Penn State York offers high school students the opportunity to take college courses on campus for a discounted tuition rate. This enables students to get a real jump-start on their college careers by earning college credits while still in high school. Students participating in Penn State’s Dual Enrollment Program may choose from a variety of courses offered at the campus.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Visit https://www.psu.edu/resources/first-year-students/early-and-dual-enrollment for the complete and up-to-date process on student eligibility and enrollment.

Students who have completed their junior year or are currently in their senior year of high school are eligible for dual enrollment. Exceptions for high school juniors and underclass students are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Per state law, Penn State must have a dual credit affiliation agreement with your school district for students to participate in the program.

Application Process

The documents below should be emailed to Erin Nelsen at [email protected] as one email. Please do not submit them separately.

Students who have completed their 11th grade year OR are currently enrolled in their 12th grade year are required to submit the following:

  • Official high school transcript
  • Students must complete the Undergraduate Nondegree High School Enrollment Form that can be found on the Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Dual Credit Enrollment webpage. Scroll down to "How to Apply" and click on "submit a non-degree high school enrollment form". The student should complete this form and submit it to the high school counseling office or to the Penn State Admissions Office at the campus where the student wishes to participate.

Underclassmen (students who will not have completed 11th grade by time of enrollment in course) are required to submit the following:

  • Official high school transcript
  • One letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or principal
  • Students must complete the Undergraduate Nondegree High School Enrollment Form that can be found on the Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Dual Credit Enrollment webpage. Scroll down to "How to Apply" and click on "submit a non-degree high school enrollment form". The student should complete this form and submit it to the high school counseling office or to the Penn State Admissions Office at the campus where the student wishes to participate.

Once documents have been received and processed, eligible students will be notified of approval to participate and emailed a link and detailed instructions regarding setting up their Penn State access account online. Only after activating their access account, should new students contact the admissions office to schedule a class registration appointment.

Timeline

We suggest submitting application documents to Erin Nelsen by the recommended date for maximum course availability.

  • Fall Semester (late August-mid-December) – June 16 (recommended date)
  • Spring Semester (mid-January-late April) – November 1 (recommended date)
  • Summer Semester (late June-early August) – June 1

https://www.psu.edu/resources/first-year-students/early-and-dual-enrollment

Academic Performance

Dual enrolled students may enroll in up to 8 credits per semester.

To remain in the program, students must earn a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in each University course.

Cost

Students enrolled in the program receive a tuition adjustment from the University that is equivalent to a 50 percent reduction of the in-state tuition rate. Students are responsible for paying all applicable student fees. To view tuition costs, utilize the tuition calculator or contact the Penn State Bursar Office at 814-865-6528.

Returning Dual Enrollment Students

Students who have successfully completed Penn State York Dual Enrollment classes in prior semesters must schedule classes through the admissions office; they do not have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, nor must they supply preregistration documentation prior to the appointment.

If a returning dual enrollment student registers for a course without meeting with an admissions counselor prior to semester start or has not met the minimum grade requirement for program participation, that student may be dismissed from the program.

Timeline for Returning Dual Enrollment Students

Contact the Penn State York Admissions Office at [email protected] or call 717-771-4040 by the date below if you plan to schedule classes for the coming semester.

  • Fall Semester: June 16
  • Spring Semester: November 1
  • Summer Semester: June 1

Child Safety

PACPSL Compliance Statement

Annually, more than 600 high school students schedule college courses from a multitude of disciplines at Penn State campuses. Per recent changes to the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (PACPSL), Penn State York will continue to provide courses for qualified dual enrolled students, fully compliant with the required background checking requirements listed below:

Faculty who teach classes in which dual enrolled students under the age of 18 are registered, as well as staff who provide professional or support services, such as advising, counseling, or tutoring and students who serve in peer roles such as advising, mentoring, or tutoring to these students, are required by State law to have the following three clearances: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4-164), Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113), and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check (Criminal History Report). Effective January 1, 2016, all individuals (current employees and new hires) interacting with dual enrolled students under the age of 18 are required to have valid clearances in place.

In order to ensure compliance in all future semesters, Penn State York will identify sections of courses that typically enroll the most high school students and can confirm that faculty teaching these courses have completed the required background checks. This course list will be shared with current and future dual-enrolled students through their guidance counselors and academic advisers and through print and web information.

In addition, staff and students who provide services such as academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring will be required to complete the three required background checks. Questions regarding Penn State York’s compliance with PACPSL can be directed to the Penn State York Admissions Office at 717-771-4040.