The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Dual Credit Initiative
Explore the courses and faculty involved in the Dual Credit pilot, check the semester schedules for this school year, and learn more about the Dual Credit Learning Accelerator.
Course Menu Pilot High Schools Partner Schedule Interest FormDual Credit @ Illinois represents both the Illinois Dual Credit Learning Accelerator, hosted by the Office of Online Learning and Undergraduate Admissions, and the pilot of ACES 102 hosted by the College of ACES and Illinois Extension, and brings high-quality University of Illinois courses to public high school students across Illinois.
Students enrolled in the Dual Credit @ Illinois program will explore popular 100-level courses beyond the traditional high school curriculum, earn both high school and college credit, build confidence navigating college-level coursework, and fulfill at least one general education requirement for the University of Illinois. The initiative expands access to academic opportunities that may not otherwise be available in high-need districts, providing unique courses designed by Illinois faculty and delivered by accredited high school teachers.
The intent of the Dual Credit Learning Accelerator is to provide these courses for free to students at qualifying districts. Funding is provided through support from the American Talent Initiative and Bloomberg Philanthropies. EBF Tier 1 and 2 districts automatically qualify, but districts can also apply for the Learning Accelerator based on student make-up, low-funding access, total enrollment, or title 1 status.
Interested in getting involved? Reach out to our Dual Credit Program Coordinator at onlinelearning@illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Faculty & Staff: If you are interested in offering Dual Credit courses with your Unit, please read through our course proposal guide and reach out to our Dual Credit Program Coordinator at onlinelearning@illinois.edu for a consultation.
Learning Accelerator News:
As ‘dual credit’ programs keep growing, it’s easier than ever for Illinois high schoolers to earn early college credit.
The number of Illinois high school students earning early college credit through “dual credit” partnerships keeps increasing significantly every year, sometimes saving students thousands of dollars in tuition fees…
U of I offers dual credit courses to students at 21 Illinois high schools
The University of Illinois is partnering with 21 high schools across the state, including six in Central Illinois, to offer dual-credit courses. The 2026-2027 academic year is the second year of the Dual Credit @ Illinois initiative and the official debut of the Learning Accelerator. The dual-credit catalogue includes four 100-level courses, representing the Colleges of ACES, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Media and Education…
Illinois announces partnerships with 21 high schools in the state for the university’s dual-credit initiative
More than 20 high schools stretching across the state of Illinois will offer dual-credit courses from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this fall. The 2026-2027 academic year is the second year of the Dual Credit @ Illinois initiative and the official debut of the Learning Accelerator, with an additional three courses offered…
UI offers popular courses to Rantoul, LeRoy high-schoolers
Come February, both Rantoul Township and LeRoy high school students will be able to take select college courses at the University of Illinois — with neither the students nor their school districts having to spend a dime. The UI’s online learning and undergraduate admissions offices created the Dual-Credit Learning Accelerator with a goal to bring popular college-level courses to high school and spark interest in certain career fields.
Illinois announces first dual-credit initiative, bringing courses directly to high school students
Colliding galaxies, rogue black holes, wandering meteors — the most dangerous phenomena in the universe make up the lessons in one of the most popular 100-level courses at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, “ASTR 150: Killer Skies: Astro Disasters” will be one of four U. of I. courses also taught in the classrooms of select Illinois high schools as part of the new Dual Credit Learning Accelerator initiative…
College of ACES pioneers dual-credit opportunity for high school students
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is redefining educational access with the launch of ACES 102: Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems. Approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and debuting this fall, the course marks the first dual-credit class offered by the Urbana campus…
Office of Online Learning-led accelerator project selected for funding
A new Learning Accelerator program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been selected for funding through the American Talent Initiative IDEAS Fund, in support of the university’s first campuswide, dual-credit program for prospective students leading to first-time entry into four-year degree programs…