Dual Enrollment Information Session
Join us on Zoom for a virtual information session about dual enrollment on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 6:00 pm.

CCPS High School Students Earn College Credits for FREE

Take the next step toward your future by earning college credit while still in high school. Dual enrollment gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself, explore your interests, and graduate with a head start.

Cecil County Public Schools (CCPS) participates in Maryland’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which requires school systems to provide post–College & Career Readiness (CCR) pathways, including dual enrollment, at no cost to students, covering tuition, required fees, and textbooks.

If you are CCR‑ready or enrolled in an approved CCR‑aligned pathway, you may take eligible college courses for free.

Why Dual Enrollment?

Get a Head Start on College

Students take college-level classes taught by college faculty, gaining early exposure to the expectations of higher education.

Save Money on Tuition

Maryland’s Blueprint requires public schools to cover tuition for eligible juniors and seniors, so approved dual enrollment courses are free. Cecil County participates in this statewide funding, eliminating tuition and required fees for qualifying students.

Earn College Credit

Unlike AP, where credit depends on a single exam score, dual enrollment provides college credit upon successful course completion. These credits typically transfer well within Maryland’s public institutions and with many universities nationwide. Explore our transfer opportunities.

Experience College Coursework

Students build confidence, reduce anxiety about college, and learn time management and academic skills in a supportive environment. Cecil College's smaller class sizes help students thrive.

Dual Enrollment vs. Advanced Placement

Dual Enrollment (DE) Advanced Placement (AP)
What it is College courses taken through a community college while still in high school High school courses following College Board curriculum with a standardized AP exam
How credit is earned Earned by passing the course with a qualifying grade Earned only if the student scores well on the AP exam (typically 3+)
Credit assurance College credit at Maryland public institutions under state transfer guidelines Depends on the exam score and each college’s AP credit policy
Instructor College faculty approved by the college High school teachers approved by the College Board
Rigor and experience College coursework, assignments, and expectations High school course that prepares students for a single high‑stakes exam
Transferability in Maryland Strong transferability within Maryland community colleges and public universities Varies; some Maryland colleges accept AP credit, others accept limited subjects
Best for Students who want credit, real college experience, and lower costs Students who excel on standardized tests and want broad national portability

Save Time and Money

Dual enrollment courses are completed within a semester. Complete four courses in one academic year. AP courses last a full academic year each and require a score of at least a 3 on a high-stakes exam in order to earn credit. While a score of 3 is often considered passing, selective institutions may require a score of 4 or 5 to grant credit.

Save money now on future college tuition. View our cost comparison for a dual enrollment course at Cecil College vs. public four-year institutions. The following comparison shows tuition and fees for 12 credits, or 4 college courses.

Stylized bar chart comparing in‑state tuition for 12 credits: $6,480 at Maryland four‑year colleges, $2,248 at Cecil College, $1,828 for Cecil high school students, and $0 for dual enrollment. Full data set available in the table below.
Student Category Institution/Program Total Cost (12 Credits) Key Details
Dual Enrollment (CCPS Juniors & Seniors) Cecil College – CCPS Dual Enrollment $0 (Free) Eligible students take courses at no cost under Maryland Blueprint*
High School Student (with 25% CollegeBound Scholarship) Cecil College $1,828 Reduced tuition rate for qualifying high school students
General Student (Post–High School) Cecil College $2,248 Standard tuition and fees (Fall 2026)
Part-Time Undergraduate (In-State) 4-Year Maryland Public Colleges/Universities $6,480 Based on $540 per credit (Fall 2025 average)
* Under the Maryland Blueprint, CCPS college- and career-ready juniors and seniors may take up to four tuition-free college courses per year through dual enrollment.

Who is Eligible?

Students are required to meet the following criteria for dual enrollment:

  • Must be a CCPS high school junior or senior (start planning the spring of your sophomore year).
  • Contact your high school counselor for academic requirements.
  • Must receive approval from your high school.

Explore all high school opportunities at Cecil College.

How to Enroll

It's easy for CCPS students to get started with dual enrollment at Cecil College. Just follow these steps:

  1. Meet with your high school counselor.
  2. Complete a dual enrollment certification or approval form.
  3. Apply to Cecil College.
  4. Complete placement testing, if required.
  5. Register for approved courses.
A student walking into the Cecil College Admissions Office.

Additional questions?

Contact our Advising and Dual Enrollment Office today!

Advising and Dual Enrollment

North East Campus
Cultural Community Center (Bldg. A)
First Floor

Monday through Friday
7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Or by appointment

Appointments: Schedule ECA/Dual Enrollment Meeting
Phone: (443) 674-1926
Email: dualenroll@nullcecil.edu