The most popular high school academic perk might be the secret killer of your college funding. What happens when your early success makes you ineligible for the semester requirements? Read this before you register!

Approximately 90 percent of all high schools in the country offer dual credit college courses, according to the Community College Research Center (CCRC). Meaning, there’s ample opportunity to rack up a load of college credits and take advantage of all the benefits, which include skipping over those expensive but largely unnecessary gen ed courses, getting through college quicker, spending a lot less on a four-year degree, and getting into the workforce sooner rather than later. 

So, when a high school student earns scholarships and is approved for grants, the college journey is even better, costing less out of pocket and taking out fewer loans. It all seems like it’s working out better than expected. That is, until it comes time to register for classes. And that’s when reality hits and hits really hard.

Why Dual Credits Can Cause New College Students to Lose Scholarships

Scholarships come with conditions. If those requirements aren’t met, students lose financial aid and are forced to find a new source of funds. And it’s not just a matter of failing grades or disciplinary problems, either. Scholarships often mandate minimums, and not only GPA, but also credits, such as a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.   

Okay, that doesn’t sound like a problem or raise a red flag for most families. However, meeting those minimum credit hours per semester can be cumbersome when a student has already taken several of those courses in high school. Suddenly, students are scrambling to find courses to fill their schedule so they can keep their scholarships. Worse still, it becomes increasingly difficult as choices shrink. Otherwise, those students lose that precious financial aid and must make up the money through other means. And for those lucky few who are lucky to be on a full-ride scholarship, the more dangerous such circumstances become.

High School Students Should Earn Dual Credits with Caution

Earning college credits in high school is a great way to get those generic, gen ed classes out of the way well before stepping onto a four-year campus. Sure, high school students should take advantage of these programs, but be aware that earning oodles of credit can become an ugly problem when it comes to a four-year program.

So, plan accordingly. Don’t overdo it and put scholarship money at risk when it’s most inconvenient. Instead, take a measured approach to make the most of future financial aid when you need it for your major and for your career.

Parents, what have your experiences been, and what would you add?