Dual Credit Program

Get a jump start on college and take classes at CNM tuition-free with CNM's Dual Credit program.

Information Session on Nov. 7

Learn more about Dual Credit at CNM. Join us for an Information Session on November 7, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at CNM Main Campus, Smith Brasher Hall.

Become a Dual Credit Student

Dual Credit at CNM

Are you a high school student attending a central New Mexico public, private, charter, or home school? Start your future now by taking advantage of the Dual Credit Program at CNM. In this program, you can take college-level courses and start working on a certificate or degree. All high school students in the greater Albuquerque area qualify to participate.

Step up and learn what it's like to be a college student. This decision can only benefit you; you will be treated as an adult, get credit for the courses you take, and develop a firm idea of where you want your life to go after high school. 

Email [email protected] or call (505) 224-3352 with any questions.


Basic Requirements

The Dual Credit Program requires you to:

  • Be enrolled at least half time as a high school student at a public, private, or charter high school. Visit our list of Dual Credit Participating High Schools
  • Have proof of current high school or home school enrollment.
  • Have not received a high school diploma or high school equivalency (GED or HiSET).
  • Take college-level courses numbered 1000 or higher. Fitness courses are excluded from the Dual Credit Program.
  • Meet course prerequisites by submitting ACT/SAT scores at a CNM Admission Office or by taking CNM's Accuplacer Assessment to test for college-level course placement.
  • Not audit CNM Dual Credit courses.
  • Receive approval from your high school to take dual credit classes. Your high school will receive enrollment verification and may not approve enrollment in some courses. Please talk with your high school counselor.
  • Provide a valid state-issued student ID number (Stars ID [a.k.a. Nova]). See further information below on how to obtain your Stars ID (a.k.a. Nova). Note: A Stars ID (a.k.a. Nova) is not required to submit your admissions application to CNM as a Dual Credit student. 

Tuition and Fees

Under the Dual Credit Program, tuition and registration fees are waived. *Disclaimer: Students are responsible for course fees and uniforms if required. 


Program Eligibility

Public and Charter School Students

  • You're eligible for the Dual Credit Program beginning your freshman year if you attend a participating high school. Visit our list of Dual Credit Participating High Schools
  • Your high school will cover the cost of your college textbooks for approved courses. 
  • You need to provide your state-issued student ID number (Stars ID [a.k.a. Nova]). Please ask your high school for this number. Note: This number may be different than your high school ID number. 

Get Your GED

Are you 16 to 17 years old, no longer in high school, and don't have a diploma? CNM's General Education Development (GED) program can help you prepare for and take the GED exam.

Private School Students

  • You may be eligible for the Dual Credit Program beginning your freshman year if you attend a participating high school. Visit our list of Dual Credit Participating High Schools and speak to your High School counselor regarding your eligibility status.
  • Your high school may cover the cost of your college textbooks. If not, you can purchase the required books from us
  • You need to provide a state-issued student ID number which is referred to as Stars ID (a.k.a. Nova) Please ask your high school for this number. If your school does not have your Stars ID (a.k.a. Nova), you will need to request one from the New Mexico Public Education department. Please email [email protected] the following below in order to obtain your Stars ID (a.k.a. Nova)
    • (Subject) Stars ID Request
    • Student's Full Name
    • CNM ID Number
    • Date of Birth
    • Gender
    • Grade Level
    • Race/Ethnicity
    • School Currently Attending
    • Have you ever attended a public school in New Mexico? If so, what was the name of the school?
    • Have you ever gone by a different name?

Homeschool Students

  • If you're between 15-18 years old, you're eligible for the Dual Credit Program.
  • You need to show home school registration with the New Mexico Public Education Department.  
  • You are responsible for the cost of textbooks.
  • You need to provide your state-issued student ID number (Stars ID [a.k.a. Nova]). If you do not know your Stars ID (a.k.a. Nova) number, you or your parents/guardians will need to log into the Home School Registration database. If the student ID field is blank (which indicates your family opted out of assigning the ID), please email [email protected] requesting that a Stars ID (a.k.a. Nova) be assigned. Once assigned, an email will be sent to the email on record and the Stars ID (a.k.a. Nova) will be available in the home school account. Note: A Stars ID (a.k.a. Nova) is not required to submit your admissions application to CNM as a Dual Credit student.