Lion Scholars Dual Enrollment Program

Earn college credits while still in high school at discounted rate!

Penn State Hazleton offers an exciting opportunity for high school students to take college courses at a reduced rate. 

Students are responsible for paying the discounted tuition rate, information technology fee, activity fee, facilities fee and book costs. Qualified high school juniors and seniors can prepare for the future by earning college credits and experi­encing the workload of a college class. Credits earned can be applied to a Penn State degree and are part of one transcript recognized at all Penn State campuses. Credits earned may also be considered for transfer to another institution. 

Students who have completed their junior year or are currently in their senior year of high school may apply for high school non-degree enrollment. Exceptions for high school juniors may be considered. Students who have graduated from high school may not participate in this program. Interested high school students can contact their high school guidance counselor to discuss the Lion Scholars dual enrollment program and should contact the Office of Admission at Penn State Hazleton for the application requirements and procedures. After completing a nondegree application students will receive notification of the admission decision along with instructions for placement testing, advising, and course scheduling.

High school dual enrollment students may take up to 8 credits per semester and earn a maximum of 16 credits per academic year. To remain in the program, students must earn a grade of C or better in each course.

To enroll in the program, please provide the following information to the Penn State Hazleton Admissions Office: 

  • Enrollment Forms (Google Chrome browser is recommended to complete forms.)
  • Current, official high school transcript
  • SAT/ACT or PSAT/PLAN scores or PSSA results
  • Statement from teacher, counselor or principal in support of the student's enrollment at Penn State

When all required credentials are received, the student will be contacted with an admissions decision, instructions for placement testing, advising and course scheduling. 

Annually, more than 600 high school students schedule college courses from a multitude of disciplines at Penn State campuses.

Questions regarding the admission process can be directed to:

Elena Boyle
Assistant Director of Admissions
570-450-3142
[email protected]

For additional information, contact:

Debra Conway
Director of Continuing Education 
570-450-3136
[email protected]

PACPSL Compliance Statement

Per recent changes to the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (PACPSL), Penn State Hazleton will continue to provide courses for qualified dual enrolled students, fully compliant with the required background checking requirements listed below:   

Faculty who teach classes in which dual enrolled students under the age of 18 are registered, as well as staff who provide professional or support services, such as advising, counseling, or tutoring and students who serve in peer roles such as advising, mentoring, or tutoring to these students, are required by state law to have the following three clearances: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4-164), Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check (Criminal History Report). Effective January 1, 2016, all individuals (current employees and new hires) interacting with dual enrolled students under the age of 18 are required to have valid clearances in place.  

In order to ensure compliance in all future semesters, Penn State Hazleton will identify sections of courses that typically enroll the most high school students and can confirm that faculty teaching these courses have completed the required background checks. This course list will be shared with current and future dual enrolled students through their guidance counselors and academic advisers and through print and web information.    

In addition, staff and students who provide services such as academic advising, tutoring and mentoring will be required to complete the three required background checks.

Questions regarding Penn State Hazleton compliance with PACPSL can be directed to Debra Conway, director of Continuing Education, 570-450-3136 or [email protected].