Dual Enrollment Opportunities in Massachusetts

Traditionally, the college experience began when a student graduated high school. Now, thanks to dual enrollment opportunities in Massachusetts, students can begin to partake in this experience while still in high school. The Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP), offers a chance for students in high school to take college courses at selected community colleges or public universities free of cost. This allows them to work towards a high school diploma, and an Associate’s Degree simultaneously, saving both time and money.

The program began in Massachusetts in 1993, and between 1994 and 2001 had 12,000 students participating. It has grown tremendously since then and has gained support from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, as well as the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  The program aims to “ease the transition from high school to college…[while also allowing] students to get a head start on their college careers,” according to the CDEP website. Through this, students who would otherwise not have had resources to attend college are able to have a more challenging academic experience. The “ultimate goal of CDEP is to increase the population of high school graduates who are college ready.”

In order to be eligible to participate, students must be a Massachusetts resident enrolled in a secondary Massachusetts public or nonpublic school (homeschoolers may also participate), and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students who have already received a Grade Equivalency Diploma, or have graduated high school are not eligible to participate in the program. Classes may either be held at the high school of the student, online, or at the local college/university. The classes are comprised of dual enrollment students as well as full time college students, allowing for a wide range of ages, a factor which only contributes to the rich learning experience.

Most courses taken will offer transfer credit, so that if a student chooses to pursue a higher degree, they will not be starting from scratch. There are a wide range of courses available,  in subject areas such as humanities, social sciences, mathematics, sciences, English composition and writing. Generally, all courses which are general requirements and would be taken in the first two years of college are available to CDEP students. Courses which are not accepted are those which offer no credit, are less than three credit hours, and those that are a physical education or first-year orientation course.

Those interested in participating in this program should contact their school counselor for information, contact a CDEP representative, or visit the Information for Students and Families page on the CDEP website.

Amanda De Moraes

Boston Tutoring Services