Kaskaskia College Offers Dual Credit and Early College Programs for High School Students

The college's dual credit and KC Now programs allow students to earn college credits and get a head start on higher education while still in high school.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A blurred, impressionistic scene of high school students in a classroom, with soft, warm light and color creating a contemplative, dreamlike atmosphere.Kaskaskia College's dual credit and early college programs help high school students get a head start on their higher education, saving them money and accelerating their path to a degree.Centralia Today

Kaskaskia College, a public community college in Centralia, Illinois, offers dual credit and dual enrollment programs that enable high school students to take college-level courses and earn credits before graduating. The dual credit program allows students to take college classes taught by qualified high school teachers, while the KC Now program lets them enroll in regular college courses on Kaskaskia's campus. Both options provide significant tuition savings and help students accelerate their path to a degree.

Why it matters

These programs give high school students a valuable opportunity to get a head start on their higher education, potentially saving thousands of dollars in tuition costs and allowing them to complete their degrees faster. The dual credit and KC Now options cater to students with diverse academic and career interests, from those pursuing a four-year degree to those interested in vocational and technical training.

The details

Kaskaskia College's dual credit program allows high school students to take college-level courses taught by qualified high school teachers within their own school buildings. The college's dual enrollment KC Now program goes a step further, enabling students to enroll in regular college classes on Kaskaskia's campus while still in high school. Both programs offer significantly reduced tuition, helping students save money on their education. The dual credit program covers a wide range of subjects, from general education courses to career and technical education classes in fields like welding, drafting, and nursing.

  • Kaskaskia College has offered dual credit and KC Now programs for several years.
  • This year, for the first time, high school students who have completed their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training in the fall can apply to start Kaskaskia's nursing program in March of their senior year.

The players

Kaskaskia College

A public community college in Centralia, Illinois, serving students in South Central Illinois. The college offers a range of associate degree and vocational programs, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Kelsey Tate

The Dual Credit & Career Pathways Coordinator at Kaskaskia College, who oversees the college's dual credit and early college programs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's unique because the high school teachers are qualified to teach college-level courses, and the students can carry that credit with them to Kaskaskia College, all from within the walls of their own high school.”

— Kelsey Tate, Dual Credit & Career Pathways Coordinator, Kaskaskia College

“For the first time this year, our high school students who have completed their CNA in the fall can apply for the nursing program, and those who qualify after entrance exams can apply to start our nursing program in March of their senior year of high school.”

— Kelsey Tate, Dual Credit & Career Pathways Coordinator, Kaskaskia College

What’s next

High school students interested in Kaskaskia College's dual credit or KC Now programs should contact their school counselors or visit the college's website to learn more about the application process and available course options.

The takeaway

Kaskaskia College's dual credit and early college programs provide high school students with a valuable opportunity to get a head start on their higher education, saving them money and allowing them to complete their degrees faster. These programs cater to students with diverse academic and career interests, from those pursuing a four-year degree to those interested in vocational and technical training.