What Is Concurrent Enrollment and How Does It Work?
What Is Concurrent Enrollment and How Does It Work?
By the San Diego Virtual School Team | Published on September 22, 2026
Concurrent enrollment allows eligible high school students to take college courses while they are still enrolled in high school. Students can earn college credit for successfully completed courses, while whether those courses also count toward high school requirements depends on the school, college, and program.
For students interested in college-level coursework, concurrent enrollment can provide valuable experience and help them explore future educational goals.
Many students begin preparing for life after graduation before they reach senior year. Some may want to explore potential career interests, challenge themselves academically, or become familiar with college expectations. Concurrent enrollment is one option students can explore with guidance from their school counselors.
Concurrent Enrollment vs. Dual Enrollment: What’s the Difference?
The terms concurrent enrollment and dual enrollment are sometimes used differently by schools and colleges. In California, however, the terms may be used interchangeably to describe a high school student who is also enrolled in college coursework.
The specific structure can still vary. Some students may enroll individually in a college course, while others participate through a formal partnership between their high school and a college. Depending on the program, courses may take place at a high school, college campus, or online.
Whether a college course also satisfies a high school graduation requirement depends on the school, college, and program. Students should speak with their counselor before enrolling to understand how a course will apply to both their high school and college plans.
How to Get College Credits in High School Through Concurrent Enrollment
Students can earn college credits in high school by finding eligible college courses, meeting enrollment requirements, and successfully completing college coursework. The process typically begins with planning and guidance.
Step 1: Consult Your High School Academic Counselor
The first step is discussing concurrent enrollment with a counselor who can help determine whether college coursework fits within a student’s academic plan. Counselors can review graduation requirements, course schedules, and student goals.
At SDVS, students have access to academic guidance and support throughout their education journey. Families can learn more about how SDVS supports online learners and meet our counselors to explore available resources.
Step 2: Check College Prerequisites and Eligibility Requirements
College courses may have specific prerequisites, application steps, or academic requirements. Reviewing these details helps students choose classes that match their goals and readiness.
Step 3: Register for Eligible College Courses
Once eligibility and any required approvals are confirmed, students can follow the college’s registration process for eligible college courses that fit their academic plan and schedule. Careful planning helps balance college coursework with high school responsibilities.
SDVS provides resources to help students plan their high school education, including opportunities to explore our course catalogs and create a personalized path to graduation.
Is Concurrent Enrollment Right for You?
Concurrent enrollment may be worth considering for students who are prepared for college-level coursework and interested in exploring academic subjects beyond their current high school schedule. It can also give students experience managing college-level expectations, deadlines, and coursework before graduation.
Students should consider:
- Do I have time to manage additional coursework?
- Am I ready for college-level expectations?
- Will these courses support my future goals?
- Have I talked with my counselor about how the course fits into my graduation and college plans?
Balancing College Courses With Flexible Online High School at SDVS
Students taking college courses have another set of deadlines, assignments, and schedules to manage alongside high school. SDVS’s flexible online structure can make it easier to organize high school coursework around those additional academic commitments while still maintaining regular communication with teachers and counselors.
Counselors can also help students understand how college coursework fits into their graduation plan and future goals before they add another class to their schedule.
As a tuition-free online high school, SDVS offers flexible learning options designed around different student needs and schedules. Students can work toward their diploma through a WASC-accredited online high school while receiving guidance to support their academic goals.
Answers to Common Questions About College Credits in High School
Do concurrent enrollment credits transfer to all universities?
Colleges and universities may evaluate concurrent enrollment credits differently. Earning college credit does not guarantee that every future college or university will accept the course toward a specific degree or requirement.
Students should check with individual institutions to understand credit transfer policies and requirements.
How does San Diego Virtual School support concurrent enrollment?
SDVS helps students plan their coursework, understand graduation requirements, and explore academic opportunities that align with their goals. Counselors can help students understand available options and next steps.
Do concurrent enrollment grades affect your high school GPA and college transcript?
College courses generally become part of the student's college academic record and transcript. Whether the course also affects the student's high school GPA depends on the school and how the course is applied toward high school requirements. Students should confirm both policies with their high school counselor and the college before enrolling.
Interested in exploring concurrent enrollment while attending SDVS? Meet our counselors to learn how college coursework may fit into your high school and graduation plan.
Families interested in learning more about online education options can also check our full online high school FAQ or start enrollment today to explore SDVS.