(a) In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b) In admitting or enrolling high school students in a dual credit course, an institution of higher education must apply the same criteria and conditions to each student wishing to enroll in the course without regard to whether the student attends a public school or a private or parochial school, including a home school. For purposes of this section, a student who attends a school that is not formally organized as a high school and is at least 16 years of age is considered to be attending a high school.