Academics

Dual or Concurrent Enrollment

Get an early start on your college education by earning college credit while still in high school!

Northwest welcomes students who are:

You can enroll if you:

What Is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment courses are college-level offerings and are taught by college instructors, but they may be taught at a college campus, outreach center, or via distance learning (online/video). In Wyoming, high school students can enroll for free in college-level courses to earn college credit. Often they can also simultaneously earn high school credit. Formal agreements between local school districts or Northwest college typically ensure that dual enrollment courses are recognized by both the high school and their higher education partner.

Dual enrollment is different from concurrent enrollment, which allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses taught by college-approved high school teachers at the high school level. Concurrent enrollment is also free and students can simultaneously earn high school and college credit.

What are the Benefits of Dual (and Concurrent) Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is a great way for high school students to get a head start on college while still in high school, and it is especially beneficial for those students who already know they want to pursue a degree, certificate, or technical program after graduation. Students can complete college requirements earlier, saving them time and tuition costs later. Dual enrollment also gives students an opportunity to explore career pathways before graduation and experience the academic rigor of college.

How Can Dual Enrollment Be Free?

During the 2026 legislative session, state lawmakers created an annual $10 million dual enrollment reimbursement program (W.S. 21-13-341). That influx of state funding is designed to alleviate financial strain on local school districts and community colleges, ensuring uniform access to dual enrollment programs across Wyoming, regardless of fluctuations in local property taxes or mill levies.

In addition, the Wyoming Community College Commission was allocated a one-time appropriation of $750,000 to be made available to each of Wyoming's seven accredited community colleges to address costs associated with offering dual enrollment to students who are:

Who Is Eligible To Take Dual Enrollment Courses?

Dual enrollment is primarily limited to high school juniors and seniors (typically ages 16+) who have met the prerequisites for dual enrollment courses. Students who are freshmen and sophomores may be eligible, depending on permissions from their high school and higher education institution. Students may be required to take a placement test if course prerequisites have not been met, depending on course subjects and formal agreements established between school districts and higher education institutions. Students should talk to their high school counselor or a college student adviser about possible requirements.

How To Apply?

Students can enroll in courses at their high school or community college. Contact a high school counselor or a college student adviser to learn more.

Northwest College's Concurrent Enrollment program is a special program that allows qualified Wyoming high school students to earn both high school and college credit for college classes taken during your high school years on your high school campus.

Dual Enrollment allows you to earn both high school and college credit when you enroll in a college class on the college campus, over the internet, or Zoom.

So, get started on your college education today! Talk to your high school guidance counselor or an NWC Advisor to register for classes.