Over 6,000 North Dakota High School Students Enrolled in Dual Credit College Courses

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — More than 6,000 high school students across North Dakota are now enrolled in college-level coursework, earning both high school and college credits through the state’s growing dual credit program, according to data presented to the Legislature’s Interim Education Committee this week.

Expanding Opportunities for High School Students

The dual credit initiative allows students to take college classes while still in high school, giving them a head start on higher education and reducing future college costs. The program’s growth underscores North Dakota’s ongoing effort to make higher education more accessible and career-focused for young learners.

“Board policy requires that high school students who enroll in college courses have a GPA of 2.0 or higher,” said Lisa Johnson, Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education, while briefing lawmakers. Students must also complete an official application to the institution they wish to attend, though fees vary by campus.

College credit is awarded once a student successfully completes the course. “Even failing grades are recorded in our system,” Johnson explained. “They are expected to have the same learning outcomes, the same grading scales, and the same course length as a college student taking that same course.”

University Participation Expands Statewide

Until this fall, nine of North Dakota’s 11 public colleges participated in the dual credit system. That number grew after the State Board of Higher Education approved both the University of North Dakota (UND) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) to begin offering dual credit courses in their respective regions — Grand Forks County for UND and Cass County for NDSU.

“That is the service region for those institutions,” Johnson said, noting that other colleges serve broader areas that do not strictly follow county lines. “Sometimes there’s overlap, or if one institution can’t offer a particular course, they will partner with another North Dakota college to provide it.”

The collaborative model ensures that smaller school districts and rural students have the same access to advanced coursework as those in larger cities.

Program Also Attracts Out-of-State Students

Johnson added that approximately 100 non-resident students from other states are also enrolled in North Dakota’s dual credit courses, many through online options. “We have 38 students from Minnesota, 35 from Montana, 19 from South Dakota, and one or two students each from Alaska, California, Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Wisconsin,” she said. “They probably found the institution online.”

Financial Assistance Through the Bank of North Dakota

To make the program more affordable, the Bank of North Dakota has provided financial aid to dual credit participants since 2011. Jennifer Bickel, the bank’s Education Market Manager, told the committee that the state has invested nearly $1.65 million to support nearly 2,400 students, averaging just over $1,000 per student.

The funding helps cover tuition and fees for qualifying high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, removing financial barriers for families and encouraging early academic advancement.

Preparing the Next Generation of College Students

State education officials say the program’s success lies in how it bridges the gap between high school and college, helping students build confidence, reduce debt, and accelerate their educational paths. Many graduates of the dual credit system enter college with multiple credits already completed, shortening the time and cost needed for a degree.

With participation numbers growing each year and more universities joining the effort, North Dakota’s dual credit program is becoming a national model for rural and statewide academic cooperation. Parents and students interested in enrolling can learn more through their local school counselors or directly from North Dakota’s public university system websites.

As the program continues to expand, education leaders say the goal is simple — ensure that every student in North Dakota, regardless of location or income, has the opportunity to start college early and prepare for a stronger future. For continuing education news and community updates, visit NapervilleLocal.com, your source for Midwest learning and lifestyle coverage.