More than 1,600 Inland Empire high school students are getting an early start on college this fall through California State University, San Bernardino’s growing dual enrollment program, part of the university’s broader commitment to expanding access to higher education throughout the region.

At the Fall 2026 census, 1,622 students were participating in CSUSB’s High School University Program, or HSUP. The program offers 65 classes representing 52 different CSUSB courses, positioning the university as one of the leaders in dual enrollment in the California State University system.

The growth reflects CSUSB’s role as an anchor institution in the Inland Empire, working with 20 regional school districts to bring the university experience directly to high school students and help them recognize college as an attainable next step.

“As one of the California State University system’s leaders in dual enrollment, CSUSB is expanding access to higher education and creating stronger pathways to college for students in the Inland Empire and beyond,” said CSUSB President Terri Gómez. “By taking university courses while still in high school, students gain more than college credit. They develop confidence, understand what it takes to succeed in higher education and begin to see themselves as college students long before they graduate.”

Through agreements with regional school districts, qualified high school students enroll in CSUSB courses while completing their high school education. Remaining on their high school campus, they earn college credit that appears on an official CSUSB transcript, giving them an early start on degree requirements and firsthand experience with university-level coursework. By earning credits while still in high school, students can potentially shorten the time needed to complete a college degree by up to a year, saving thousands of dollars in tuition costs.

For students who may not have envisioned themselves attending a university, that experience can be transformational. Taking a college course while still in high school can make higher education more familiar and help students understand that they are capable of succeeding at the university level.

The program also gives students an opportunity to explore academic interests, understand college expectations and establish a connection with CSUSB before they apply for admission after high school.

“Reaching this scale required careful academic and operational work across CSUSB and our district partners. Each class needs an approved course, a qualified instructor and the systems to register students and record their credit,” said Rafik Mohamed, CSUSB provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “That coordination ensures students receive a rigorous college-level education and earn credits that count toward their future.”

The expansion of dual enrollment is part of CSUSB’s continuing work with schools and communities throughout the Inland Empire to increase access to higher education and prepare students for the academic, economic and workforce changes shaping the region.

By reaching students before they graduate from high school, CSUSB is helping build a stronger connection between secondary and higher education and giving more students the opportunity to experience college before deciding what comes next.

Students and families can ask their high school counselor whether their school participates in a current CSUSB dual enrollment cohort. School districts and educators interested in developing or expanding a partnership can contact CSUSB at HSUP@csusb.edu.