Q: How much do dual credit classes cost?

A: In Katy ISD, a dual credit course costs $65 plus the cost of the class textbook, which will vary from course to course. By comparison, the same course taken at HCC as a college student would cost $547.50 plus the textbook and over $1,500 plus the textbook at the University of Houston. *You can research college tuition and fees on any college website to compare costs. 

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Q:  Can I take dual credit classes for free or at a cheaper rate if I receive free or reduced lunch?

A: No. Dual credit classes are already heavily discount, so there is no additional discount. 

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Q: Is AP or Dual Credit better?

A: Neither AP nor Dual Credit is better than the other. Rather, students need to compare and contrast these options to determine which is a better fit for him/her. Things to consider:

• To earn college credit in an AP course, students must take the AP exam, earn the score required by the college he/she attends, and send the passing score to the college from College Board. If you are a strong test-taker, this may be a good fit for you. 

• To earn college credit in a Dual Credit course, students need to pass the class and send their transcript from HCC to the college they later attend. If you are a strong student but don't necessarily do well on standardized tests, this may be a good fit for you. 

• Both AP and Dual Credit courses are more rigorous than traditional high school courses. As such, both will help you prepare for college-level courses and make you a more competitive college applicant.

• In Katy ISD, AP courses receive a weighted grade point 5.0 for determining high school GPA while Dual Credit courses receive a weight grade point of 4.5 for determining high school GPA. While both course levels are more advanced than academic level courses, AP courses tend to be a bit more rigorous than Dual Credit courses. 

• Both AP exams and Dual Credit courses are widely accepted at colleges nation-wide. By state law, HCC college-level academic credit is transferable to all public colleges in Texas as either core or elective credit. Dual Credit courses may not be accepted at private or out-of-state colleges, so do your research when deciding which option is better for your future college plans.

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Q: How will I benefit from taking dual credit courses? 

A: Lots of ways! 

• Students will receive college credit and high school credit simultaneously.

• Students can graduate from high school with transferable college credits.

• Students can fast-track their undergraduate or workforce degrees.

• Student may save on tuition and fees by reducing the time to complete a degree.

• Students will have access to a full range of college student support services while in high school to aid them in a smooth transition to college after graduation.

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Q: Are dual credit classes hard?

A: Dual credit classes are more challenging than most high school classes because they are actual college courses. However, if you have developed strong student success skills, like good study habits, time management, etc., and plan to attend college after high school, you should be capable of success. If you find yourself struggling, however, act early to seek help by communicating with your professor and attending tutorials offered for free by HCC. 

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Q: Am I eligible to take dual credit courses? 

A: To be eligible to take dual credit courses, you have to prove college-readiness by earning the required scores on either the PSAT, SAT, ACT, STAAR, TSI, etc. Please see score requirements here. 

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Q: If I receive accommodations at Morton Ranch, will I also receive those at HCC?

A: Students with a documented disability MUST meet with the HCC ADA counselor PRIOR to enrollment. Academic accommodations will be provided ONLY AFTER students have properly registered for services with the appropriate consultation and documentation through a designated services counselor in HCC Counseling and Disabilities Services.

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Q: How do I sign up for a dual credit class? 

A: To sign up for a dual credit class:

1. Apply to HCC (if you have not already done so in the past) at www.applytexas.org. 

   • Use this guide if you need guidance on completing your Apply Texas application. We will also offer application support sessions. Pay attention to announcements at school and in Canvas. ​

2. Submit required paperwork to the Counselor's Office. Packet is available in Canvas and the Counseling Office.  

   • Dual Credit Packet

   • Attend New Student Orientation (after accepted)

   • Valid Meningitis vaccination records (if taking courses at HCC) 

3. Take the TSI (if you have not already met the required scores)

   • You can take the TSI at HCC or at MRHS. Please refer to the TSI module in Canvas or see Ms. Boyle in the Counseling Office for more information about TSI testing.​

   • TSI will be offered for free at MRHS a few times throughout the year. Pay attention to announcements made in school and on Canvas for registration information. *Hint: Be sure you check your email regularly so you don't miss out! 

4. Enroll in HCC dual credit courses (if taking online or at HCC). Help will be offered around for those taking Dual Credit courses online or at HCC. For those taking courses at MRHS, your counselor will register you into the course(s) as long as you've done the above and met the deadlines! Pay attention to announcements in school and on Canvas. 

5. Pay for your HCC dual credit course at myeagle.hccs.edu.

   • Failure to pay course fees on time will result in transcript holds. ​

   • Here's a guide for how to pay for your courses. 

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Q: Where can I hear more about AP and Dual Credit options?

A: Check out this video recording from our AP/Dual Credit Night!