Why wait? Start earning college credits now!
High school students have multiple ways to earn college credits through MiraCosta.
The application process is the same for all options,
but forms and steps may vary. Begin by choosing the path that best matches your goals.And
remember, our Admissions and Records team is
here to help every step of the way!

Concurrent Enrollment
Ready to level up? High school students can take any MiraCosta College course - just meet the prerequisites! Choose from in-person, online, or hybrid options.

Dual Enrollment
Take MiraCosta College courses made just for you - right at your high school or online! No cost, just opportunity. Parent/guardian permission required.

CTE High School Courses
Get ahead with no cost to you! Earn college credit for CTE courses you’re already taking in high school - pre-approved by MiraCosta faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dual Enrollment is a partnership with local high schools in the OUSD, SDUHSD, and CUSD districts. It allows students at participating schools to take free college courses, either at their high school or online. These courses are only available to students at those schools. For more information and application steps, visit the Dual Enrollment webpage.
Concurrent Enrollment is open to all high school students. It allows students to take free college courses taught at MiraCosta College (in-person at the Oceanside, San Elijo, or CLC campuses, online, or hybrid). Visit the Concurrent Enrollment webpage for more details and how to apply.
High School Articulation courses are specific high school Career technical Education (CTE) classes that align with MiraCosta College Career Education courses through formal articulation agreements. These agreements allow students to earn college credit through Credit by Exam if they complete the enrollment steps and meet academic requirements of earning an A or B in the course and on their final assessment. MiraCosta will record the final exam/project/portfolio grade on the college transcript with a notation of Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by Exam.
- If you are curious and ready to explore a career, gain new skills, discover new subjects, or dive deeper into an existing passion, then dual and/or concurrent enrollment courses are right for you. You don’t have to be an AP track student to participate in early college credit opportunities at MiraCosta College.
- Earn high school CTE credit through Credit by Exam and get a head start at MiraCosta College—especially if you plan to continue in the same career pathway. Some credits may transfer to other colleges or universities, but usually count as lower-division elective credit.
- Yes, and we have support services available to you. Please review the Academic Accommodations Guide for Dual Enrollment for more information. To talk to a staff member in our Student Accessibility Services (SAS), please submit a request form, and a staff member will contact you.
- Keep in mind that college requires more self-advocacy to access accommodations that are written in your IEP or 504 Plan. Students will need to communicate with instructors regarding their accommodations.
Some dual enrollment classes are transferable to other community colleges, CSU’s, UC’s and private or out-of-state schools. If you want to know which class is transferable to a particular university meet with one of our counselors. Classes may also be part of a Career Pathway and fulfill a requirement for a certification in a career field.
You will apply as a first-time student/freshman. You will enter your college coursework on CSU, UC, and most private and out of state college applications.
MiraCosta College enrollment, grades and student information must be accessed by the student. FERPA does not allow us to release information to anyone but the student.
- Dual Enrollment: Course materials are provided by your high school at no cost.
- Concurrent Enrollment: Students are responsible for paying for any books or course materials.
- High School CTE Credit by Exam: All course materials and books are provided by the high school since the students are enrolled in a high school course.