Dual enrollment students can enroll in many general education courses required for degrees at Aiken Tech or four-year colleges and universities. Whether you are pursuing an associate’s degree with us or planning to earn a bachelor’s degree elsewhere, you can get started through dual enrollment. Our courses are transferable and cost much less than most other colleges and universities in the region. Dual enrollment students taking general education courses can get an early start on earning their Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree at Aiken Tech. This means that you can complete the ATC degree and go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in less time, at a lower cost, and be better prepared for the more rigorous coursework.

Students enrolled in dual enrollment may also gain exposure to majors that match their career interests, giving them a head-start on their career or the specialty they wish to pursue in college. Our pathway programs give students the option to pursue in-demand jobs right after high school or to go on to advanced training in highly desirable fields. Available pathways include:

• Cybersecurity Networking (through Aiken County Career and Technology Center)
• Patient Care Technician
• Pre-Health Professions

* NOTE: Program availability varies by school. Check with your counselor about options available at your high school.

Aiken Early College is a unique opportunity for dual enrollment students to graduate from high school with both a high school diploma and an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree. Students enrolled in this program take courses every semester (fall, spring, and summer) starting the fall of their high school sophomore year through the spring semester of their senior year.

The credits earned are transferable and often fulfill many general education requirements toward a bachelor’s degree. Currently, this option is only available to Midland Valley High School students.

Students attending select high schools may apply to receive Technical Advancement Placement (TAP) credits for specific approved high school courses. TAP credits save students money and time by reducing the number of classes they need upon enrolling in related programs at Aiken Tech. These courses are approved through special agreements with participating high schools.

Students interested in enrolling in the Early Start program should speak with their school counselor and a parent or guardian before applying. Counselor and parent permissions are required.

Applications can be completed online at apply.atc.edu. The priority deadline for fall entry is March 1. The priority deadline for spring entry is October 1. Applications are accepted up to one week before the start of the fall and spring semesters.

Dual enrollment applicants must meet college admission requirements for degree and credential programs.

• English/Verbal (Minimum): Either PSAT – 500, SAT – 500, or ACT – 18
• Math (Minimum): Either PSAT – 500 or ACT – 22

Dual enrollment applicants who do not meet these requirements may take the free Accuplacer placement test, but will need to test into college-level courses in order to be accepted.

• Demonstrated aptitude for college coursework beyond these measures.

In the event that test scores are not available due to certain restrictions*, applicants may be accepted if they have earned:

• an overall high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
• at least a “B” in the highest high school English
• at least a “B” in Algebra II or Pre-Calculus.

For additional information, contact Diane Burchett, dual enrollment coordinator, at burchettd@atc.edu.

Aiken Technical College offers an opportunity to receive a quality education at a minimal cost to students and their families.  Visit our Tuition and Fees page for current costs. Payment plans may also be available.

In addition, several funding resources may be available for eligible dual enrollment students. Please contact your school counselor for more information.

Available funding resources:

• South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance (SC-LTAP): The SC-LTAP is funded by the State of South Carolina. Funding levels are contingent upon state approval for each academic year, as determined by the S.C. Commission on Higher Education. For more information, including eligibility guidelines and a list of frequently asked questions, visit S.C. Technical College System - Lottery Tuition Assistance.
• South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SC WINS)*: The SC WINS is a statewide technical college scholarship program that supplements SC-LTAP to help cover tuition and mandatory fees remaining after other scholarships and grants have been applied to the student’s account balance. Recipients will receive $65 per credit hour for a maximum of 15 credit hours. There is also a book allowance of up to $300 per academic year if the student is enrolled in an eligible workforce/career pathway program. For more information and a list of eligibility guidelines, visit S.C. Technical College System-SC WINS Scholarship Program.
• Scholarships and Grants: Aiken Technical College may also award institutional or grant-funded scholarships to eligible students. Please speak with your school counselor for more information.

As you begin your dual enrollment journey at Aiken Tech, it is important that you have an understanding of the college, available support services,  and your rights, responsibilities, and academic expectations as a student. 

To ensure your success, we require all dual-enrolled students to participate in a new student info session or orientation. For more information, please contact studentengagement@atc.edu or call (803) 508-7380.