Newport Beach high schoolers can earn free college credit starting in late January through Newport-Mesa Unified School District's (NMUSD) Spring 2027 dual enrollment program, according to a district announcement.

The program is open to all NMUSD students in 9th through 12th grade. Students earn both high school and college credit at no cost. Space is limited, and online registration is open.

Six courses are available across Coastline College, Golden West College and Orange Coast College. Most run online, but one stands out: a four-unit in-person automotive course at Golden West with free transportation.

Coastline College

Coastline's three courses run asynchronous and online from Jan. 30 through May 29, 2027. All three carry three units and are transferable to California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses:

  • Global Perspectives of Food & Culture (ANTH C175)
  • Academic Reading & Writing (ENGL C1000)
  • Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL C100)

One note for families: the Academic Reading & Writing course earns high school elective credit only. It does not meet English high school graduation requirements. The district recommends it for 11th and 12th graders.

Golden West College

Golden West's offering is the sole in-person option. Automotive Express Service (AUTO G181) is a four-unit, CSU-transferable course that meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. It runs Feb. 1 through May 29, 2027. Free transportation is available for enrolled students, according to the announcement.

Orange Coast College

Orange Coast runs two asynchronous online courses from Jan. 25 through May 22, 2027. Both carry three units and are CSU-transferable:

  • Intro to Marketing (MKTG A100)
  • Real Estate Principles (RE A110)

The district noted that the Real Estate Principles course can count toward a real estate certificate and qualify students for the state licensing exam with three total courses.

How to register

Students can begin the registration process through the district's online portal. Families with questions should contact their school counselor or visit their school's College & Career Center. The earliest courses begin Jan. 25, 2027.