Illinois high school students will soon have greater access to college credits under a new law led by State Senator Cristina Castro. The legislation requires school districts to partner with local community colleges, allowing students to earn both high school and college credit through dual credit courses. This initiative aims to help students save on tuition and speed up their path to a degree, especially benefitting first-generation and lower-income families. With dual credit enrollment up by 11.5% in 2024, the new law also allows qualified high school teachers to teach these courses, making the program accessible throughout the state. The law takes effect immediately.
“The two biggest barriers facing students today are time and money,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Dual credit helps lift this burden, giving high school students a head start so they can save money on tuition and accelerate the time it takes to earn a degree.”
“An important piece of this plan is giving school districts the ability to team up with postsecondary institutions to offer dual credit opportunities in every corner of our state,” Castro said. “We are opening the doors to local partnerships so even more students can benefit.”
