Dual Enrollment for Homeschooled & Nonpublic School Students

Ferris State University welcomes homeschooled and nonpublic school students who want to earn college credit through Michigan's Dual Enrollment program. The process differs slightly depending on your school situation — here's what you need to know.

Are You Eligible?

To participate in Michigan's Dual Enrollment program, you must:

• Be enrolled in at least one high school class at a state-recognized nonpublic school, OR be a homeschooled student enrolled in at least one course through a public or state-approved nonpublic school
• Have at least one parent or legal guardian who is a Michigan resident
• Not have been enrolled in high school for more than four school years

To verify whether your nonpublic school is recognized by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), visit the MDE Nonpublic and Homeschool webpage and look for the document titled Nonpublic Schools Meeting Reporting Requirements.

Do the Courses Qualify?

Not every college course is covered. To be eligible under the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act (PA 160 of 1996), a course must:

• Be offered by Ferris State for postsecondary credit
• Not already be offered at your high school (or be unavailable to you due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict)
• Be academic in nature — not a hobby, craft, recreational, or activity course
• Not be in physical education, theology, divinity, or religious education

For courses in subject areas assessed by the Michigan Merit Exam or a state readiness assessment, you must have achieved a qualifying score in that subject area to enroll — with the exception of computer science and foreign language courses.

A Frequently Asked Questions page about the Act is available on the State of Michigan's website. 

How Many Courses Can Be Covered?

The Act covers up to 10 dual enrollment courses total across your high school career. Annual limits apply based on when you first dual enroll:

• Starting in 9th grade: up to 2 courses/year in grades 9–11, up to 4 in grade 12
• Starting in 10th grade: up to 2 courses in grade 10, up to 4 in grades 11–12
• Starting in 11th or 12th grade: up to 6 courses per year

Courses can be taken during the school day, in the evening, on weekends, or during the summer.

Nonpublic School Students

If you attend a state-recognized nonpublic school, the process is straightforward:

1. Meet with your counselor or principal to confirm your eligibility and discuss course options.
2. Receive your eligibility letter. Your principal will provide a signed letter confirming your eligibility. Ferris State uses this letter to verify your status and set up billing.
3. Enroll in an eligible course at Ferris and submit your eligibility letter.
4. Choose your credit type. At enrollment, you must designate whether you want high school credit, college credit, or both. You can make a different designation for each course. Note: if the course is considered "essential" by your school, it may only be taken for college credit.
5. Ferris bills the state. Ferris State bills the State of Michigan directly for eligible charges — tuition, mandatory fees, textbooks, and registration fees. Transportation, parking, and activity fees are not covered. You are responsible for any charges above the covered amount.

Homeschooled Students

Homeschooled students have one additional step before dual enrolling:

1. Enroll in at least one course through a public school (e.g., in district of residence). Michigan law requires this before you can be considered an eligible student under the Act.
2. Meet with your counselor or principal at that school to confirm your eligibility and discuss course options.
3. Receive your eligibility letter. Your principal will provide a signed letter confirming your eligibility. Ferris State uses this letter to verify your status and set up billing.
4. Enroll in an eligible course at Ferris and submit your eligibility letter.
5. Choose your credit type. At enrollment, you must designate whether you want high school credit, college credit, or both. You can make a different designation for each course.
6. Ferris bills the state. Eligible charges are billed directly to the State of Michigan. You are responsible for any charges above the covered amount.

Note: The school district or nonpublic school that enrolls you must follow all applicable laws, including MCL 388.1766b, in addition to the requirements of PA 160 of 1996.

What Happens If You Don't Complete a Course?

If you withdraw from or do not complete a dual enrollment course (i.e., you do not receive credit), you will be required to repay any costs that are not refunded by Ferris State. An exception applies if the non-completion was due to a medical or family emergency. Please contact our Dual Enrollment office before withdrawing from a course.

Is Ferris State an Eligible Institution?

Yes. Ferris State University is a state university located in Michigan and participates in the Michigan Dual Enrollment program. Eligible charges for qualifying students are covered under the Act.

Ready to Get Started?

Visit our Dual Enrollment application pages for information on how to apply and next steps.