About Dual Credit

Students enrolled in dual credit are college students. The expectations outlined below assist students with how to navigate college before high school graduation.

• OTC expects dual credit students to act like college students, perform at the college level, and be responsible for their education. The college-level expectations include regular attendance, active class participation, meeting class objectives and deadlines, and seeking academic help through resources like the tutoring center. Additionally, students are encouraged to use and respond to their myOTC portal email, especially to contact their course instructor directly when a concern or questions relevant to classes arise.
  • In college, FERPA states educational rights are limited solely to the student, no matter the student’s age. Meaning, we cannot disclose student information to parents, even when students are minors. Students are encouraged to contact OTC directly.
• Students who are unable to actively participate in online class(es), are withdrawn from class(es) for non-participation.
• OTC Dual Credit students follow OTC’s Academic Calendar. For example, when a student’s high school is closed and OTC is open, the student’s assignments for their online course are still due before the deadline.
• Students and parents should carefully review the Important Online Dual Credit Information, How to be a Successful Online Learner, and the Student Handbook before deciding to pursue online classes. Additionally, students should complete the Guided Self-Placement Tool to determine which English and math classes are right for them prior to enrollment. Making an informed and wise decision about placement is important. For more information about why we use this tool as an alternative to tests like the ACT, visit the Guided Self-Placement Overview.
• The limited list of online class subjects, for the discounted dual credit price, is provided on the course options page.

OTC Dual Credit offers two learning formats: seated and online.

1. A seated format means students receive instruction from an approved high school instructor as part of their school day. Typically, this type of instruction is in-person and taught at the high school location. The subjects available for seated classes depend upon the credentials of each high school instructor and accreditation standards.
2. Online courses mean students receive instruction from an OTC instructor and participate in class with other college students of various ages. This type of instruction only exists in the online format. Many area high schools offer this option for high school students to complete in a computer lab as part of the school day. The subjects available for online classes at the discounted dual credit rate are limited to a specific class list, provided within step four of the dual credit admission steps and checklist.

Contact the high school for course format and subject options with OTC Dual Credit.

Homeschool families are welcome to pursue the online option without contacting a high school.

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommision.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status can be viewed here.

OTC participates in the CORE 42 Transfer Guarantee program. Most courses are offered through OTC Dual Credit transfer to other public institutions in the state. The few courses that are not CORE 42, are noted in the class list within the admission steps. Math courses with a CORE 42 prerequisite (MTH 131 & MTH 140) will satisfy the math general education credit portion of CORE 42, but may not directly transfer to all four-year universities like other CORE 42 courses. Non-CORE 42 courses still have transfer agreements with other colleges and universities. Students are responsible for consulting with other college institutions about transfer policies.

Contact your high school to determine if course materials are provided or paid for by the district.

For seated courses with an approved high school instructor, please contact the course instructor at the high school.

For online courses with an OTC instructor, students can find approximate course materials costs via the online class list before enrollment. Course materials information is provided within the enrolled student’s myOTC account after enrollment or in the course syllabus just before the OTC class begins.

Parents and students may search for course materials information through the OTC Bookstore, at any time. Learn more about OTC’s AutoAccess program, for any courses with “AutoAccess” listed.

Scholarships

 

State Scholarship – Must Apply After Successful Registration in Dual Credit Classes and Before the Deadline

• OTC is an approved institution for The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Scholarship (MDHEWD)!
• Students should apply to the MDHEWD Scholarship before applying for OTC’s in-house dual credit scholarship as there are more funds available through the state. 
  • Please note: The state requires that students verify their social security number and provide a state-issued ID before funds can be awarded. Students should check their OTC email for communications from financialaid@otc.edu concerning any additional documentation needed before funds can be processed.
• Further questions about this option can be directed to MDHE at 573-751-1766, or through your state scholarship portal.

 

• • 

    MDHEWD Scholarship Poster

OTC Dual Credit Scholarship- Must Apply After Successful Registration in Dual Credit Classes and Before the Deadline

• Students with a financial need can apply for assistance with the cost of their dual credit class(es) via OTC’s Dual Credit Scholarship. Examples of financial need may include a recent job loss of a primary caretaker, recent medical expenses to the student or immediate family member, and/or for students on free and reduced lunch at their high school.
  • You will be prompted to log in with your OTC credentials. Once logged in, you will be taken directly to the application

The scholarship opportunity is competitive and limited to available funds each semester. Therefore, students and families with financial needs are encouraged to apply to the state Dual Credit Scholarship first and plan to cover costs if the student is not selected to receive funds.

Those who apply will continue to receive payment reminders until all balances are paid in full. Applicants not selected for the scholarship are still responsible for the full OTC balance.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via the email address(es).

Students who are able to pay their dual credit account but encounter a financial need afterward can contact us at dualcredit@otc.edu for additional resources.

• Fall Semester: Applications open on September 1st and close on October 1st. 

• Spring Semester: Applications open on February 1st and close on March 1st. 

 

Scholarships – After High School Graduation

• Ozarks Technical Community College offers the High School Programs Transition Scholarship to students who earned college credit in any of OTC’s programs for high school students.
• See more about this scholarship, including student eligibility and award amounts under the High School Programs Transition scholarship section. You may also search “high school transition” in the search bar on the main OTC website.
• If you have questions about the High School Transition Scholarship or the FAFSA contact financialaid@otc.edu.

 

• OTC offers paid membership to Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society if the student meets GPA requirements. Phi Theta Kappa members are eligible for Phi Theta Kappa scholarships at area universities after graduation.

Costs

OTC Dual Credit is the most inexpensive option in the area and credits transfer well to other colleges! OTC Dual Credit courses cost half as much as our dual credit competitors and 80% off regular course rates at OTC.

All dual credit classes are $57 a credit hour! Course Options by School Partner lists the cost of each course option offered at each high school. The approximate cost of course materials costs for online classes only is provided under Course Materials.

• A registration fee can occur by a third party if the parent consenting to the student’s enrollment selects the payment option with a fee during the enrollment process.

Contact your high school to determine if costs are paid by the district or if the student and their families are responsible for payment. Students and families and responsible for payment with the majority of our school partners.

 

Payment 

Payments made during the DualEnroll enrollment process are the easiest for families. Parents are strongly encouraged to select a ‘Pay Now’ option while providing their consent via email from DualEnroll. 

• Any remaining balance must be paid outside of DualEnroll, online only via the student’s myOTC account, and during the payment window to avoid penalty. Parties with a remaining balance receive an electronic communication to the student’s myOTC email account, from ‘Nelnet Campus Commerce’ with the balance and directions to make payment.
• Resources to assist with student’s myOTC login are available. Questions about remaining balances and payments should be directed to dualcreditpayments@otc.edu 

How to Enroll – Add Class(es)

 

Students should complete the enrollment steps to register for dual credit courses. 

Course options are listed in the hyperlink near the top of the page.

Students are not enrolled until they receive a “confirmed enrollment” email from dualcredit@otc.edu.   

How to Disenroll – Drop Class(es)

 

We hope students are successful; However, if a student is considering dropping, we highly recommend they first review the drop deadline, refund schedule, the possible impact on financial aid in the section below, as well as discuss high school credits and graduation concerns with the school counselor at school and parents or guardians, before completing the process below.

All college credit activity is evaluated for the purposes of obtaining financial aid for college courses after high school graduation. Meaning, activity in dual credit courses count toward the student’s ability to obtain financial aid for college courses in future semesters. Evaluation for financial aid includes enrollment(s), dropping course(s), and all final letter grades earned. It is important students make an informed decision regarding how dropping a class may impact their financial aid ability before dropping the course. Review the policy on our website before contacting Financial Aid office with any further questions.

The next step would be to contact the high school counselor.

We hope students are successful. However, if a student is considering dropping, we highly recommend they first review the drop deadline, refund schedule, the possible impact on financial aid in the section below, as well as discuss high school credits and graduation concerns with the school counselor at school and parents or guardians, before completing the process below.

All college credit activity is evaluated for the purpose of obtaining financial aid for college courses after high school graduation. Meaning, that activity in dual credit courses counts toward the student’s ability to obtain financial aid for college courses in future semesters. Evaluation for financial aid includes enrollment(s), dropping course(s), and all final letter grades earned. It is important that students make an informed decision regarding how dropping a class may impact their financial aid ability before dropping the course. Review the policy on our website before contacting financialaid@otc.edu office with any further questions.

The school counselor determines if the student is eligible to drop based on their graduation requirements at their high school. Students should request a drop via their DualEnroll account by clicking on the three ellipses next to the class on their registration activity page and selecting the “drop” option. 

College Course Load

The number of classes students take in high school differs from the amount taken in college and the credits for each class differ as well. Most full-time high school students take 7 to 8 high school classes each semester. College students typically take less classes that are worth more credits. Four classes, or 12 college credits, is considered full-time in college. The average full-time college student takes four to five classes, or 12 to 15 credit hours, each semester.

Most first-time college students struggle with the differences in expectations, rigor, time commitment, and the level of independence and responsibility that comes with being in college, as opposed to their high school classes. Dual credit students often have to juggle more than high school and college classes. These students often participate in sports, clubs, and work as well.

Therefore, we recommend students start with two college classes, or 6 credit hours, their first semester. Students can take a maximum of four classes, or 12 credits, each semester. If students successfully complete 4 classes, or 12 college credits, with a 3.0 or higher GPA on their final grades, in a previous semester, they may enroll in 5 classes or 15 credits afterward. For more than five classes, or 15 credits, students will have to submit a time management plan, special permission from their parent and school counselor or principal to dualcredit@otc.edu, prior to enrollment. Students cannot take more than 18 credits in a semester.

Dual Credit Dates:

 25/SU:

Date	Range	Type of Dual Credit	Term	Event
June		(seated/onsite)		Remuneration Checks to Schools
6/2/2025		(online)		Summer courses begin
6/19/2025				College Closed- Juneteenth
7/4/2025				College Closed- Independance Day
8/1/2025-8/15/2025		(seated/online)		Summer payment window
8/1/2025				Last day to withdraw with a W on your transcript
8/8/2025		(online)		Summer courses end
August		(seated/onsite)		Registration Begins for Fall after your school starts

25/FA:

25/FA
	Before Summer Break	(online)	Priority Registration Ends for Online/Roster Verification (only continues if space is available)
8/9/2025		(seated/onsite)	Educator Conference for Instructors
8/15/2025		(online)	Canvas Opens for Enrolled Students (Test/Troubleshoot Technology Access)
8/18/2025		(online)	First Day of Classes (Students can start submitting work)
8/24/2025		(online)	No Bill, if drop before this date
8/25-8/31/2025	9/1/24	(online)	50% Bill, if drop within date range
8/31/2025		(online)	Full Bill, if drop after
9/1/2025		(all)	Labor Day (College Closed)
9/11/2025		(seated/onsite)	Registration Ends & Roster Verification
9/15/2025		(seated/onsite)	Full Bill, if drop after
9/2/2025		(online)	First Day of 14-week Late Start Courses
9/19/2025		(online)	Monthly Grade Report
10/6/2025		(all)	Fall Break (College Closed)
10/7/2025		(all)	College Development Day (No Classes)
10/21/2025		(online)	Midterm Grade Reports
11/1/2025		(seated/onsite)	New Instructor/New Course Application Due for Next Semester
11/5/2025		(all)	Payment Window Opens
11/17/2025		(online)	Monthly Grade Report
11/26/2025	11/30/2025	(all)	Thanksgiving (College Closed)
12/2/2025		(all)	Last day to drop or withdraw, W on transcript
12/5/2025		(all)	Payment Window Closes
12/8/2025	12/12/2025	(online)	Final Assessments
12/15/2025		(seated/onsite)	Final Grades Due in myOTC by Instructors
12/16/2025		(online)	Final Grades Reports
Before Winter Break	Before Winter Break	(online)	Priority Registration Ends for Online/Roster Verification (only continues if space is available)
TBA	TBA	(all)	College Closed: Winter Break
January		(seated/onsite)	Remuneration Checks to Schools

26/SP:

Date	Range	Type of Dual Credit	Term	Event
Before Winter Break		(online)	16-week/semester	Registration Ends (If Space Existed)/Roster Verification
TBA	TBA	(all)		College Closed: Winter Break
January		(seated/onsite)		Registration Begins for Spring Semester Only
1/9/2026		(online)	16-week/semester	Canvas Opens for Enrolled Students (Test/Troubleshoot Technology Access)
1/12/2026		(online)	16-week/semester	First Day of Spring Classes (Students can start submitting work)
1/19/2026		(all)		College Closed: Marin Luther King, Jr.
TBA		(online)	16-week/semester	100% Refund End/No Bill
TBA		(online)	16-week/semester	50% Refund End/Partial Bill
1/23/2026		(online)	14-week/late start	Canvas Opens for Enrolled Students (Test/Troubleshoot Technology Access)
TBA		(online)	16-week/semester	Full Bill, if drop on or after
1/26/2026		(online)	14-week/late start	First Day of Spring Classes (Students can start submitting work)
TBA		(online)	14-week/late start	100% Refund End/No Bill
TBA		(online)	14-week/late start	50% Refund End/Partial Bill
TBA		(online)	14-week/late start	Full Bill, if drop on or after
2/5/2026		(online)	Seated	Registration Ends (If Space Existed)/Roster Verification
TBA		(seated/onsite)		No Refunds/full bill if drop after
2/9/2025		(online)		Monthly Grade Report *two-week report for latestart class
3/1/2026		(online)		Custom class requests due for fall for groups of 12 or more students only
3/1/2026		(all)		Scholarship Applications Due
3/17/2026		(online)		Midterm Grade Reports
3/16/2026	3/20/2026	(online)		No Classes: Spring Break
3/20/2026		(all)		College Closed: Spring Break
3/24/2026		(online)		Registration begins for summer and fall courses
4/5/2026		(all)		Payment Window Opens for Unpaid Balance
4/13/2026		(online)		Monthly Grade Report
5/1/2026		(all)		Instructors: Last day for new applications to teach seated next semester
5/5/2026		(all)		Payment Window Closes for Unpaid Balance
5/4/2026		(all)		Drop: Last day to drop or withdraw, W on transcript
5/11/2026	5/15/2026	(online)		Final Assessments
5/18/2026		(seated/onsite)		Final Grades Due in myOTC by Instructors
5/19/2026		(online)		Final Grades Distributed
June		(seated/onsite)		Remuneration Checks to Schools

Additional Resources and Information

Enrollment Services:

Contact dualcredit@otc.edu for assistance with enrollment in dual credit courses.

Academic and Learning Support Services:

Students enrolled in one or more OTC dual credit classes have the same access to learning and support resources as any other enrolled student. High school partners may have additional learning and support resources as well.

Visit Dual Credit Documents and Links for other information.