USC Aiken Dual Enrollment
Students interested in dual enrollment at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) must contact Ms. McBride in the AHS Counseling Office to begin the application process. All USCA programs are conducted off the AHS campus.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment at USCA

Dual enrollment at USCA offers high-achieving local public, private, or home-schooled high school students the chance to take college courses. This opportunity enhances their high school experience by introducing the challenges of a collegiate classroom setting, easing the transition from high school to a four-year university. Families are responsible for all dual enrollment fees and associated costs.

Qualification Requirements

• Class Rank/GPA: Be in the top 25% of your class and/or have a GPA of 3.5 or higher on the SC Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) scale.

• Standardized Test Scores: Score 1020 or higher on the SAT or PSAT and/or 21 or higher on the ACT or PreACT.

• High School Curriculum: Take College Prep or higher curriculum in high school.

To apply or for more information, visit: USC Aiken Dual Enrollment.

Applications for Fall 2025 will open in February 2025.

AHS Engineering Academy

For students who complete the PLTW Engineering Program, there is an option to continue their studies with Dual Enrollment classes in partnership with USCA. Students must meet USCA's dual admissions standards.

PLTW completers can take Dual Engineering courses concurrently with or after completing Civil Engineering and/or Engineering Design and Development (EDD).

The USCA Engineering courses include:

• Introduction to Engineering 1 and 2

• Math courses based on placement tests (Pre-Calculus 111/112 or Calculus 1/2)

For more information, please contact Ms. McBride in the AHS Counseling Office.

Early Start Dual Enrollment Program at Aiken Technical College

Aiken Technical College offers the Early Start Dual Enrollment Program, allowing qualified and highly motivated high school students from Aiken County, private schools, or home schools to earn college credits while still in high school. Students can choose from general studies classes, or enroll in the Pre-Engineering or General Education Pathway, earning both high school and college credits (dual credit) or just college credit (concurrent).

On-Campus Dual Enrollment

This program is sponsored by SC Tuition Grants and ACPSD Funding and is highly competitive, with strict requirements for participation:

• Course Prerequisites: Completion of English 3 and Algebra 2 with a grade of "B" or higher.

• GPA Requirements: A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 at the time of application and at the end of the year.

• Grade Requirements: A grade of "C" or higher in Fall Semester classes to continue to Spring Dual Enrollment classes.

• English 101 Requirement: Students who took AS Lang must take English 101 even if they pass the AS Lang Exam, which could result in duplicate credit.

Off-Campus Dual Enrollment

Students participating in dual classes at Aiken Tech are responsible for all class tuition and fees. These students can enroll in a variety of general education courses that are required for many majors at four-year colleges and universities. These courses are more affordable at ATC compared to most other colleges and universities in the CSRA. Dual Enrollment students benefit from exposure to different majors within their chosen field, giving them a head start in finding a specialty for their college major.

Requirements for Off-Campus Dual Enrollment:

• Placement Tests: Minimum scores on one or more of the following:

  • English/Verbal: PSAT – 500, SAT – 500, or ACT – 18

  • Math: PSAT – 500 or ACT – 22

• GPA: An overall high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Course Grades: At least a “B” in the highest high school English and Algebra II or Pre-Calculus.

• Aptitude: Demonstrated aptitude for college coursework beyond these measures.

Application Information

To apply, visit: Aiken Technical College Early Start Program. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open in February 2025.

Students can participate in Off-Campus Dual Enrollment at Aiken Tech by attending classes off the AHS campus and either online or in person at ATC.