Student Eligibility
Along with being in good standing at their high school, students must have a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 unweighted scale. If the cumulative GPA is a 2.99 or lower, students must have parent/legal guardian permission and have approval from their high school to participate in the program.
Some courses, such as College Composition II, require a prerequisite. Students are only eligible to earn dual credit for a course if they have completed the prerequisite through Rockhurst University, if applicable.
Since Rockhurst University approves each high school instructor and course, students can only register if the high school has previously made arrangements for the necessary course and instructor approval.
Advantages of taking RU Dual Credit Program courses
Save time. Save money. Earning college credit in high school allows you more flexibility and opportunities at the college you decide to attend. Here's how:
- Academic Advancement: RU Dual Credit Program courses in high school are equivalent to introductory college courses. You may be able to skip some of your introductory courses once you start college. Taking these courses now can allow you to pursue higher-level courses sooner, particularly in areas of interest.
- Cost Savings and Scholarship Opportunities: RU Dual Credit Program tuition is significantly lower than the tuition for on-campus courses in college. When you earn college credits in high school, it can reduce the overall cost of your college degree. You may also accelerate your degree program, which could allow you to graduate early, thus saving on tuition, fees, textbooks, living expenses, etc. All Rockhurst University Dual Credit Program students are eligible for a $500 renewable scholarship if they attend Rockhurst for their undergraduate degree.
- College Readiness: RU Dual Credit Program courses are a partnership between your high school and Rockhurst University. This partnership guarantees that the coursework being taught through the program meets college standards. Having college-level coursework experience will allow you to "ease" into the college transition."
RU Dual Credit Program application and deadlines
The application window for fall 2026 and year-long courses is now open! Apply for dual credit.
Important deadlines
- Application deadline: September 25, 2026
- Payment deadline: October 23, 2026
- Official unenrollment date for nonpayment: October 30, 2026
If you have completed the RU Dual Credit Program application for the current semester, please check your email for the following important communications:
- A confirmation email of the course(s) you registered for
- An email containing a payment link
- Payment reminders every 10 days until the payment deadline or until payment has been received
For a complete list of this year’s Dual Credit deadlines, please see the annual Student Key Dates & Deadlines document linked in your Student Application Guide.
Transferability of credits/how to request a transcript
RU Dual Credit Program courses are transferable to most colleges and universities. However, it is important to note that each institution has its own policies on the acceptance of credits and how they might apply to a degree program. We recommend contacting the college you plan to attend or consulting the college catalog to determine your college's transfer policy.
Each student earning credits in an RU Dual Credit Program course through Rockhurst University will have their credits shown on an official transcript. Credits will be posted each term you are enrolled, complete payment, and earn credits in an RU Dual Credit Program course. For an official transcript to be sent to another college or university electronically, visit studentclearinghouse.org. When asked for your SSN or student ID, provide your SSN. There is a $10 fee for each transcript sent.
Cost, bill pay, and scholarship opportunity
RU Dual Credit Program courses are currently offered at $89 per credit hour. Three-credit-hour courses cost $267 total, while 4-credit-hour classes are $356 total. All first-time RU Dual Credit Program students are also charged a one-time, non-refundable $60 matriculation fee.
Following submission of the RU Dual Credit Program application, a personalized payment link will be sent to the email address(es) provided on the application. Tuition and fees must be paid by the posted semester payment deadline.
For a complete list of this year’s Dual Credit deadlines, please see the annual Student Key Dates & Deadlines document linked in your Student Application Guide.
If you need a payment extension or wish to establish an individualized payment plan, you must notify the Dual Credit Coordinator before the semester payment deadline. Requests made after the payment deadline may not be accommodated.
For alternative payment methods, including payment by check or 529 college savings plan, please contact the Dual Credit Coordinator before the payment deadline each semester to receive instructions on how to submit payment. This ensures payments are processed correctly and applied to the student’s account in a timely manner.
All RU Dual Credit Program students are eligible for a $500 renewable scholarship if they attend Rockhurst for their undergraduate degree.
Additional questions?
If you are an RU Dual Credit Program student or parent and have questions, please consult the RU Dual Credit Program frequently asked questions or contact the RU Dual Credit Program Coordinator.