Smiling young woman standing in front of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC's Front Street campus

Start college in high school!

By dual enrolling in college classes, you can get ahead on the credits you need for a degree, whether you plan to stay at NMC or transfer to a four-year school. Your local school district pays the tuition.

You can dual enroll as early as your sophomore year, and choose from more than 100 classes.

eligibility criteria and steps for new dual enrolled students:

  1. Get approved by your high school

    • NMC recommends, but doesn’t require, a student to place into college level English or college level math. Here’s how placement works:
      • English: Completion of three semesters of high school English and an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher gives college level English placement (ENG 111).
      • Math: Determined by ACT, SAT or AP scores, or the NMC placement test, Accuplacer.
    • Placement tests are available at NMC, both on-campus and online, for students who do not meet the GPA requirement.
    • Each student is unique. If a high school feels a student exhibits strong potential, but doesn't meet the above criteria, please reach out to Admissions to explore potential options.
  2. Apply online to NMC at nmc.edu/apply-now

    • Create your application account and then select "Start an Application".
  3. Request an official transcript be sent directly to NMC

    • A transcript is official when sent directly from the high school, or through a third-party such as Parchment, to NMC.
  4. Submit your Enrollment Approval Form to request classes

    • All NMC students can work with an advisor to select courses. Advisors have created course selection guides to assist you. View the course selection guides by major pathways here.
      • Choose back-up course options in case your first choice(s) are full or unavailable. Search the class schedule here to see what's offered each semester.
      • Submitted forms are emailed to the high school counselor and principal, who will approve (or not approve) the courses selected.
      • If approved, you'll receive an email from NMC to register for the class(es). Registration is done through your myNMC account. NMC does not register you in your class(es).
      • If you decide to take different courses, a new approval form is required.
      • If you're enrolled in a class that has not been approved by your high school, you may be responsible for paying for it.
      • Questions about the form? Talk to your high school counselor or contact Admissions at (231) 995-1054 or admissions@nmc.edu.
  5. Complete New Student Orientation online

    • Before you register for your first semester classes, you must complete a 23- minute new student orientation online.
      • Separate from new student orientation, if you are taking an online class, you’ll need to complete Online Learning Orientation (OLO).
      • Returning dual-enrolled student? Orientation is not required.
  6. Register for classes

    • Register for your class(es) in your myNMC account. Need help? Find printable instructions, videos and other tips here.
      • If you need help logging into your myNMC account, contact the Technology Help Desk at (231) 995-3020.
      • Class formats: Four are available: in-person, online, livestream over Zoom and hybrid, which means a combination of any of the first three.
      • Accelerated classes: We don’t recommend dual enrolled students take an accelerated course, in which material is taught in a shorter, more condensed format.
      • The submitted Enrollment Approval Form does not register the student in classes.
      • Once registered, you can view the necessary textbooks on the Bookstore's website.

Returning dual-enrolled students : A new NMC application and a new Enrollment Approval Form are required each semester. Orientation is not required as a returning student.


Compare and save

See how Dual Enrollment and Early College compare to taking AP courses here.


Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Can home-schooled high school students dual enroll?

    • Yes! In this scenario the parent is responsible for payment.
  • Can I dual enroll for multiple semesters?

    • Yes, but you must reapply each semester.
  • How many classes can I take via dual enrollment?

    • Your school district will pay for a maximum of ten classes for dual enrollment.
  • Is tuition free to me?

    • It depends on where you live. Most students will get free tuition, paid by their school district. Some students who live outside of Grand Traverse County may need to make up a small difference in the cost that the state covers and the cost of tuition.
  • What if I don’t live in Grand Traverse County?

    • A new tuition rate of $160 per contact hour for students from outside Grand Traverse County is expected to cover the tuition and fee bill for three- and four-credit classes, eliminating out-of-pocket costs for most students, except for books and course fees, where applicable, such as lab courses. Read more here.

Contact Us

Noa Bengelink, a dual enrolled student from Cadillac

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Noa Bengelink
Dual enrolled student from Cadillac High School


"My NMC credits will transfer. Why dual enroll anywhere else?"


College Pathways

NMC has hundreds of courses to choose — from classes for transfer to other colleges and universities, to trades and occupational courses. Check them out here.


Quick Start

Have questions or need help? Join one of our monthly Quick Start events!


Dual Enrollment flyer imageDual Enrollment Flyer

Learn more about the benefits of dual enrollment. View and download the flyer here.