Dual Enrollment

Start College Early. Stay on Track. Graduate Ahead.

Texas Southern University Dual Enrollment opens the door for eligible high school students to begin earning college credit while completing their high school diploma. Through TSU, students can experience the academic expectations, support, and culture of one of the nation’s premier HBCUs before they graduate from high school.

Dual enrollment is more than taking a college class early. It is an opportunity to build confidence, reduce future college costs when funding is available, explore academic and career pathways, and begin a college transcript with purpose.

 

Why Choose TSU Dual Enrollment?

Access to College Opportunity

TSU Dual Enrollment helps students take the next step toward college while they are still supported by their high school, family, and community. Students gain early exposure to university-level learning and begin developing the habits needed for long-term success.

A Head Start on College Credit

Students may earn college credit that can apply toward future degree plans, transfer pathways, core curriculum requirements, foreign language requirements, approved workforce pathways, or other eligible academic options, depending on the course, school partnership, and student eligibility.

A Stronger Pathway to TSU

Dual enrollment students begin building a connection to Texas Southern University early. Students learn how to navigate college systems, communicate with instructors, access support, and understand how college courses become part of their academic record.

Cost Savings When Funding Applies

Dual enrollment may reduce future college costs by helping students earn credit before high school graduation. Some students may qualify for no-cost or reduced-cost enrollment through FAST, district agreements, or other approved funding arrangements. Final student costs depend on eligibility, course selection, school partnership, funding source, and required materials.

Who May Participate?

TSU Dual Enrollment is designed for eligible high school students who are ready to begin college-level learning while completing high school.

General eligibility may include:

• Enrollment in grades 9–12
• Approval from the student’s high school counselor or school designee
• Parent or guardian approval when required
• Minimum academic standing, including the required high school GPA
• Required documentation, such as transcript, TSI status, exemption information, or other placement information when applicable
• Course-specific or pathway-specific requirements
• An active school partnership or approved enrollment arrangement with TSU

Eligibility may vary by course, pathway, student classification, delivery format, and school partnership.

Cost and Funding

TSU is committed to expanding access to affordable college opportunity. However, families should understand that dual enrollment cost coverage is not the same for every student.

Students may have costs covered through one or more of the following:

• FAST eligibility
• School district or partner agreement
• Approved institutional arrangement
• Other funding structure connected to the student’s pathway or school partnership

Students who do not qualify for FAST or partner-covered funding may be responsible for some or all costs, depending on the approved cost model. Costs may include tuition, fees, textbooks, course materials, supplies, testing, or other course-related expenses.

Families should confirm cost responsibility before the student is registered.

Pathway Scope

TSU Dual Enrollment courses are selected to support meaningful academic progress. Course options may include:

• Texas Core Curriculum courses
• Foreign language courses
• Approved college-credit courses aligned with a student’s high school plan
• Approved workforce, CTE, or career-connected pathways
• Partner-specific pathways such as aviation, maritime, public service, education, or other areas when formally approved

Not every course is available at every high school. Course availability depends on the active school partnership, approved pathway, faculty credentialing, student readiness, modality, scheduling, and TSU academic approval.

 

Important Academic Reminder

Dual enrollment courses are college courses. Grades earned in TSU dual enrollment courses become part of the student’s official Texas Southern University academic record.

Students should take each course seriously, attend consistently, complete assignments on time, communicate with instructors, and ask for help early if they begin to struggle.

 

Get Started

Students should begin by speaking with their high school counselor or designated dual enrollment contact. The counselor will help determine whether dual enrollment fits the student’s high school graduation plan, college goals, eligibility status, and available course options.

For general questions, contact:

Office of Dual Enrollment
Email: DualEnrollment@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7152