The Dual Credit Advantage

The Dual Credit Advantage

Brought to you by Sara Schenirer Institute

The Dual Credit Program gives high school students the opportunity to earn real college credits while still in grades 11 and 12. Courses are taught at a college level and apply toward an undergraduate degree, allowing students to reduce both time and cost once they enter college. This program is designed to help families invest in higher education early, in the most affordable way possible.

Each Dual Credit course satisfies a 3-credit college requirement. The more courses a student completes in high school, the fewer credits they will need to complete later at the college level, saving both tuition and time to graduation. Many core requirements can be completed through Dual Credit, helping students enter college further along in their degree journey.

What Value Do Dual Credits Earned in High School Offer?

Since an undergraduate degree is made up of 120 credits across multiple subject areas, many of these requirements can be fulfilled during high school when courses are taken at the college level. Each Dual Credit course fulfills a 3-credit college requirement toward an undergraduate degree. The more Dual Credit courses successfully completed, the fewer credits students will need to complete later in college, resulting in significant savings.

For example, math is a required subject for nearly every undergraduate degree. By completing two Dual Credit math courses, a student earns six transferable credits that will satisfy most college math requirements, except in majors with a heavy math focus such as accounting or data science. This approach allows students to meet both high school and college requirements with a single course, often referred to as “double-dipping.”

Dual Credits earned through this program are transferable to any accredited college. This makes Dual Credit one of the most affordable ways to invest in future college education early.

Understanding College Degrees & Credits

There are two main steps required to earn a college degree and specialize in a particular field of interest.

Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor of Arts or Science is earned through an undergraduate program and typically includes courses across liberal arts, general education, and the student’s major field of study. These courses build a foundation for advanced study in a specific profession.

Step 2: Master’s Degree

After completing an undergraduate degree, students pursuing professional fields complete a graduate program where they focus exclusively on their area of specialization. Graduate programs typically require 46–60 credits, depending on the field, and are followed by a licensing exam in professions that require certification.

Note: Some fields such as accounting, business, and data science may not require a graduate degree, though these are exceptions.

Dual Credit Program – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dual Credit Program?

The Sara Schenirer Dual Credit Program allows high school students to earn college credits for approved college-level classes through University of Mt. St. Vincent for NY residents and Saint Peter’s University for NJ residents at a highly discounted rate.

How much does it cost?

Courses are offered at just $50 per credit, providing significant savings per course compared to standard college tuition rates.

What if I don’t yet know where I will attend college?

There is no need to commit to a college. Credits earned through this program are transferable to any accredited college.

What if I don’t yet know which field I want to study?

That’s okay. Dual Credit courses include core subjects and useful electives that apply toward most degree programs.

How do I access my Dual Credits after high school?

At the end of the school year, students receive step-by-step instructions to access their college transcript and send it to the college of their choice.

Can credits from Israel/Seminary be applied?

Yes. Students may transfer up to 36 seminary credits toward their degree at no cost.

Program Impact at a Glance

Program Contact

Dual Credit Program Director: Lieba Berger

Phone: (718) 633-8557 ext. 56

Email: lberger@sarasch.com