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Dual Enrollment Program

Cape Cod Community College works closely with our local high schools across the Cape, Islands, and southeastern Massachusetts to develop "dual enrollment" opportunities. These partnerships allow high school students to enroll in college classes at 4Cs while still enrolled at their local high school.

That allows you to get a fast track on your degree or certificate before even walking the stage to earn your high school diploma.

Dual Enrollment Benefits

Some of the many benefits include:

  • An affordable head start to a university-caliber education
  • A diverse classroom experience
  • Challenging coursework
  • Free access to college clubs and activities, academic support (including tutoring), and all other CCCC student services

Dual Enrollment aims to ease your transition from high school to college. In addition to getting a head start on your college career, you will have meaningful and challenging academic experiences.

Dual Enrollment Eligibility

In order to be eligible to participate in the Dual Enrollment program, you must meet these requirements:

  • Be a Massachusetts high school student, or homeschooled student, who is at least 16 years of age.
    If you are under the age of 16, you need CCCC permission and must complete an Under-Age Student Appeal for Enrollment form, which is available from a Dual Enrollment Advisor. *Please note that this process takes additional time and should be started as early as possible to ensure admittance to the Dual Enrollment program.

  • Attain a minimum 2.5 grade point average or above at your high school.
    If you have a GPA less than 2.5 but greater than 2.0, you may be eligible for Dual Enrollment. A written recommendation from a school advisor or official and placement testing are required.

  • You may not have already earned a high school diploma or GED/HiSET.

You are not guaranteed participation even if you meet general eligibility guidelines. Participation is at the discretion of CCCC administration and subject to capacity constraints.

For more information email Tara Riley, Dual Enrollment Admissions Coordinator, triley@capecod.edu. Phone: 774.330.4992

The Dual Enrollment Process

  1. Apply
    • Complete the application for admission to Dual Enrollment in full with the assistance of a parent/guardian and your school advisor.
    • Ensure the school advisor sends in high school credit requirements and a high school transcript (including GPA).
    • Submit your application to the Admissions Office via email, fax or in person.
    • Incomplete applications cannot be processed.
  2. Attend a Dual Enrollment Information Session
    • Once you have submitted your application, please register online for one of our Dual Enrollment Information Sessions which is mandatory for all first-time Dual Enrollment students. 
    • Returning students are not required to attend an Information Session.
  3. Placement Testing
    • Requirements for placement exams depend on several factors and students will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine if necessary.
    • Assessment tests may be for Math only, English only or both.
  4. Register for courses
    • After testing, you will meet with the Dual Enrollment Advisor. Together, you will choose and register for your selected courses based your school advisor’s recommendations and high school requirements.
    • Placement scores and course prerequisites will be considered for course selection.
  5. Attend New Student Orientation
    • Orientation will provide critical information to new students such as a campus tour and set up of student email, etc.
    • Be sure to know when the New Student Orientations will be held. The Dual Enrollment Advisor can provide this information or it is on our website.

Do I have to attend an Information Session?

Students who have never taken a Dual Enrollment course before must attend an Information Session. Returning students (who have attended an Information Session previously) are not required to attend a second Information Session.

Do I need the placement test?

Determination of need for placement testing is done on an individual basis by the Dual Enrollment Counselor.   You will not be able to register for courses until you have completed the placement tests.  Placement tests are proctored remotely via zoom.  Students need a Cape Cod Community College student ID and appointment to test.  Student IDs are generated after receipt of a completed application.  Students will receive the student ID from the Dual Enrollment Counselor.  Immediately following your placement test, meet with the Dual Enrollment Counselor to discuss your scores and register for classes.

Who will pay for the course(s)?

All expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies and transportation will be the responsibility of the student. CCCC has some limited funds from the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP) and from the Cape Cod Community College Whitehouse fund that can be used to help eligible students with the cost of one course (maximum). In order to be considered for these grants, you must complete the “Application for Grant Award” questions on the Dual Enrollment Application.  There may be additional grant opportunities as we apply for various awards each year. 

Where will classes be held?

Due to Covid-19, fall and spring 2020-2021 courses are being delivered through virtual learning.  All classes will be remote (classwork happens in an online classroom with meeting times live-stream), online (asynchronous learning with no set meeting times) or hybrid (blend of online and limited time on campus for hands on lab work & projects that allow for social distancing).  The format/delivery method for each class is specified in the course catalog. 

What time can I take courses?

Dual Enrollment students can enroll in day, evening, or weekend courses, subject to their high school schedule and their school counselor’s recommendations. Classes generally meet three hours per week. Science classes may include a two-hour lab per week.  Most classes run on a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule.  There are online course offerings which do not have specific meeting times. 

What is the maximum number of courses I can take?

The number of courses you choose to study must be discussed with your school counselor and parents/guardians.  Some high schools have a minimum number of college classes required for Dual Enrollment participation.   Your school counselor will indicate the number of courses recommended for each student. Full-time is considered four or five courses. A student should consider other commitments for activities, sports, employment and the right balance with the number of courses you choose to take.

I have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) (or 504 plan) at my high school; will those accommodations be in place if I take Dual Enrollment courses at Cape Cod Community College?

The O'Neill Center for Student Access and Support provides reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.  O’Neill Center for Student Access and Support is located in the M.M. Wilkens Hall, Room 222, or call 774-330-4337. Accommodations provided with an Accommodation Plan from the O’Neill

How can I get more information?

Find out more by speaking with your school counselor or by contacting our Admissions Office:

Tara Riley, Senior Special Programs Coordinator, Dual Enrollment
Email: triley@capecod.edu 
Phone: 774.330.4992

Contact Us About Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment
Tara Riley Senior Special Programs Coordinator, Dual Enrollment Admissions
Phone 774-330-4992
E-mail triley@capecod.edu