Dual Enrollment

Get a Head Start on College—While You’re Still in High School.

UH Community Colleges offer current Hawaiʻi high school students the opportunity to take college-level classes through the Early College or Running Start programs. Students can enroll in these dual credit classes and earn credit towards high school graduation and a college degree. 

The two most common dual credit programs are Early College and Running Start. 

Early College High School Program

The Early College High School Program is a partnership between the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) and the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) that allows high school students to take “sheltered” college classes with their high school peers.

These classes are offered in a variety of formats: in-person on your high school campus, online (live or on your own time), or in a hybrid format that combines both. The vast majority of Early College classes are taught by college professors. Students who successfully complete classes at the 100-level and above receive both high school and college credit.

If you are a student interested in learning more about what Early College opportunities are available at your high school, please talk to your high school counselor.

Learn more about the Early College Program.

Running Start Program

Running Start is a program that allows eligible high school students to take a college course at a University of Hawaiʻi campus as part of their high school coursework.

This partnership between the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and the University of Hawaiʻi System allows high school students attending public and charter schools to enroll in college classes during the fall, spring, and summer terms – with the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits. Scholarships are available for eligible students with financial need.

Running Start courses are offered at nine University of Hawaiʻi campuses:

  • Hawaiʻi Community College (includes Hilo, Kō Education Center, and Palamanui campuses)
  • Honolulu Community College
  • Kapiʻolani Community College
  • Kauaʻi Community College
  • Leeward Community College
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
  • University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
  • University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
  • Windward Community College

Learn more about the Running Start Program.

If you are a high school student interested in learning more about what Early College opportunities are available at your high school, please talk to your high school counselor.