Benefits of Joint Enrollment

NCC works with school districts to let current high school students earn college credits.

We do this so you can:

  • Get a head start on college
  • Save time–concurrent enrollment shortens the time to attain a college degree
  • Save money— joint enrollment classes are generally free to students
  • Gain college experience while in the secure environment of high school
  • Use the NCC Library, computer labs, and other support services
  • Enjoy a small faculty-to-student ratio
  • Expand your course opportunities in both college transfer and career and technical programs
  • Earn college credits transferable to a four-year institution
  • Know that grades earned through dual enrollment become part of your permanent high school and college transcripts

Go ahead and read some more!

Research is being done on the overall value of concurrent enrollment. The early results are encouraging.

  • According to an article in Inside Higher Education, “A new study from the Community College Research Center finds that dual enrollment programs – which have rapidly proliferated in recent years in part because of state support – are associated with positive outcomes on such measures as high school graduation and college enrollment rates, college grade point averages, and progress toward college completion.” – Inside Higher Education: The Benefits of Dual Enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What do concurrently enrolled classes cost?

    The school district pays the cost of tuition, fees and most textbooks for approved courses. If tools or other materials are required for a technical program, you and your student are responsible for those purchases.
  • Will the courses transfer?

    If you are planning on earning a bachelor’s degree, you will complete your general education requirements before transferring to a four-year college or university. NCC has articulation agreements with most state and area colleges and universities. However, not all credits transfer equally. For more information, talk to your high school counselor or an NCC advisor.
  • What if my son or daughter doesn’t know exactly what they want to do?

    We provide numerous choices. NCC offers more than 40 career programs as well as college transfer options. College advisors and recruiters provide assistance to students in career and academic decisions.
  • Which calendars do concurrently enrolled courses follow, the high school or NCC?
    • Classes taught online, on campus at NCC, and over the ICN all follow the NCC college calendar.
    • Courses taught only at the high school follow that school’s calendar. Instructors can answer these questions for students.
    • In general, college instructors require students to attend class rather than attending high school activities.
    • It is important to understand the demands before enrolling in a college course.
  • What do students need to do prior to starting Jointly Enrolled classes at NCC?

    Students should discuss with their high school guidance counselor if they are ready to take college classes. When ready, they should complete an application for admission and make arrangements to have a high school transcript sent to NCC. Students may also need to complete the Accuplacer or ACT test, if they have not taken the ACT.
  • What is FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and what does it mean for parents?

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law that protects the privacy of student records. This would make it illegal for NCC to provide private information concerning students to anyone including the parents. When your student completes a NCC High School registration form they have the opportunity to sign a waiver so that we may release information to you and to the High School.
  • What help is available to my student after they enroll?

    Once your student begins classes they are an NCC student and eligible for all services provided to students. There are many benefits, including:

    • Free tutoring in the Learning Center
    • Accommodations for students with special needs
    • Student email and access to My Place (our web portal)
    • Library services
    • A student ID card and discounts at area businesses
    • Access to student computers Monday through Friday
    • Advising.
  • Who do I call if I have a concern about my student’s academic progress?

    Students in Jointly Enrolled classes are considered College students by our facuilty and staff. Thus, NCC is limited in the information it may share with a parent or guardian. Students are encouraged to communicate with their instructors regularly about their concerns and needs. However, you can contact your student’s high school guidance counselor or the Director of Secondary Programs, Beth Frankenstein, at NCC for help.
  • Who do I contact if I have a concern about an instructor?

    All instructor concerns should be referred to the Dr. Beth Frankenstein at NCC.
  • How does my student get a transcript?
  • When my student finishes high school, how do they continue their education at NCC, or at another institution?

    Students should contact the Admissions Office at NCC to begin the process of becoming a full-time student at NCC.
  • What are my responsibilities as a parent?
    • As parents we hope that you encourage your student to take college classes responsibly. These courses are their first steps towards a post-secondary degree and one more step towards adulthood. Make sure they understand the commitment they are making.
    • Help them to grow as individuals by encouraging them to talk directly to their instructors when they have questions or concerns.
    • Help them understand and honor their student responsbilities (see below).
  • What are my student’s responsibilities?
    • Contact their high school counselor to determine their eligibility to enroll in college credit classes.
    • Complete the Application/Registration Form for NCC with their high school counselor.
    • Obtain all required signatures before submitting the Registration Form (Student, Parent/Guardian and School Official).
    • Think about the time commitment. Look at your schedule of high school courses and activities.
    • Before enrolling, it is the student’s responsibility to check with his/her counselor and the transfer school for a determination of what will be accepted for transfer credit.
    • These are college level courses and require serious commitment to study and preparation.
    • Remember these courses become part of your permanent academic record.
    • Students must follow college procedures and guidelines for adding and dropping classes.
    • Students need good study habits and must be prepared to follow the NCC calendar.
  • What are the College’s responsibilities?
    • Provide quality instruction.
    • Provide the same services to our high school students that we do for our post-secondary students.
    • Answer your questions, and let you know what to expect.
    • Coordinate programs with the high schools.
    • Provide transcripts to students when appropriate.
  • What are the High School’s responsibilities?
    • Provide a listing of available courses.
    • Assist students with planning for and enrolling in JE courses at NCC.
    • Work to facilitate good communication between the high school student and the college.
Apply Now Apply For Admissions
Request Information Packet