Dual Enrollment Handbook (2026–2027)

Technical College of the Lowcountry

Dual Enrollment Handbook

Proudly Serving Public, Private, and Homeschools in South Carolina

Participating Schools and Organizations

Agape Christian Academy
At Home in the Lowcountry Homeschool Association
Battery Creek High School
Beaufort High School
Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence
Bluffton High School
Bridges Preparatory School
Colleton County High School
Colleton Preparatory Academy
Community Bible Church Christian Academy
Cross Schools
Cyber Academy of South Carolina
Grace Homeschool Association
Hampton County High School
Hardeeville Junior & Senior High School
Heritage Academy
Highlands Latin School of Beaufort
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Hilton Head Island High School
Homeward Education Association
Hope Accountability Group
John Paul II Catholic School
May River High School
Learn Together Legacies Homeschool Association
Legacy Christian Academy
Lowcountry Connections Academy
Lowcountry Homeschool Association
Lowcountry Montessori School
PACE Homeschool Association
Palmetto Homeschool Association
Patrick Henry Academy
Polaris Tech Charter School
Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence
Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts & Sciences
SC Association of Independent Homeschools
SC Connections Academy
SC Virtual Charter School
The Complete Student
Thomas Heyward Academy
Whale Branch Early College High School

Table of Contents

What Are My Options?
Dual Enrollment – FAQ
Dual Enrollment Eligibility Requirements
Dual Enrollment Registration Checklist
Student Accounts & Orientation
ACCUPLACER Level Requirements & Information
Paying for Courses
Financial Aid Overview
Textbooks & Materials
Career & Major Exploration – Choosing Courses
University Transfer Track & Course Options
Career & Technical Programs & Pathways
Student Success Checklist & Supporting Role Tips
Student & Parent Communication: Academic Contacts
Online Course Success Tips
Student Support and Engagement
Continuing at Technical College of the Lowcountry
Responsibilities, Policies, & Procedures
Academic Calendar

Want to Become a TCL Dual Enrollment Student?

Start with our admissions process.

Students must apply online, gain approval from their high school counselors, and submit required enrollment documents to start the dual enrollment process.

Enrollment documents must be submitted either directly from a school counselor or via email from TCL student email accounts.

Step 1: Apply Online

Visit: www.tcl.edu/apply

  • Click Apply Now, then Create Your Account
  • Use a personal email address, NOT a school account
  • Verify your email
  • Open Undergraduate Application
  • Select Admit Status: Dual Enrollment High School Student
  • Enter high school and expected graduation date
  • Under Program Choice:
    • Select Other – Dual Enrollment Program (non-degree)
  • Select first term
  • Choose campus closest to your high school
  • Review:
    • Image Release
    • Financial Liability
    • Student Statements
  • Click “I Agree” and Submit

There is no fee to apply.

Step 2: Submit Required Forms

Meet with your school counselor, then submit:

  • Dual Enrollment Agreement / FAFSA Waiver
  • Residency Verification
  • FERPA Waiver

Public school students:
Obtain and submit forms through school counselor

Private, charter, homeschool students:
Submit through school or homeschool association

Forms available at:
www.tcl.edu/ecco-college-credit/

What Are My Options?

University Transfer Track

General education courses are designed for students planning to attend a 4-year college or university or to begin general education coursework for a 2-year program.

Taking these courses can:

  • Save time and money
  • Provide college-level experience
  • Help refine academic interests

Students should:

  • Review required courses for intended major
  • Verify transferability with future college
  • Confirm grade requirements

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Track

Programs are designed for students entering careers in high-demand industries.

Completion allows:

  • Entry into workforce
  • Application of credits toward TCL certificate, diploma, or Associate degree
  • Completion of certificate/diploma before high school graduation
  • Completion of Associate degree within one year after graduation

Programs include:

  • Accounting
  • Building & Construction
  • Business Management & Administration
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Culinary Arts
  • Early Care and Education
  • Entrepreneurship / Small Business
  • HVAC
  • Law & Criminal Justice
  • Plumbing

Dual Enrollment – FAQ

Who is eligible to participate?

Students must:

  • Be enrolled in public, private, or homeschool high school
  • Complete English 1 and Algebra 2
  • Maintain GPA:
    • 3.0 (Transfer Track)
    • 2.5 (CTE Track)

How much does it cost?

Students are responsible for:

  • Tuition
  • Fees
  • Textbooks
  • Materials

Unless covered by school or district agreements

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA)

Students may qualify if they:

  1. Are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
  2. Are South Carolina residents for at least one year or military dependents
  3. Complete Dual Enrollment Agreement / FAFSA Waiver
  4. Maintain a 2.0 GPA and follow Student Code of Conduct

What kinds of courses can I take?

Courses may be taken at:

  • Beaufort Campus
  • New River Campus
  • Culinary Institute of the South
  • Hampton Campus

Course areas include:

  • English, humanities, mathematics, sciences
  • Business and entrepreneurship
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • HVAC and Plumbing
  • Computer Technology
  • Criminal Justice

How do students earn both high school and college credit?

  • High school determines high school credit
  • TCL awards college credit

When do I have to pay tuition?

  • Tuition is due about one week before classes begin
  • Must be paid or payment plan established
  • Failure to pay results in schedule being dropped

How do I register for classes?

  • Students are NOT allowed to register themselves
  • Work with school counselor
  • Attend Registration Day

Homeschool students:

Where can I view my class schedule?

  • Navigate
  • Self Service

How do I know where my classes are?

Schedules include:

  • Building number
  • Room number
  • Days and times

Campus maps:
https://www.tcl.edu/campuses-maps

Who will the instructor be?

  • Approved TCL faculty or adjunct instructors
  • May be high school instructor meeting college standards

Where can I order my books?

Through TCL Course Ready program:

  • eBooks (Blackboard)
  • Shipped to home
  • Pick up at College Store

Attendance Policy

TCL expects that students will participate in all scheduled instructional classes and laboratory periods, regardless of the mode of delivery.

To be successful in their courses, students are expected to:

  • Be in class on time
  • Attend class meetings or laboratory periods regularly

Students are responsible for making up the work missed during any absence.

An absence is defined as nonattendance for any reason, including:

  • illness
  • emergency
  • official leave

If you arrive late to or leave early from class, you may be considered absent for that class.

Grades and Academic Progress

Does a certain grade have to be earned?

Yes. To be successful in a TCL course, you must earn a grade of A, B, or C.

  • A, B, C = successful completion
  • D = passing grade, appears on transcripts, but NOT TRANSFERABLE
  • F = no credit awarded

Depending on school/district policies, a grade of D or F may prevent continuation in Dual Enrollment.

Students planning to use the LIFE Scholarship must maintain a 3.0 GPA for all college coursework.

Where can I find my grades?

Students may check progress in Blackboard as percentages.

Official grades are found in:

  • Self Service
  • Navigate

Final grades are posted as letter grades.

Can anyone else see my grades?

Final grades are released to high school counselors and administrators.

To release records to others (such as parents), students must complete a FERPA waiver form.

How do I order an official transcript?

Order transcripts through Parchment:

https://www.tcl.edu/student-services/student-records/transcripts/

Do all college courses transfer?

TCL participates in a statewide articulation agreement with 86 transferable courses.

Transfer approval is determined by the receiving institution.

View transfer courses:
https://www.sctrac.org/Student/List-of-Universally-Transferable-Courses-in-SC

Financial Aid & Payment

Am I eligible for financial aid?

Students taking 6 or more credit hours may qualify for:

  • South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance

Students in certain CTE programs may qualify for:

  • SC WINS funding

Does dual enrollment affect future financial aid?

Yes.

Students begin a college transcript that includes:

  • GPA
  • Completion rate

Federal Financial Aid requires:

  • 2.0 GPA
  • 67% completion rate
  • 150% maximum program hours

Poor performance may affect:

  • grants
  • scholarships
  • loans

How do I pay my bill?

Public school students (Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, Colleton):

  • Do NOT pay

Private, charter, homeschool students:

  • Pay through Self Service
  • May use payment plan

Dual Enrollment Eligibility Requirements

University Transfer Track Requirements

Students must:

  • Hold a 3.0 GPA (unweighted)
  • Complete English 1 with B or higher
  • Complete Algebra 2 with B or higher

Additional note:

  • Beaufort County 9th graders must meet PSAT percentile requirement

Career and Technical Education Track Requirements

Students must:

  • Hold a 2.5 GPA (unweighted)

If Requirements Are Not Met

Students must:

  • Provide a letter of recommendation OR
  • Complete ACCUPLACER placement test

Dual Enrollment Registration Checklist

Complete the Admission Process

(see previous section)

Meet With School Counselor

Confirm eligibility

Set Up TCL Email Account

Submit Course Requests

Students may NOT register themselves

  • Work with school counselor
  • Use Course Search on TCL website
  • Verify schedule in Navigate

Important Dates

Fall 2026

  • Registration Deadline: Monday, June 1
  • Tuition Due: Thursday, August 6
  • First Day of Class: Monday, August 17
  • Last Day to Drop: Friday, August 21, 11:00 a.m.
  • Last Day to Withdraw: Monday, December 7

Spring 2027

  • Registration Deadline: Monday, December 7
  • Tuition Due: Thursday, December 31
  • First Day of Class: Monday, January 11
  • Last Day to Drop: Friday, January 15, 11:00 a.m.
  • Last Day to Withdraw: Monday, April 26

Additional Requirements

  • Pay tuition and fees (if applicable)
  • Obtain student ID and parking decal
  • Reserve textbooks
  • Complete Blackboard orientation
  • Attend orientation session

Contact Information

Sara Cain
Assistant Director, Recruitment & Dual Enrollment
dualenrollment@tcl.edu
(843) 470-6046

Giovanni Glover
Dual Enrollment Specialist
gglover@tcl.edu

Stephanie Mikell
Dual Enrollment Specialist
smikell@tcl.edu

Taylor Welborn
Executive Director
twelborn@tcl.edu

Student Accounts & Orientation

TCL Email Setup

Students receive acceptance email within 48–72 hours.

Email format:
firstname.lastname@tcl.edu

Initial password format:
TCL + last 7 digits of SSN + !

Navigate Account

Used for:

  • Viewing schedule
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Receiving alerts
  • Communication

Self Service Account

Used for:

  • Tuition
  • Financial aid
  • Grades
  • Course information

Orientation Requirements

Students must:

  • Attend in-person or Zoom orientation
  • Complete Blackboard orientation course

ACCUPLACER Placement Testing

Testing Information

  • Free for students
  • Valid photo ID required
  • Tests are untimed
  • Approx. 2–2.5 hours

Locations

Beaufort Campus
Building 8, Room 204

Hampton Campus
Room 105

Important Notes

  • No electronic devices allowed
  • Retesting is allowed
  • Locker storage available

Paying for Courses

Tuition Rates (2026–2027)

  • $228 per credit hour (in-state)
  • 3-credit course: $684 + fees

Fees Include

  • $100 Student Fee
  • $50 Technology Fee
  • $15 per credit General Course Fee
  • $22 per credit Bookstore Fee

Some courses may include additional fees.

Out-of-State Tuition

  • $474 per credit hour
  • Not eligible for financial aid

Payment Requirements

Private/charter/homeschool students must:

  • Pay balance or set up payment plan

Payments:

  • Online via Self Service
  • In person at campus

Dual Enrollment Financial Aid Information

South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance

Dual Enrollment students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours (typically two courses) in the same semester may qualify for the South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Program.

Students qualify based on state residency requirements, not financial need.

Contact: dualenrollment@tcl.edu for more information.

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) Information

  • State-funded program awarded to South Carolina residents
  • Students must hold in-state residency status to qualify
  • Applies to cost of tuition only
  • Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester
  • Does not cover Continuing Education or non-credit classes
  • Award amount varies annually
  • High school students do NOT need to complete the FAFSA

Federal Financial Aid

Dual enrollment students do not receive federal financial aid because they have not completed high school.

However:

  • Success in dual enrollment courses may impact future eligibility
  • Students should maintain:
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA
    • 67% completion rate

Failure to meet these may affect eligibility for:

  • grants
  • scholarships
  • loans

Textbooks & Other Materials

TCL Course Ready Program

Dual Enrollment students reserve textbooks through TCL’s Course Ready program.

Textbooks are included in tuition and are not purchased separately.

Ordering Process

  • Students receive email 3–4 weeks before semester
  • Click “Reserve My Books”
  • Choose:
    • eBooks (Blackboard)
    • Ship to home (small fee)
    • Pick up at College Store (Beaufort Campus, Building 12)

Important Notes

  • Required textbooks do NOT require additional payment
  • Optional materials must be paid out-of-pocket
  • Books must be returned at end of semester
  • Late returns result in fees

Additional Materials – Lab Kits

Science courses require lab kits.

  • Covered by school/district if applicable
  • Otherwise student must purchase

Culinary / Hospitality Programs

Require:

  • Uniforms
  • Knife sets
  • Supplies

Covered by school/district OR paid by student

Career & Major Exploration — Choosing Courses

Career Exploration

Students should:

  • Research careers using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Use TCL My Next Move Interest Profiler
  • Job shadow or intern

Major Exploration

Students should:

  • Compare colleges and programs
  • Review degree requirements
  • Identify required courses

Course Selection for Transfer

Students should:

  • Check transfer agreements
  • Contact intended colleges
  • Choose general education courses

SCTRAC Resource

Students may use www.sctrac.org to:

  • Learn about SC colleges
  • Compare programs
  • Review transfer equivalencies

University Transfer Track

Expectations

Students should:

  • Be prepared for college-level coursework
  • Attend class regularly
  • Communicate with instructors
  • Use email, Blackboard, and Navigate
  • Follow all policies

Steps to Enroll

  1. Discuss with parent/guardian and counselor
  2. Attend information session
  3. Apply online
  4. Submit required forms
  5. Select courses
  6. Attend orientation

Transfer Course Information

  • 86 courses are guaranteed to transfer within SC
  • Students must earn a C or higher

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Expectations

Students should:

  • Be committed to career pathway
  • Be prepared for coursework
  • Attend class regularly
  • Communicate with instructors
  • Follow policies

State-Funded Support

Students may qualify for:

SC WINS Scholarship

May cover:

  • Tuition
  • Textbooks
  • Program costs

Enrollment Steps

(Same as University Transfer Track steps)

CTE Programs & Pathways

Business & Industrial Technologies

  • Building Construction Technician (Certificate)
  • Designing HVAC Systems (Certificate)
  • Plumbing (Certificate)
  • Residential Electrician (Certificate)
  • Accounting (Certificate)
  • Entrepreneurship (Certificate)
  • Office Applications (Certificate)

Education & Professional Services

  • Early Care and Education (Certificate)
  • Medical Office Assistant (Certificate)

Computer & Information Technology

  • A+ Computer Servicing (Certificate)
  • Programming (Certificate)
  • Webmaster (Certificate)
  • Cybersecurity (Pathway)

Criminal Justice & Law

  • Criminal Justice & Law (Certificate)

Culinary Arts & Hospitality

  • Baking & Pastry Arts (Certificate)
  • Restaurant Cook Skills (Certificate)
  • Hospitality/Tourism Management (Certificate)

Student Success Checklist

Students should:

  • Attend class
  • Read syllabus
  • Prepare for assignments
  • Check grades regularly
  • Communicate with instructors
  • Seek tutoring

Drop vs Withdrawal

  • Drop:
    • No transcript record
    • Tuition removed
  • Withdrawal:
    • Appears as “W”
    • May affect financial aid

Email Responsibility

Students must:

  • Check TCL email daily
  • Communicate professionally

Supporting Role Tips

  1. Let students take responsibility
  2. Provide guidance, not control
  3. Encourage communication
  4. Allow independence
  5. Support problem-solving

Student & Parent Communication

Email Guidelines

Students should:

  • Introduce themselves
  • Clearly state concerns
  • Request action
  • Allow 48-hour response window

Academic Contacts

Primary Contact:
dualenrollment@tcl.edu

Deans:

  • Karen Smith
  • Vandy Amason
  • Dr. Frederick Cooper
  • Chef Jacqueline Orak
  • Erika Johnson

FERPA (Privacy)

FERPA protects student education records.

  • Only students may access records
  • Parents require waiver

Students are strongly encouraged to complete the FERPA waiver form.

Online Course Success Tips

Students should:

  • Complete Blackboard orientation
  • Log in first week
  • Read syllabus
  • Communicate with instructors
  • Manage time effectively
  • Submit assignments early
  • Maintain backup technology

Student Support and Engagement

Services Available

  • Disability Services
  • Library
  • Computer Labs
  • Tutoring
  • Campus Security
  • Campus Store
  • Business Office

Tutoring

  • Free tutoring available
  • In-person and online
  • Writing, math, science support

Parking

  • Parking decals required
  • Two vehicles may be registered
  • Available at campus HUB