Dual Credit FAQ
What is dual credit?
Dual credit may be offered for certain Academy classes taught by Academy instructors. Certain Academy courses (and instructors) have been approved by the Ball State University departments as being comparable to a course at BSU. After completing the Academy course, the student may request a BSU transcript through the Ball State Registrar, showing the grade earned for the course. The transcript does not indicate that the credit was earned by dual credit, but appears identical to any other BSU course.
Why is dual credit available for some Academy courses and not others?
Many courses are taught at the Academy that do not have BSU counterparts and, therefore, cannot receive dual credit. Each year, however, we are adding courses that can earn dual credit through discussions with the various departments at Ball State. The number of course available for dual credit will continue to grow.
Why should a student take a course for dual credit?
One of the strongest reasons for taking a course for dual credit is that the tuition rate for a course taken by dual credit is a fraction of the cost compared to the same course taken under normal college circumstances. Dual credit courses are excellent bargains for the money. The Academy has enough dual credit options to allow a student to complete up to a full year of college. Students will also have a college course(s) on a BSU transcript indicating to college admission counselors that they are capable of college level work.
Where can a BSU courses be transferred?
Most schools, both inside and outside of Indiana, recognize, and will take BSU credits when a student enrolls/transfers into the school. If you have questions about the transfer of BSU credits, check with the receiving school about their policy, and/or present the school with a BSU transcript.
If the course is an AP course, should I use the AP exam score for college credit or take the course for dual credit?
The answer to this question will vary by the student and their circumstances. College credit can typically be earned in AP courses by scoring a 4 or 5 on the national exam for that subject. The state of Indiana pays for science and math AP exams, so there is usually no cost to the student. However, receiving the credit depends on how well the student performs on a single exam. If the student is ill the morning of the exam or does not do well on high stress exams, they may not score high enough to earn college credit.
Dual credit does cost the student/parent, but earning the credit does not depend on a one-time exam performance. A student who successfully completes the course will have a guarantee of college credit through the BSU transcript.
Can a student receive a refund if they change their mind about taking a course for dual credit?
Yes, there is a pro-rated refund policy if a student withdraws from dual credit. It is the student’s responsibility to notify BSU (e-mail Nancy Day, Dual Credit Program Coordinator at nday) at the time of withdrawal in order to receive a refund.
Can a student withdraw from taking a course for dual credit, without dropping the Academy course from their schedule?
Yes, students may decide they no longer wish to pursue the dual credit, but want finish the Academy course so as to still receive the Academy credit. Students may drop the dual credit without dropping the Academy course from their class schedule. Consult the Dual Credit Program Student-Parent Handbook concerning deadlines for dropping and the pro-rated refund policy if a student withdraws from dual credit. It is the student’s responsibility to notify BSU (e-mail Nancy Day, Dual Credit Program Coordinator at nday) at the time of withdrawal in order to receive a refund.
What grade must the student earn in order to receive dual credit?
Since a C- is the lowest passing grade given by the Academy, the student must earn at least this grade to receive dual credit. However, some BSU departments do not consider a C- to be passing and will not award credit. Just to be safe, the student should earn at least a C or better for dual credit purposes.