Topic guide · Grades 9-12
Dual enrollment in Michigan
Dual enrollment lets Michigan high school students in grades 9-12 take real college classes while still in high school, and the school district pays the tuition. A student can take up to 10 college courses during high school with a qualifying test score. Every public district, charter school and state-approved private school has to offer it.
Last checked: October 2026 against Michigan law (MCL 388.513 and 388.514) and the Michigan Department of Education.
Quick facts
| Grades | 9 through 12 |
|---|---|
| How many courses | Up to 10 during high school |
| Yearly limit | Depends on when you start. Start in grade 9: two a year for three years, then four. Start in grade 10: two, then four, then four. Start in grade 11 or 12: up to six a year. A district and college agreement can raise these limits. |
| Who pays | The district, up to a set amount per course. In 2026-27 that's at least $837.50 per course at a typical six-period semester school. |
| Credit | College credit on a college transcript, and usually high school credit too |
| Two kinds | Academic courses and career and technical courses. Career courses can include noncredit training that leads to an industry certification. |
Who qualifies for dual enrollment in Michigan?
A student in grades 9-12 enrolled in at least one high school class, with a parent or guardian who lives in Michigan, who hasn't been in high school more than four years. Foreign exchange students don't qualify.
What test score do you need?
A qualifying score on the PSAT, SAT or ACT in the subject you want to take. For example, on the SAT that's 480 in reading and writing and 530 in math. On the PSAT 8/9, given free in grade 8, it's 410 and 450, which is how students start in grade 9. If you qualify in some subjects but not others, you can still take courses in the subjects where you did. A district can also choose to approve a student without a qualifying score.
For career and technical dual enrollment there's a second route: a qualifying math score plus a qualifying score on a job skills assessment.
Sources: MCL 388.513 · MDE qualifying scores · MCL 388.1903
Is dual enrollment free in Michigan?
Usually, yes. The district pays the college the lesser of the actual tuition and fees or a set share of the state's per-student funding. Families pay anything above that, plus transportation, parking and activity fees. Required textbooks count as course materials the district covers, and the books belong to the district.
The catch: if a student drops a course after the college's refund deadline or fails it, the family may have to repay the district, unless there was a family or medical emergency. Retaking a failed course isn't covered. Read the college's drop deadline before the term starts.
For 2026-27, the state also set aside $40 million to reimburse districts for dual enrollment costs, with high-poverty districts first, which makes it easier for districts to say yes.
Sources: MCL 388.514 · MDE 2026-27 calculation worksheet · 2026 PA 25
How do you sign up for dual enrollment?
- Ask your counselor about the deadline for next semester and which colleges your school partners with.
- The counselor confirms your test scores and eligibility, and the principal signs off.
- You apply and enroll at the college.
- The college bills the district after the drop/add date.
Schools must tell families of students in grade 8 and up about dual enrollment by March 1 each year. Find colleges near you on the community colleges page.
Dual enrollment or Early Middle College?
Dual enrollment is a la carte: a few college classes during four years of high school. Early Middle College is a full five-year program that ends with an associate degree or 60 credits. Many students start with dual enrollment and move into an Early Middle College.
Common questions
Can a 9th grader dual enroll in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan students can dual enroll starting in grade 9 with a qualifying score on the PSAT 8/9, PSAT, SAT or ACT. Students who start in grade 9 take up to two college courses a year at first, and up to 10 total during high school.
Source: MCL 388.513
What happens if a student fails a dual enrollment class in Michigan?
The family may have to repay the district for any tuition the college doesn't refund, unless the college finds a family or medical emergency. The district won't pay for a retake of the same failed course.
Source: MCL 388.514
Does dual enrollment count for high school credit in Michigan?
Usually yes. The student, parents and counselor decide whether the course counts toward high school graduation, and it also earns college credit on a college transcript.
Source: Michigan Department of Education