Admissions & Aid

Our dual enrollment program allows high-achieving local high school students to take college courses, enriching their high school education and easing the transition to college. Students are encouraged to combine this with Advanced Placement (AP) courses for optimal college preparation.

Why Choose USCA for Dual Enrollment?

• Jumpstart on College: Earn college credits while in high school, saving time and money on your future degree.
• Academic Challenge: Tackle college-level coursework to prepare for the rigors of higher education.
• Campus Experience: Get a taste of college life and access to university resources, including libraries and labs.
• Cost Savings: Benefit from reduced tuition rates for dual-enrollment courses, making college more affordable.
• Competitive Edge: Enhance your college applications with demonstrated success in university courses.

Requirements

To qualify for Dual Enrollment, you must:

1. Be in the top 25% of your class and/or have a 3.5+ GPA on the SC UGP
2. Have a score of 1020+ on the SAT or PSAT and/or 21+ on ACT/PreACT
3. Take College Prep or higher curriculum in high school

All Dual Enrollment applicants must submit the following items:

• Dual Enrollment application with a $10 application fee
• Application Supplement Form (submitted to your high school counselor)
• SAT and/or ACT scores sent to USCA directly from the testing agency (costs approximately $12)

Your high school must submit the supplement form, an official copy of your transcript, PSAT scores, & immunization records for you to be considered for admission. For fall admission, apply by March 1, or for spring admission, apply by October 1. Late applications may be considered, but course availability is limited. Contact the Admissions office for late admission options.

Once admitted, please submit the following to enable course registration:

1. Completed Citizenship Verification Form, along with a copy of one of the listed acceptable supporting documents
2. Immunization Records showing two-shot MMR (If not already received from your high school)

Note: All new dual enrollment students are required to attend an orientation session before classes begin.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):
Tuition ($66/Credit Hour) + Technology Fee ($13/Credit Hour) + Public Safety Fee ($25/Semester) = Total Cost

Textbook purchases/rentals are made separately from the costs above. Students must rent/buy their textbooks by the first day of class. Students are encouraged, but not required to, purchase/rent their textbooks at the Pacer Shoppe on campus.

Courses Offered

Dual enrollees may take any course for which they have met the prerequisites.  The most popular courses include Pre-Calculus, Calculus, English 101/102, Introductory  Psychology, Introductory Sociology, Intro to World Civilizations, and World Music.

Courses available for the upcoming fall semester can be viewed starting approximately March 1st and for the upcoming spring semester approximately October 1st.  A searchable list of course sections with current seat availability is available to view (without having to log in) at Self Service Aiken.

You will receive course selection information in your acceptance letter and you will be directed to complete a course request form for the Registrar’s Office to register for your preferred courses. Registration for fall semester courses begins in late March and for spring semester courses in late October (several months in advance of the start of each term). Contact the Admissions Office with any questions.

Dual Enrollment Orientation

Orientation is only for students who have already been admitted and have registered for courses.

All new dual enrollment students must attend one of our three orientation sessions. The program will last an hour or so and will cover important topics such as: 

• Registered course(s) and how to make changes (if needed)
• Technology accounts (Self Service Aiken online portal, Blackboard, student e-mail)
• Obtaining your USCA ID card & parking decal
• Renting/purchasing your textbooks
• Paying tuition/fees
• Major differences between high school and university calendars

Upcoming Orientation Dates

• August 5 at 6 p.m.
• August 7 at 3 p.m.
• August 11 at 6 p.m.

Questions & More Information

Placement Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) List

Contact the Dual Enrollment Coordinator

Andrew Hendrix
Director of External Recruitment/Dual Enrollment Coordinator
[email protected] (preferred)
803-641-3366
Penland 116D