High School Students Save Money and Time: Earn College Credits Now with Concurrent Enrollment

Read time: 5 minutes

Life doesn’t always go as planned. If you once decided to leave high school, you’re not alone. Many people step away from school because of family needs, money issues, or a learning environment that didn’t suit them. 

Taking a break doesn’t mean your story is over. Going back to finish your high school diploma takes real courage, and it can open doors to a future you may not have thought possible. 

If you’re thinking about coming back to school with Grad Solutions, you’re not just finishing old assignments. You’re joining a program built to help you move forward quickly. One of the best tools you have right now is concurrent enrollment. 

Concurrent enrollment allows you to take college classes while you’re still working on your high school diploma. The best part is that you earn both high school and college credit at the same time. This shortcut saves you time, helps you avoid extra debt, and shows you have what it takes to succeed in college. 

Why Concurrent Enrollment is a Game-Changer 

If you’re coming back to school after a break, your time matters a lot. You may be working, raising kids, or handling other adult responsibilities. Spending years in high school and then more years in college can seem like too much. Concurrent enrollment changes that. 

Here is how taking college courses right now benefits you: 

• Accelerate Your Progress: Each college class you pass now is one less you’ll need to take or pay for later. This means you can finish college sooner and start your career faster. 
• Massive Cost Savings: College tuition is expensive. By using partnerships through Grad Solutions and the HUB Student Resource Centers, you can access courses at heavily discounted, grant-funded, or entirely free rates. 
• Meet Admissions Requirements: Some top colleges want you to take certain classes, like advanced science courses that regular high schools might not offer. With concurrent enrollment, you can take these classes and meet those requirements. 
• Try Out College Work: If you’ve been away from school, starting college can feel overwhelming. Concurrent enrollment lets you see what college classes are like while you still have strong support from your Grad Solutions mentors. 
• Discover Your Interests: Instead of picking a major without knowing what you like, these courses let you try out different subjects and career paths before you decide where to focus your time and money. 
• Build Your Confidence: Nothing feels better than realizing, “I can do this.” Passing a college class while finishing high school looks great on your resume or college application and shows you have strong time management and self-discipline. 

Your Concurrent Enrollment Options: Something for Every Path 

Through the HUB Student Resource Center, Grad Solutions has built distinct partnerships to fit whatever your goals look like after graduation. Whether you want to attend a major four-year university, pick up a trade at a community college, or jump directly into a high-paying career, there is a pathway ready for you. 

1. ASU Accelerate (Universal Learner Program) 
   
   If you want to go to a big university like Arizona State University (ASU), Northern Arizona University (NAU), or the University of Arizona (U of A), the Universal Learner Program from ASU is a strong choice. ASU faculty designed these online courses to match real university degree programs. It’s perfect for students who want to get ahead and build a strong academic record. 
   
   
2. South Mountain Community College (SMCC) – FYE 101 
   
   Not sure what’s next? Want to try out a local community college? The First Year Experience 101 (FYE 101) course at South Mountain Community College is a great way to start. It’s made to help you learn how to succeed in the community college system. 
   
   
   • The Benefit: You earn 1 college credit and 1 high school elective credit. Even better, students can apply for a grant to cover the cost, making it entirely free.
   • What You’ll Do: You’ll explore different subjects, plan your program or degree path, learn about the costs of your dream career, and meet with college advisors. 
     
     
3. Tribal College Dual Enrollment
   
   This option is completely free for all Arizona high school and homeschool students. Tuition, fees, books, and materials are all covered. Since these tribal colleges are fully accredited, the credits you earn meet high standards and can transfer to other colleges or universities. 
   
   
4. Career-Ready Pathways: Year Up United & CTE Programs 
   
   If you want to start a good career right away, you can use concurrent enrollment to join special programs: 

• Year Up United: A nonprofit program providing free professional skills training and internships with real companies in areas such as technology, finance, and business. 
• Arizona CTE Programs: Career and Technical Education programs for Arizona learners. Students can gain skills for careers in a wide variety of industries, from Construction and Manufacturing, to Business Management and Financial Services. These programs are available throughout the state and many are free for high school students.  

Meet Your Support System: The Next Step Team 

If you’ve dropped out in the past, you might expect to be left to figure all of this out on your own. At Grad Solutions, that is never the case. You do not have to navigate application forms, grant requests, or class selections on your own. 

The Grad Solutions Next Step Team is here to help you plan what comes after your high school diploma. They consider your skills, your schedule, and your career goals to find the best fit for you. 

When you connect with a Next Step team member, they will assist you with: 

1. Evaluating which concurrent enrollment options match your goals
2. Checking your individual eligibility for specific programs and grants
3. Helping you select the right courses so you don’t waste time on classes you don’t need
4. Assisting with the actual enrollment and registration paperwork

Your past doesn’t decide your future. Leaving school was just one part of your story. Your next chapter can include earning college credits before you even graduate from high school.