The College and Career Ready Virginia Program (CCRV) allows all public high school students the opportunity to earn college credit through a 5-course Passport or 10-course Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) pathway, at no cost to students or their families. These courses are provided by a student's home high school with credentialed high school faculty or online by college faculty.
Each public high school partners with a local community college to provide a specific set of courses to meet UCGS requirements. While every Passport- or UCGS-eligible course may not be available at each high school, courses outside the prescribed pathway may be taken at the community college. Approved pathway courses taken at the community college still count toward completing Passport or UCGS.
Transferability of Credits
Credits taken through dual enrollment often transfer to higher education institutions.
What does it mean for credit to transfer?
Credits can be transferred from one school and applied toward a degree at another. College credit from a community college taken during high school could be used at other two- or four-year institutions in Virginia.
How do I know what credits I earn through dual enrollment can be transferred, and how are they applied to my degree requirements?
If you earn a Passport (5 courses) or UCGS (10 courses), those credits are guaranteed to transfer as general education credits to all public and some private institutions in Virginia. See the Passport and Uniform Certificate of General Studies participating institutions and the Combined Passport and UCGS eligible courses. Other courses, or Passport/UCGS courses taken without completing the pathway, may transfer differently depending on the institution. The Transfer Virginia portal allows students to check the transferability of individual courses.
Is Dual Enrollment the best option to earn college credit in high school?
The best option for students depends on the individual. Dual Enrollment is one option to earn credit while still in high school. This comparison helps students, parents, and advisors choose the best option.
| Type of Class | What is it? | Will I earn college credit? | Does it cost more? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Enrollment (CCRV eligible programs) | CCRV dual-enrollment classes fit within Passport or UCGS. | Yes, as long as you pass the class. | No. CCRV dual-enrollment courses are offered at no cost. |
| Dual Enrollment (non-CCRV eligible programs) | General dual-enrollment classes outside Passport and UCGS. | Yes, as long as you pass the class. | Check with your school counselor about any costs. |
| Concurrent / Independent Dual Enrollment | Classes taken at a local community college while you are still in high school. | Yes, as long as you pass the class. | Yes, most concurrent or independent courses cost money out of pocket. |
| Advanced Placement (AP) / International Baccalaureate (IB) | Classes offered at some high schools that may transfer as college credit when you pass the final exam. | Possibly. Credit depends on the final score and the receiving college or university. | Yes, AP or IB courses typically have out-of-pocket costs. |
What's the Next Step?
Reach out to your local high school counselor for more information about eligibility, available pathways, and how to apply.