Frequently Asked Questions
What Is "Dual Credit"?
A dual credit course is a college course taken by a high school student for which the student earns both college and high school credit at the same time. Some courses are taught at the high school campus during high school hours while others are taught at Lone Star College–Tomball during the day, evenings, weekends, or even online.
Will I earn college credit for these dual credit classes?
Yes. Dual credit courses are real college courses. All dual credit students are given the same rights and privileges as other Lone Star College–Tomball students (use of the library, counseling, ELC tutoring, etc.) The grades earned in dual credit courses become a permanent part of a student's college transcript.
What are the benefits of the Dual Credit program?
By participating in the dual credit program, you have the opportunity to make significant progress toward your college degree before finishing high school. In addition:
- Tuition is discounted by 50%.
- You are an official college student having access to the full range of services offered by Lone Star College–Tomball. These include college academic and career planning services, full resources of the library, the use of the Wellness Center, computer labs, academic support services, and the student centers on campus.
- You also have the opportunity to learn what college professors expect while still in familiar high school surroundings close to home. Courses taught at the high school campus, at the college, or online depending on the arrangements made with your high school.
- Taking dual credit courses cost less than regular college courses.
- Dual Credit courses are fully transferable to public colleges and universities in Texas and generally transferable to other colleges and universities throughout the United States. We recommend you always check with the receiving institution as it is their decision whether to accept classes from another college and how to count them if they are accepted.
- By participating in the dual credit program, you will acquire the confidence to succeed academically and personally in college, making the transition to college much easier.
How does a student "qualify" for the program?
In order for students to be eligible for dual credit, the following must be in place:
- The high school has an agreement with Lone Star College System;
- The student is currently enrolled in high school;
- The student meets the requirements for exceptional admissions;
- The student has approval from high school and parent/guardian.
In addition to these requirements, students must meet the state Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements in areas that are applicable to the courses or have a TAKS 10th grade score of 2200 and 3 on the English language arts section and have the course prerequisites. Student can meet the TSI requirement by:
- Exempt scores based on ACT, SAT, or 10th grade or exit TAKS scores;
See college level minimum scores here.
High school counselors or college dual credit advisors can assist students in this area. In addition, schools may require additional criteria or forms before allowing students to register for courses. Please speak to your guidance counselor before registering for any courses.
How do I enroll in the Dual Credit program?
- Talk to your HS Counselor about Dual Credit offerings.
- Apply Online!
- Demonstrate College Readiness through a placement exam.
- Fill out the forms. You will need a Dual Credit/Exceptional Admissions Approval form, a Registration form, and any others your school requires.
- Turn all of your scores and forms into your HS Counselor. Please check with your counselors to determine when these forms are due.
- Register for classes.
- Pay tuition and fees
- Buy your books.
Are dual credit courses right for me?
Only the students, with their parents /guardians and counselors, can answer this question. Since dual credit courses apply toward high school graduation requirements, the signature of a school official (counselor or principal) is required on the application form. Students who have had success with dual credit college coursework usually have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale), an attendance rate of 90% or better, and have schedules that are able to accommodate the rigorous coursework.
How do high school students get books for the college classes?
This may vary by high school so students should contact their instructors.
Textbooks are available at our Campus Bookstore, located at Lone Star College–Tomball 281-351-3398 and Lone Star College–Willow Chase Center 281-401-5323
How do I get my final grades?
Semester grades are available online from MyRecords You can apply for a transcript online through the Transcript Request Form, or MyRecords. Various high school counselors directly request transcripts for students.
Do I have to pay for the Placement Exam?
No, Lone Star College–Tomball waives the fees for the COMPASS and ASSET placement exams for dual credit students.
How do students withdraw from a college class once they have registered?
The class must be dropped in person at the college admissions office. When you withdraw from a course, you MUST inform your instructor and your high school guidance counselor. Find withdrawal dates for the semester on the calendar pages in the Lone Star College System catalog.
Will taking dual credit courses help me get an Early High School Graduation Scholarship from the State of Texas?
Yes, information regarding the early graduation program is available from your high school counselor's office.