Dual Enrollment in community college classes now free for high school students in maryland

MARYLAND- A big change is here for high school students in Maryland looking to get ahead and take college classes while still in high school.

Maryland’s dual enrollment program now has free tuition for students in the state, looking to take classes at their local community colleges.

WorWic Community college tells 47ABC they currently have 600 students enrolled in the program. and was already reducing the costs for students. WorWic’s President says it’s a crucial step to increasing access to even more students and removing cost as a barrier.

“We have been growing our presence for many many years but the state’s new commitment will pay for dual enrollment which will come with the 25 percent discount that we provide is providing is game-changing because of how many more students will be able to take advantage of this,” President Ray Hoy said.

He tells us the cap per student is 60 credits, and many of the students are often near or close to that cap.
Now with the change from the state, the program is now tuition-free for all students currently enrolled, but Dr.Hoy says next year the program will have all costs covered for high school students.

“Books, supplies, tuition, any student who is free and reduced meals program has been fee and tuition-free for years what this does is expand that and all students are eligible from this point forward,” he said.

He tells us another change will be who qualifies, they will be shifted to the Maryland state standard of college and career readiness, but those guidelines have yet to be set by the state.

Parents who may have already paid for the program prior to it shifting to free tuition will be reimbursed by their school district. According to Dr.Hoy, an average of 7 percent of the state’s high school students participate in dual enrollment programs.