What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual Enrollment: Michigan Public Act 160 Post-Secondary Enrollment Options ACT

Background
In 1996 the Michigan State Legislature passed Public Act 160, the Post-secondary Enrollment Options Act or "Dual Enrollment Bill." The bill modifies and expands on Provisions of the State School Aid Act providing for the participation of eligible high school students in dual enrollment or post-secondary enrollment options. The bill also requires that the board of a school district or public school ensure that each student in eighth grade or higher be given information about college level equivalent or Advanced Placement courses. The college classes that students are eligible for must not be offered by the high school and must lead toward accreditation, certificate and/or licensing.

Purpose of This Act
The purpose of this act is to provide a wider variety of options to high school pupils by encouraging and enabling qualified pupils to enroll in courses or programs at eligible post-secondary institutions.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment
This opportunity is for students that have demonstrated a strong academic performance in high school and are prepared to do college work. Other benefits include:
  • A head start on a college career by taking classes before students graduate from high school
  • Dual enrollment students may count their earned college credits both toward high school graduation and college requirements
  • Financial savings. The tuition at LMC is substantially less than the cost of most state universities.

Eligible Charges
School districts are required to pay the lesser of:
  • the actual charge of tuition, mandatory course fees, materials fess and registration fees, or
  • that portion of the student's foundation allowance adjusted to the portion of the school year they attend at the post-secondary institution
  • School districts are not required to pay for Spring or Summer college classes

Books and Transportation must be provided by Parents
The act does not require a school district to pay or otherwise provide financial support for books, transportation, or parking costs necessary for participation. The approximate cost for books is $40.00 - $100.00 per class. After you have enrolled in class, check with the instructor before purchasing books. Book fees can be reimbursed at the end of the semester if funds allow.

How are classes paid for?
The South Haven school district is responsible by law to pay tuition and fees for our students' college credit up to 1/6 of 1/2 of the annual  state foundation weighted average. The amount is based off of state budgets and changes from school year to school year. For the current 2025-2026 school year SHPS the average fee is $187.00 per contact hour. Most classes are 3 or 4 contact hours so 187.00 X 3 = $561.00 per class.

Lake Michigan College charges tuition based on the CONTACT hours and residency. If you are a South Haven Public School student, you qualify for In-District rates from LMC.

Any amount per class, over the calculated amount above is the responsibility of the students/parents/guardians. LMC requires the class be paid in full at the start of the semester. Therefore, if the amount due for a particular class is over the SHPS estimated amount, please submit a check or money order payable to South Haven Public Schools with your registration form. Any amount per class over the calculated amount above is the responsibility of the students/parents/guardians and must be submitted to the high school before course registrations can be submitted.

If, when the state budget is finalized and the district is provided an updated state weighted average foundation allowance (for the calculation noted above), it is determined that a student/parent/guardian has overpaid, a refund will be issues from the district. Or, if balance is due, a bill will be issued.

Further questions about how classes are paid for can be directed to Natalie Carey at the Administration Office at 269-637-0526
How do I dual enroll?

Step 1: Make sure you have qualifying test scores on file with your counselor
  • Minimum qualifying scores accepted by Lake Michigan College (LMC) are:
    • SAT: Writing = 27, Math = 24, Reading = 26
    • ACT: English = 18, Math = 18, Reading = 17
    • Accuplacer Classic (administered prior to 4/5/23): Writing = 6, Arithmetic = 58, Reading = 80
    • Accuplacer Next Generation (administered after 4/5/23):
      • Writing = 6 OR WritePlacer 5 and Sentence Skills 250
      • Reading = 263 OR WritePlacer 6 OR WritePlacer 5 and Sentence Skills 250
      • Math = Quant/Alg/Stats 237
Note: Some college classes may require higher test scores than the minimums listed above.

Step 2: Meet with your counselor
  • With your counselor you will:
    • review your test scores to ensure eligibility
    • discuss course options that are right for you and fit your school schedule and other commitments
    • ensure you meet any prerequisite requirements for courses of interest
    • you can view course options and prerequisite course information at the LMC website
    • fill out the registration form complete with student and parent/guardian signatures
  • To make an appointment with your counselor, use the links below:

Step 3: Return completed registration form to your counselor
  • Registration forms must be completed and returned to your counselor by the specified deadlines. Deadlines are set to ensure the Student Success Center has the time necessary to ensure all of your registration materials are transferred to LMC by their deadline.

Step 4: Follow Up with LMC
  • Once your registration has been submitted, a representative from LMC will contact you regarding further steps. These may include but are not limited to setting up your online account with LMC and scheduling your orientation. All questions regarding this should be directed to LMC.
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