Pasco-Hernando State College is proud to highlight the impact of its Dual Enrollment (DE) program, which allows eligible high school students to take college-level courses at no cost to the student or their family. The DE program not only helps students get a head start on their college education but also creates significant financial savings for families across Pasco and Hernando counties.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, 5,542 high school-aged students participated in PHSC’s DE program across Pasco and Hernando counties. PHSC’s DE program allows students to experience college-level learning environments, build confidence and reduce the time needed to complete a degree after high school graduation.
In addition to academic benefits, the PHSC accelerated learning office reports that PHSC saved Pasco and Hernando County high school families approximately $4.15 million in tuition during the 2024-2025 academic year, based on PHSC’s $105.18 per credit hour cost. This translates into a tremendous return on investment for parents, while also accelerating students’ paths to earning college credits and degrees.
“The dual enrollment program at PHSC provides a great opportunity for students to begin their higher education journey while still in high school,” said Eric Hall, Ed.D., PHSC president. “This past academic year, our reports show that families with high school-aged students participating in dual enrollment saved, on average, $750 per student in tuition costs. This program not only makes higher education more accessible and affordable, but also helps students accelerate their progress toward their college degrees.”
During the spring 2025 graduation, 123 dual enrollment students from Pasco County and 31 dual enrollment students from Hernando County graduated with their associate in arts degrees from PHSC. Of those students, 10 were honored as Valedictorians and 5 as Salutatorians in their respective high schools.
“PHSC has been a big part of my growth over the past three years and has set me up for success in my future,” said Harlee Wilson, PHSC DE alumna. “PHSC truly wants its students to succeed, and it is shown throughout the campus. I am grateful to be a PHSC alumnus.”
PHSC partners closely with local public schools, private schools, home schools, high school counselors and families to ensure students are supported throughout their dual enrollment journey. For more information on PHSC’s Dual Enrollment program, visit accelerated.phsc.edu/dual-enrollment.