online, you’ll pay NOVA’s tuition and fees. Even then, the price is far less than paying for the same credits later at a four-year college.
Since NOVA’s tuition is among the most affordable in Virginia, dual enrollment can cut thousands off the cost of a bachelor’s degree. A three-credit course at NOVA costs only a fraction of what you’d pay at most four-year universities. By earning high school and college credit at the same time, you avoid duplication and save both money and time — giving you a faster, more affordable path to graduation. That combination of savings and efficiency is one of the most important benefits of dual enrollment.
More Benefits of Dual Enrollment for High School Students
Dual enrollment isn’t just about earning credits early. It gives you financial, academic and personal advantages that set you up for success. By enrolling in NOVA courses during high school, you’ll:
- Save money on tuition: Every credit you earn now is one less to pay for later, and many are available at reduced or no cost.
- Finish college sooner: Complete general education or introductory classes in advance, potentially graduating earlier.
- Transfer credits without worry: NOVA credits usually transfer to Virginia’s public colleges and universities, giving you a smoother path to a bachelor’s.
- Build confidence with college-level work: Experiencing college expectations in a supported environment makes the transition after high school easier. You’ll also practice essential skills like time management, self-advocacy and effective study habits — all before you officially begin college.
- Explore majors and careers early: Try out courses in different subjects, from general education to STEM and see what interests you before committing to a major.
- Gain nationally accredited credits: NOVA’s is Virginia’s first dual enrollment program accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), giving your credits additional recognition.
- Strengthen your college applications: Admissions teams and scholarship committees look for students who have challenged themselves academically. Dual enrollment on your transcript shows you can succeed in rigorous courses.
Dual enrollment leads to college success
Studies also show that students who complete dual enrollment are more likely to graduate and continue their education after high school. That’s proven to be true in the case of Grace Rais, a dual enrollment graduate who earned her A.S. in business administration from NOVA before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Business. She went on to complete her B.S. in information systems at VCU and later studied management information systems at The American College of Greece.
“Taking dual enrollment courses at NOVA showed me I could handle college-level work,” she said. “The experience gave me a head start and made my transition to a four-year school much smoother.”
For families, dual enrollment also brings peace of mind: Students save money, earn credits and learn independence with the support of both their high school and NOVA.
These skills and experiences aren’t just valuable in college — they also prepare you for internships and future jobs, since employers look for the same time management, communication and problem-solving strengths you practice through dual enrollment.
How NOVA Supports Dual Enrollment Students
When you choose NOVA, you gain access to resources and opportunities that help you succeed in college-level courses while you’re still in high school. As a dual enrollment student, you’ll:
- Learn from NOVA faculty or instructors approved by the college.
- Access tutoring, libraries and advising services just like any other NOVA student.
- Choose flexible formats, including classes at your high school, on a NOVA campus, or through online dual enrollment.
You may also take part in additional programs designed to expand your experience, such as:
- Early Online College: Juniors and seniors in certain counties can take up to two tuition-free courses each semester.
- E-Summer, JumpStart2NOVA or ACCESS Academy: Each connects you with peers, faculty and real-world experiences while building both academic and career skills.
With this level of support and opportunity, you’ll not only earn credits and save on tuition but also build study habits and self-advocacy skills that prepare you for college and beyond. And because you’ll already know how to register for classes, work with professors and use campus resources, your first year of college will feel more manageable, and you’ll be ready to engage fully in the experience. It’s another example of how the benefits of dual enrollment extend beyond academics, preparing you for college life as a whole.
Start Your College Journey With NOVA
Dual enrollment is more than just an advanced class. It’s a way to save money, shorten your path to graduation and start college with experience. At NOVA, you can take courses that transfer, build confidence with college-level work and even finish a certificate or degree before you graduate high school.