Give Your Child a Head Start on College
Your son or daughter can earn college credit now, while they are still in high school. Students who enroll in CNM’s Dual Credit program during their sophomore through senior years earn college credit as well as credit for high school electives. Some students have graduated with a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree at the same time!
Dual Credit is a Great Deal:
- No tuition or registration fees! Classes are free for students in central New Mexico public high schools, including charter schools, except for occasional small lab fees. That saves tuition you would have to pay for the same courses after graduation.
- Distance learning fees for online classes are waived for Dual Credit high school students.
- The high school district or charter school your son or daughter attends pays for textbooks.
- An amazing range of CNM classes are available to students who meet the prerequisites.
- It’s a low-cost to no-cost way for students to explore subjects not offered in their high schools, or to experiment with different careers.
- It shortens the time students need to obtain certification in many career technical areas where jobs are plentiful, like “green energy” or health care.
- Courses in the General Studies Degree area seamlessly transfer to UNM and NMSU, reducing the time to college graduation - and future tuition expense.
- Students have full access to all CNM Student Services including computer labs, libraries, tutoring services and activity clubs.
- Students can take up to 18 credits each term.
- These courses build your child’s sense of confidence, pride of accomplishment, and self-esteem, preparing them to succeed in college.
Common Concerns
- The Dual Credit program meets the new state requirement that all students must take at least one Dual Credit, Distance Learning, Advanced Placement or honors course for high school graduation. (This requirement starts with the graduating class of 2013.)
- The Dual Credit program does not affect your child’s eligibility for a Lottery Scholarship for courses taken after high school graduation.
- Also keep in mind that your student is considered a college student. Meaning, per the signed Dual Credit Request form, if you would like to discuss your student's grades or any issues related to their college education a release form must be on file. CNM faculty and staff are prohibited, according to FERPA regulations, from discussing grades or enrollment status with anyone other than the student unless a release form is submitted.
- Worried about transportation, travel time, or whom they'll meet? Many classes can be taken over the Internet from a neighborhood library or from your home. Some classes are offered at local high schools after the regular school day.
- Is scheduling an issue? Students can register for available classes during daytime hours, evenings, weekends, or during the summer at any of CNM’s five campuses. Most online courses offer completely flexible scheduling.
What You Can Do
Encourage your children to speak directly to their high school counselor. Counselors will determine whether students meet the requirements. After your son or daughter is admitted, CNM advisors will assist him or her with course selection.
If your child attends a private school or is home-schooled consider our College & Career-Bound Program. Tuition fees apply to this program, which offers college preparatory (900-level) courses and above for students who do not qualify for the Dual Credit program. If your child attends a public school and wants to take 900-level courses the College & Career-Bound Program provides that opportunity.
Dual Credit opens the door to college and beyond. Encourage your son or daughter to meet this new challenge. Remind them to speak to faculty members or get tutoring assistance if needed. Most of all, ask questions about what they’re learning and show your pride in their achievement.
More questions or concerns?
Please call the High School Programs Office at 505-224-3326, fill out our contact form, or email us.
