Free Early College

Dual & Concurrent Enrollment

College of the Desert offers opportunities for high school students to take college courses while in grades 9-12. These programs help students start earning college credit early—at no cost for part-time participation (there may be some costs for concurrent enrollment such as books, etc.)—and build a strong foundation for future academic success.

What Are Dual & Concurrent Enrollment?

Dual Enrollment

Students take COD college-level courses during the regular high school day at their high school. These courses count for both high school and college credit. Students may take up to 15 units per term as part of approved Dual Enrollment coursework. These courses are taught by approved high school faculty or COD faculty.

Concurrent Enrollment

Students take COD courses outside the regular high school day or directly on the COD campus. These courses count for college credit only. Students may take up to 11 units per term. These courses are taught by COD faculty.

Note:

Unit limits follow state law for special admit students; part-time students are limited to 11 units unless enrolled via a College and Career Access Pathway (CCAP) agreement (where 15 units may be allowed). Please see California Education Code for further detail.

Who Can Join?

These programs are open to students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 who:

  • Are recommended by their high school principal or counselor (or designee),

  • Have parent/guardian consent, and

  • Are academically and socially ready to benefit from college-level coursework.

Students not enrolled in a public or private school may still apply with appropriate documentation. Please reach out to us for further information.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the COD Admissions Application through CCCApply to get your COD student ID number. (A COD ID# is required to register for courses.)

  2. Submit the required Dual and/or Concurrent Enrollment forms and Parent/Guardian Consent Form by the published deadline.

  3. Work with your high school counselor to ensure any Dual Enrollment courses align with high school requirements.

For specific registration steps and required forms, visit the Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment pages on the COD website.

Important Program Details

Academic Standards & Expectations

  • All courses are college-level and follow the same academic rigor as courses for regularly admitted students.

  • Courses taken through these programs will appear on a COD transcript and are part of a students permanent college record.

  • COD policies and procedures—including attendance, grading, academic integrity, and FERPA—apply to all students, including those under 18. Parents may not automatically receive academic information unless authorized by FERPA.

Support & Resources

  • COD encourages students with documented disabilities to contact Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) for support services; services are determined through an interactive process.

  • Students in Dual and Concurrent enrollment have access to COD resources such as library, tutoring, etc. Please see our website for further detail.

Registration Priority & Fees

  • Please see our website for all details on registration for both dual and concurrent enrollment.

  • Concurrent Enrollment students do not receive priority enrollment over regularly admitted college students.

  • Tuition and fees for part-time high school students are waived and as long as they are within their credit allotment. Concurrent enrollment may require students to purchase books and pay some fees for courses.

Special Situations

Limitations

  • Students with prior poor academic progress or unsuccessful attempts in college courses may need approval from the Dean of Enrollment Services to re-enroll.

  • Some courses (e.g., activity-based physical education, beginning music performance, or recreation/hobby classes) may not be open to high school concurrent enrollment.

Summer Enrollment through Concurrent Enrollment

High school students may enroll in summer session courses if they:

  • Meet eligibility standards;

  • Have explored all equivalent offerings at their high school; and

  • Provide required principal approval and parent consent.

  • Dual Enrollment does not operate during the summer.

Performing Arts & CTE Opportunities

  • Students may participate in performing arts college classes if they meet audition/selection requirements and submit the necessary applications and permissions.

  • Career Technical Education (CTE) school students may earn college credit through articulated course pathways.

Questions & Contact

If you or your family have questions about Dual or Concurrent Enrollment, reach out to the COD Dual & Concurrent Enrollment team or your high school counseling office. COD staff can help you understand program details, registration requirements, and course options.