When Zuriyah Logan graduates from Klein Cain High School this May, she’s heading to Dartmouth University with a full scholarship. She’s also taking more than 40 hours of college credit with her from dual credit classes completed through Lone Star College-University Park.

The dual credit program allows students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, while attending classes at their high school, at a Lone Star College campus, or online. 

Dual credit classes cost only $73 and transfer to universities in Texas and throughout the U.S. A wide variety of dual credit classes are available in the arts, sciences, mathematics, humanities and workforce programs.

“The partnerships LSC-University Park has with schools in our area only enhance the impact made on students’ lives,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, president of LSC-University Park. “By working together, we give students an affordable and strong start in their education journey.”

Research shows that Lone Star College dual credit students have a higher percentage of success in classes and graduation than students going to universities right out of high school.

“Some classes are a lot of work for sure, but I really enjoyed them because of the teachers and the way that I could relate to them,” said Logan. “Getting to learn from a college professor who has in-depth knowledge about that particular subject is neat.”

Logan took her first dual credit class online as a freshman in high school. She has averaged two to three dual credit classes since, and now, as a senior, is taking five.

“I love learning everything I can, but I also study and work very hard,” said Logan. “My parents always challenged me to take the most rigorous classes, so after middle school, dual credit was the next option for me.”

“We have so many brilliant, young minds in Klein ISD and we are so thankful for our teachers, staff, and partners like Lone Star College-University Park, who serve our students and assist them in achieving their academic goals, both in Klein ISD and beyond,” Klein ISD Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown said. “We are in awe of Zuriyah and her dedication to excellence and education. We cannot wait to see all she will accomplish during her time at Dartmouth.”

Klein Cain High School is one of many schools offering dual credit classes in partnership with LSC-University Park. Students at other Klein ISD high schools, iSchool High-University Park, Harmony Public Schools, School of Science & Technology, local private schools, and those in home school have an opportunity for dual credit classes, too.

Students enroll in dual credit classes in part for the cost savings. Tuition is waived, so only fees associated with the course are paid. That translates to about one-third the cost of traditional tuition and thousands of dollars in savings to students and their parents.

Dual credit students have access to all the resources at LSC-University Park. This includes transfer assistance, career services, online research databases, the library, academic coaches/tutors, student life activities and more.

Kerrah Cain, manager of school partnerships at LSC-University Park, explained just how essential the connection between the college and high school campuses is for dual credit student success. 

“The high school counselors are our primary partners,” said Cain. “They connect with the students the most, and we need them to advocate for the students as to what might be wanted or needed or any complications they have. Our connection with the counselors is vital, and we work to build those relationships.”

That vital connection provides a strong platform of support for students enrolled in dual credit classes.

“Dual credit is the best way to give higher education a ‘go,’” said Cain. “Students might never have more support than they’ll have taking dual credit classes because students have their families, counselors, and Lone Star College backing them. Plus, the classes are for everybody, including the first-time-in-college students. The program opens doors, and once that door to higher education is open, students can continue to walk through it.”

Students also take dual credit classes for a jump start in obtaining their college degrees.

“We tell students to ‘start with the end in mind,’ so we ask students what they want to do and make sure they are making the most educated decisions as far as the classes go,” said Cain. “We want them to be strategic. Every student is unique, so their dual credit experience becomes very tailored to the goals and the dreams they have moving forward.”

“It’s been an entire journey since eighth grade to get to Dartmouth,” said Logan, recalling researching selective institutions, college prep programs and hard work to submit the best application possible. “I’ve gained a lot of valuable knowledge from my dual credit classes that I will take with me.”

Those interested in learning more about dual credit should plan to attend a virtual information session offered at LSC-University Park. Those times and dates, along with other program details, can be found at LoneStar.edu/UPDualCredit.