Dual Credit at Santa Fe Community College

A program that really makes a difference

By Marcos Maez

In today’s fast-evolving academic landscape, students are increasingly looking for ways to jumpstart their college experience while still in high school. Dual credit programs, such as the one offered by Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), provide an invaluable opportunity for motivated high school students to earn college credits, build a stronger academic foundation, and ease the transition to post-secondary education. This program empowers students by enabling them to complete college-level coursework, often at little to no cost, while simultaneously satisfying high school graduation requirements. SFCC’s dual credit program provides a range of benefits, including financial savings and improved career preparation, which help students achieve their educational goals more efficiently.

Dual credit programs allow high school students to enroll in college courses and earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. At SFCC, dual credit courses are designed to align with high school curriculum standards while meeting the rigorous academic expectations of college-level coursework. Participating students can take courses in various subjects, including English, math, science, humanities, and career-specific programs, enabling them to explore academic interests or focus on fields relevant to their career goals.

One of the distinguishing aspects of dual credit at SFCC is that students can take courses either on the SFCC campus, online, or at their own high schools, depending on the specific arrangement between SFCC and the high school. This flexibility in delivery allows students to manage their schedules better and select a learning environment that best suits their individual needs.

One of the most appealing aspects of the dual credit program is the financial savings it offers. At SFCC, tuition for dual credit students is waived, making this a cost-effective way to earn college credits. Given the rising cost of college tuition, the ability to complete several college courses often for free or only the cost of additional course-specific fees can substantially reduce the financial burden on students and their families.

By earning college credits in high school, dual credit students can reduce the time it takes to complete a college degree. Some students can even enter college with enough credits to qualify as sophomores, allowing them to graduate in less time than their peers. This early start can be particularly valuable for students with clear academic or career goals, as they can focus on advanced courses sooner and enter the workforce earlier.

Transitioning from high school to college is a significant adjustment, but dual credit programs can ease this transition by familiarizing students with the rigor and expectations of college coursework. SFCC’s dual credit courses require critical thinking, time management, and self-motivation—skills that are essential for success in college and beyond. By mastering these skills in high school, dual credit students gain the confidence and readiness needed to thrive in a college environment.

Dual credit courses at SFCC also provide students with a unique opportunity to explore potential career paths. SFCC offers a range of courses tailored to career and technical fields, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills. Fields such as healthcare, welding, and film are popular options for students who are considering careers in these areas. Additionally, career-specific dual credit courses can help students make informed decisions about their career choices before they fully commit to a particular field of study.

In many cases, dual credit courses can boost a student’s high school GPA. High school transcripts that feature college-level courses can also be beneficial when applying to colleges. Admissions officers often view dual credit participation as a sign of academic ambition, maturity, and readiness for college, which can strengthen a student’s application and improve their chances of acceptance into competitive programs.

To be eligible for SFCC’s dual credit program, students typically need to be enrolled in a participating high school and meet specific academic prerequisites, which may vary depending on the course.

Students must meet with their high school counselor to discuss the dual credit options available and determine which courses align with their academic and career goals. Parental approval is also required, as it ensures that families are fully informed and supportive of the student’s dual credit journey.

I want to pause here for a moment and share that as a professional who has been working with dual credit students at SFCC for more than a decade, I have seen how this program can affect the very trajectory of a student’s life. A few years ago, when visiting a Santa Fe High School classroom to introduce the program to students, I had the opportunity to meet a student who was, by his own admission, a mediocre student and fairly disengaged from school. Together SFCC Dual Credit Specialist Niki McKay and I convinced him to take a dual credit course. He then continued working one-on-one with Niki, who helped him identify the right course and encouraged him through the registration process to the first day of class. He took and completed a Culinary Arts course. It would become the first on the road to his associate degree, which he completed in 2023. The dual credit experience not only introduced him more fully to the career he would pursue, but it also created relevance for all his other courses in high school as he began to see and understand their connection to his future. He was a high performer in his dual credit classes and improved in all his other courses. One of the most rewarding days for me in the last few years was when his mother found Niki and me to say “thank you” as she and her son, in cap and gown, arrived for Commencement. It was wonderful to celebrate his accomplishment.

I also know that his story is not unique. We have seen this happen for many of our dual credit students who discover themselves and their future because of this opportunity.

Many students who have participated in SFCC’s dual credit program have gone on to achieve remarkable success in college and their careers. For example, some dual credit alumni have completed their associate degrees within one year of high school graduation, giving them a competitive edge in the job market or a solid foundation for transferring to four-year institutions.

Dual credit at Santa Fe Community College offers a powerful pathway for high school students to begin their college education early, build essential skills, and gain exposure to potential career paths. The financial, academic, and personal benefits of the program empower students to take control of their futures, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. As SFCC’s dual credit program continues to grow, it will undoubtedly help more students realize their academic and career goals, shaping a brighter future for the next generation.

Marcos Maez is SFCC’s Director of Student Engagement and Recruitment. To learn more about SFCC’s Dual Credit program, visit sfcc.edu/offices/dual-credit/.