Earn College Credit in High School

High School Dual Credit (HSDC) allows eligible South Dakota juniors and seniors to earn both high school and college credit through South Dakota’s public universities at a significantly reduced tuition rate. Courses meet the Board of Regents’ System General Education requirements and are taught by university faculty.

Good to Know

• Location: Online, university campuses, or select high schools through In-District HSDC
• Instructor: University faculty
• Credit: Earn both high school and college credit
• Cost: Reduced tuition rate partially funded by the State of South Dakota
• Best For: Students ready to experience college courses taught by university faculty

Concurrent Credit (sometimes called Rising Scholars) allows students to earn both high school and college credit through university-approved courses taught at their high school by qualified high school instructors.

Good to Know

• Location: Participating high schools
• Instructor: Qualified high school instructor approved by the university
• College Credit: Earn both high school and college credit
• Typical Cost: Lowest reduced tuition option
• Availability: Courses offered by participating high schools

Non-Degree Seeking Enrollment allows students to take college courses through a South Dakota public university outside the High School Dual Credit program. Students pay the university’s standard tuition rate and must meet any course prerequisites.

Good to Know

• Location: Online or university campuses
• Instructor: University faculty
• Credit: Earn both high school and college credit
• Cost: Standard university tuition and applicable fees
• Best For: Students who do not qualify for HSDC or wish to take courses outside the program

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes offered through participating high schools. Students do not automatically earn college credit by completing an AP course. Instead, they may earn college credit by achieving a qualifying score on an AP exam, subject to the credit policies of the college or university they attend.

Good to Know

• Location: Participating high schools
• Instructor: High school instructors
• Credit: College credit may be awarded for qualifying AP exam scores, based on each college or university’s policies
• Cost: AP exam fee
• Best For: Students who want to demonstrate college-level learning through a standardized exam and potentially earn college credit

Students looking to enroll in the High School Dual Credit program or in a Concurrent Credit course at their high school must meet one of the criteria outlined in sections 1-4 below.

(Students who do not meet criteria may enroll as a non-degree seeking student at the full tuition rate.)

1. High School Juniors eligible to enroll in a high school in South Dakota who meet one of the following requirements:
   • earn an ACT composite score or superscore of 24, or equivalent SAT score of 1180); or
   • rank in the upper one-third of their high school class; or
   • earn a cumulative unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale
2. High School Seniors eligible to enroll in a high school in South Dakota who meet one of the following requirements:
   • earn an ACT composite score or superscore of 21, or equivalent SAT score of 1080); or
   • rank in the upper one-half of their high school class; or
   • earn a cumulative unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
3. High School Juniors or Seniors eligible to enroll in a high school in South Dakota who meet the following advanced honors endorsement admissions requirements:
   1. ACT composite or superscore of 18 for BHSU, DSU, NSU, and SDSU; or of 21 for USD and SDSMT, or equivalent SAT score of 970 or 1080; and
   2. Successful completion of coursework requirements per ARSD 24:43:11:02.03:
      • Four years of English
      • Three years of advanced mathematics
      • Three years of laboratory science
      • Three years of social studies
      • One year of fine arts
4. High School Juniors or Seniors eligible to enroll in a high school in South Dakota who meet the benchmark scores on one of the assessments listed below:
   • State of South Dakota 11th Grade Assessment
     • Smarter Balance – Score Level 3 or higher on the English Language Arts and Mathematics 11th Grade Assessments
   • PreACT Exam Composite Score of 24 or higher
   • ACCUPLACER Next Generation Exams (QAS exam score of 225 or higher and Writing exam Score of 263 or higher)

Not all college courses apply toward every degree. Before registering, think about your future goals and choose courses that are more likely to count toward your intended major or fulfill general education requirements. Planning ahead can help you save time, reduce future college costs, and make steady progress toward a degree.

Learn more: Explore the following resources to identify recommended courses for your interests and career goals:

• South Dakota Dual Enrollment Resource Guide
• Dual Credit Course Dashboard
• SDBOR All Course Catalog
• Degree Pathways Advising (below)

Ready to apply for dual enrollment? Follow these simple steps:

1. Meet with your school counselor to discuss your goals, explore course options, and confirm your eligibility.
2. Complete the online High School Dual Enrollment application and select the South Dakota public university course(s) you plan to take.
3. Your parent or guardian and high school will receive an email to complete the required approvals. Consider giving them a heads up so they can complete their approvals promptly.
4. Apply as soon as registration opens to allow time for processing before classes begin.

Application opening dates, registration deadlines, tuition due dates, refund deadlines, and withdrawal deadlines vary by academic term. Be sure to review the Dates & Deadlines information below before applying.

Thinking about attending a South Dakota public university after high school?

Students who are eligible for High School Dual Credit or Concurrent Credit are also eligible to participate in Fast Track Admission.

While completing the dual enrollment application, simply select the participating South Dakota public universities you’re interested in attending after high school. Eligible students will receive an early acceptance letter from each university they select, making the transition from high school to college even easier.

Fast Track is optional and does not commit you to attending any university. It simply lets participating universities know you’re interested and gives you the opportunity to receive your acceptance early.

Planning ahead helps ensure you’re ready to start your dual enrollment courses on time.

Application Opening Dates

• November 1 – Spring applications open
• March 1 – Summer applications open
• April 1 – Fall applications open

Check with your high school counselor or administration for any school-specific registration deadlines, as your high school may require additional paperwork or earlier deadlines.

While applications are accepted through the first day of class, students are encouraged to apply at least one week before their course begins. Applying early allows time for processing and helps ensure you’re enrolled and ready to participate when classes start.

Use the View Dates & Deadlines button below to download other important dates and deadlines, which include:

• Application opening dates
• Registration deadlines
• Tuition due dates
• Refund deadlines
• Withdrawal deadlines

Calendars are available for:

• Fall 2026
• Spring 2027
• Summer 2027