Penn State Behrend offers dual credit enrollment opportunities to high school students who would like to earn college credit while enrolled in high school. Qualified students earn college credits and experience the workload of a college class through this program.

Credits earned can be applied to a Penn State degree and are part of one transcript recognized at all Penn State campuses. Students applying to other colleges and universities may submit a Penn State transcript for transfer credit consideration.

Students enrolled in the program receive a tuition adjustment from the University that is equivalent to a 50 percent reduction of the tuition rate. Students are responsible for paying all applicable student fees. In addition, students are responsible for the cost of books, which varies according to the class in which the student is enrolled. Dual Credit Enrollment students do not receive financial aid and are not eligible for loans. 

Prior to submitting a dual credit application, students are encouraged to meet with their school counselor to discuss how dual credit coursework may fit into their high school program of study.

Eligibility for Dual Credit Enrollment

Students who have completed their junior year or are currently in their senior year of high school are eligible for dual enrollment. Exceptions for high school juniors and underclass students are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

How to Apply

If you are interested in pursuing dual credit courses at Penn State Behrend, please submit the following information to the Penn State Behrend Admissions Office:

Submit application packets to:

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
Penn State Behrend
4851 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563

Or send by email to [email protected].

Application Deadlines

  • August 1 for fall semester (late August to mid-December)
  • December 1 for spring semester (mid-January to late April)
  • June 1 for summer session (late June to early August)

Next Steps

  • After being approved to take dual credit courses, incoming high school students will meet with an academic adviser to choose an appropriate course based on the student's academic record and goals.
  • If approved, students will receive an email with instructions for obtaining a computer access account. An access account is needed to schedule courses through Penn State's student information system, LionPATH.
  • Dual credit students must meet the prerequisites and/or successfully complete any required placement tests. In consultation with their academic adviser, students will select a course from an approved list of dual credit courses that is updated each semester or session.
  • Dual credit enrollment students may take up to 8 credits per semester. Most students take one or two courses per 16-week semester in addition to or in place of high school coursework.
  • Dual credit courses are taught by faculty approved to teach high school students.

Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law Compliance

Dual credit applicants are encouraged to review information about Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (PACPSL) Compliance. 

Costs and Payment Options

Penn State’s tuition for courses available through the Program is updated annually and is publicly reported through Penn State’s Tuition Calculator, located at the University Bursar's website. Students enrolled in the Program receive a tuition adjustment from the University that is equivalent to a 50 percent reduction of the tuition rate. Students are responsible for paying all applicable student fees. 

Student Account Statements are generated monthly. No paper statements will be mailed. An email notification will be sent to the student's official Penn State email account and to the email address of any authorized payers set up on the student account when the Student Account Statement is available to view and/or pay on LionPATH.

Student Account Payment Information