College in High School Admissions

HCC's dual credit program offers college courses for students still in high school.

High school students working on schoolwork at a row of desks

Many high school students take dual credit courses to get a jump on their college degree. Dual credit courses save you both time and money -- students pay NO tuition or fees.

That's right, thanks to a waiver from the Board of Trustees dual credit students living within HCC's taxing districts (in-district) may take dual credit classes at no charge. Students living outside of the taxing district, or out-of-district students, do not pay tuition, but they must pay out-of-district fees. (Learn more about residency here.)

To get started, we’ll walk you through the steps to become a dual credit student:

  1. Apply to HCC
  2. Meet with your school counselor
  3. Satisfy college readiness standards
  4. Register and pay for classes

Read on for more details.

Steps to Apply as a Dual Credit Student

  1. Apply to HCC

    First, go to HCC's online application. You can start a new application or continue with a saved application form.

    Upon completing the application, you will receive your acceptance letter and a welcome email that contains your HCC Student ID number and P-number (if assigned).

    Apply Now

  2. Meet with Your School Counselor

    Meet with your school counselor and request to take dual credit classes with HCC. Next steps:

    1. Complete the “Dual Credit Waiver Approval Form.” This form verifies parental and school approval to take college classes and receive a tuition waiver.
    2. Submit your completed form to your high school liaison with your transcript request by the deadline your school has established.

    Home Schooled?

    If you are a home school student, you will need to meet with a P-16 dual credit pathway advisor and complete the “Dual Credit Waiver Approval Form.” This form verifies parental approval to take college classes and receive a tuition waiver. Submit your completed form to your College P-16 office with your transcript.

    Dual Credit

  3. Satisfy College Readiness Standards

    You will need to demonstrate college readiness standards by achieving passing scores under the provision of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) or demonstrate exemption from testing under the provisions of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). See college readiness requirements and exemptions for details.

    Take the TSI Test, if required:

    • First complete the Pre-Assessment Activity.
    • HCC Testing Centers require a printout of “Completion Verification,” proving that you have completed the activity.
    • HCC Testing Centers require a photo ID to test.

    Learn more about college readiness requirements for the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) at the button below.

    TSI Requirements

  4. Register & Pay for Classes

    Enrollment for Dual Credit students

    For dual credit dedicated courses offered at a high school facility.

    1. Houston City College will enroll students based on the high school roster.
    2. Eligible for Dual Credit students who take dual credit courses offered at the high school.
    3. When you return to school, on your first day of class, verify that you are listed on both the high school roster and HCC roster.
    4. Log in to your HCC Student Center to verify your schedule.

    Enrollment for embedded Dual Credit students

    For non-dedicated dual credit course offered at HCC.

    1. Eligible for Dual Credit students who have HS approval to self-enroll.
    2. Eligible for Dual Credit students who are embedded in HCC courses at an HCC campus.

    Enroll in your Dual Credit Class

    • Log in to the Student Center with the HCC ID that was included in the welcome email upon completing your application.
    • If this is your first time logging in to the Student Center or have forgotten your Student Center password, you'll need to gain access to your account. You will need your Social Security Number or “P” number, if applicable.

    Enroll Now

    Need help enrolling in classes?

    Watch our helpful video tutorials on how to enroll in classes.

    Video Playlist

Additional Resources

Get prepared for your first day of class with these helpful links.

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Dual Credit Program

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