Dual Enrollment Programs

Early College Programs

The Early College programs that the University of Michigan-Flint partners with provide high school students with a unique opportunity to expand their educational journey and increase their future options. By participating, students can earn more than 48 transferable college credits by the time they graduate—12 credits each during their junior and senior year, and 24 or more credits during their fifth year of high school.

Delivered in partnership with local school districts, these programs allow motivated students to take accredited college courses taught by UM-Flint faculty—on the high school campus, at UM-Flint, or online. Early College courses ease the transition to college-level work, with dedicated support staff and mentorship guiding students every step of the way.

Students in the Early College program add a fifth year to their high school experience. For their junior and senior years, students enroll in a DEEP program customized to their district, earning 12 credits each year. In the fifth year, students shift to UM-Flint courses focused on their intended major, completing 24 or more credits in addition to any remaining high school requirements. Course selections for the fifth year are personalized in consultation with an academic advisor to align with the student’s academic interests and future goals.

Throughout their Early College experience, students maintain the ability to participate in high school sports (grades 9–12) and after-school activities, so they don’t miss out on traditional high school experiences. Although students receive their high school diploma at the end of the fifth year, they continue to participate in all senior year activities during their 12 grade year, including commencement ceremonies.

Early College expands the traditional view of high school while breaking down barriers to college success, helping families reduce the cost of higher education, and ensuring students are well-prepared for the academic demands of college.

Traditional Dual Enrollment

High school students from any Michigan high school, with the approval of their district, can take advantage of dual enrollment at UM-Flint. Students may enroll in tuition-discounted UM-Flint courses—offered on campus or online—that fulfill their educational goals and meet graduation requirements. With more than 200 online courses available, students from across the state, including those in distant districts, can benefit from access to university-level learning through traditional dual enrollment.

Once accepted to UM-Flint, students will partner with advisors from the Office of K-12 Partnerships to select courses that best fit their academic interests and graduation requirements. Advisors provide personalized guidance, ensuring students choose classes that maximize both high school and college credit while supporting future academic and career goals.

Costs & Additional Information

UM-Flint is committed to making dual enrollment affordable for all students. The total cost depends on factors such as the type and number of courses taken and your school district’s policies. UM-Flint offers one of Michigan’s most affordable tuition rates, and dual-enrolled students receive additional discounts. In most cases, your home school district also uses state funding to further lower your tuition.

Dual Enrollment Tuition Rate

• 2025-26 Academic Year Rate – $404 per credit hour
• 2026-27 Academic Year Rate – To Be Determined (Rates are set by Regents in summer meetings)

You can compare the dual-enrollment tuition rate with the standard UM-Flint tuition rate, along with any additional course fees at the UM-Flint Cashier’s Office website.

In addition to tuition, students are responsible for purchasing textbooks for their courses, with costs typically averaging around $400 per year.

Tuition contributions vary by school district and are determined by various factors set by the Michigan Department of Education and the local school board. The amount owed out-of-pocket for students and families will depend on those factors and is therefore hard to give a proper estimate. Typically, districts cover 1/12 of their state foundation allowance (with some covering more) per class taken. 

For the 2025-26 school year, this amounted to a contribution of $800 per class. Therefore, most DEEP students paid less than $2,000 for a 12-credit program. This represents a significant savings of over $5,000 compared to traditional tuition costs.

Tuition payments are typically due in October for the fall semester and in February for the winter semester. It is highly encouraged that students and families wait to pay until they receive their tuition invoice from the University. Prior to receiving your bill, your account will not reflect the adjustments mentioned above, and amounts owed will be inaccurate. 

FERPA and Dual Enrollment

The UM-Flint adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.

When a high school student enrolls in UM-Flint courses, privacy rights shift from parents or guardians to the student. This means students are responsible for all communication with the university, including matters related to grades, coursework, attendance, and accessibility.

As part of UM-Flint’s dual enrollment programs—including Traditional Dual Enrollment, DEEP, or Early College—students waive a limited portion of these rights. This waiver allows UM-Flint to share relevant academic information with K-12 school district staff to support student success, as well as to send grades and transcripts to the high school each semester.

If parents wish to discuss their student’s academic progress, we encourage them to contact the high school guidance counselor, who can communicate with UM-Flint on the student’s behalf as appropriate.

Visit Student Rights and FERPA for more information.