Diné College Dual Credit Program Accelerates Local Student’s Path to Psychology Career
TSAILE, Ariz., April 6, 2026. Diné College’s Dual Credit Program is helping high school students across the region get a head start on higher education by earning college credits while still in high school. Offered at local high school campuses and all Diné College locations, the program aligns high school coursework with college-level curriculum.
Cordesia Teller, a recent participant, credits the program with shaping her educational goals and building her confidence. Teller is of the Kin Lichii nii (Red House People clan), born for the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House clan); her maternal grandfather is of the Tó’ aheedlinii (Water Flow Together clan) and her paternal grandfather is of the Tłááshchí’í (Red Cheek clan).
Raised in a family that valued education, she balanced high school classes with college-level coursework, completing general education requirements in subjects such as English and mathematics.
“Taking dual credit courses helped me realize I could handle college-level work,” Teller said. “It made the transition to college easier, saved me time and money, and gave me confidence.” She added that supportive instructors and accessible resources helped her stay motivated during challenging moments.
Inspired by her experience, Teller plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology with the goal of giving back to her community. Her story reflects the impact of Diné College’s Dual Credit Program in making higher education more accessible for Navajo students and supporting their academic success. Students can enroll in a range of general education courses, including English, math, humanities, fine arts, history, and science, while gaining early exposure to college expectations.
“Our program allows students to experience college in a familiar environment,” said Francetta Begaye, Dual Credit Director at Diné College. “That early exposure helps them transition more confidently to college life.”
Dual credit students receive official college student status, which provides access to academic support centers, library resources, computer labs, and other campus services. Upon successful completion, students earn college credits that transfer to colleges and universities across Arizona and New Mexico, including other Tribal Colleges and Universities.
Affordability remains central to the program. Diné College offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation, and tuition for dual credit courses is fully covered for eligible Arizona and New Mexico students upon successful completion.
