Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to receive both high school and college credit for taking a college-level course. A landmark study by the Community College Research Center (CCRC) found that dual enrollment programs positively affect high school graduation rates, college enrollment, college performance, and progress toward earning a degree. More recent research continues to support these findings, showing that well-designed dual enrollment programs improve college readiness, increase postsecondary success, and can reduce the overall cost of earning a college degree. This article examines dual enrollment programs and the benefits they afford. Students interested in broader college readiness strategies may also enjoy reading about how public schools prepare students for college.
The number of dual enrollment programs has increased significantly over the past two decades. Today, dual enrollment opportunities are available in nearly every state through partnerships between public school districts, community colleges, and four-year institutions. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), participation has continued to grow as states expand access to advanced coursework and career pathways. Community colleges remain the primary providers of dual enrollment, although many public universities also participate.
How Do Dual Enrollment Programs Work?
The requirements of dual enrollment programs vary considerably nationwide. The following characteristics are common:
- Only certain lower-level college courses are approved for dual credit. Remedial classes, physical education, and music courses are typically excluded from the programs.
- Academic standards are imposed on participants, including minimum grade point averages, placement requirements, or standardized test scores.
- Students receive both credit toward high school graduation and college credit for approved courses.
- Courses may be offered on the high school campus, on the college campus, or online.
- Some form of reduced costs, such as free tuition and textbooks, is available for the college courses, although funding policies vary by state.
- Most programs limit participating students to high school juniors and seniors, although some states now allow qualified underclassmen to participate.
- Traditionally, dual enrollment programs were directed toward the standard courses for a two-year or four-year college degree. Recently, community colleges have increasingly implemented programs with a career or technical education (CTE) focus, allowing students to earn college credit while preparing for high-demand careers.
The extent of assistance with tuition and other college expenses varies. In some programs, students pay no tuition to the college and receive free textbooks. Another option is that the college offers a reduced fee for each credit hour taken by a student in the program. Some programs offer grants to students to cover their tuition costs. As college tuition costs continue to rise, these savings remain a welcome benefit for many college-bound families. Additional information about quality dual enrollment standards is available from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
Most students participate in dual enrollment programs offered by a local college in close proximity to their homes and high schools. The participating college generally guarantees that it will accept the courses for college credit. If, however, a student plans to attend another college or university, then the student should confirm that the institution will accept transfer credits from the local college before taking the courses. The American Council on Education (ACE) also provides guidance on credit transfer policies and postsecondary pathways.
Advantages of Dual Enrollment
There are numerous benefits associated with participating in dual enrollment programs.
- Offsets some college expenses.
- Shortens the time to earn a degree.
- Allows qualified students to reduce their course load when they attend college full time.
- Avoids duplication in course content.
- Offers more challenging curricula for academically prepared students.
- Eases the transition from high school to college.
- Students are more likely to continue their education after high school and complete a college credential.
- Demonstrates a student's ability to succeed in rigorous college-level coursework, which may strengthen college applications.
In addition to saving money, many students enter college with a semester or more of credits already completed. As discussed in Public School Review's article on the return on investment of public high school programs, dual enrollment has become one of the most effective ways for students to reduce future college costs while accelerating degree completion.
Students who participate in dual enrollment programs often gain confidence by experiencing college-level expectations while still benefiting from the support of their high school teachers, counselors, and families. Many also develop stronger study habits and time management skills before beginning college full-time. Families interested in evaluating academic opportunities beyond standardized testing may also find value in understanding how student success is measured beyond test scores.
Things to Consider Before Enrolling
Although dual enrollment offers many advantages, students should carefully consider whether it is the right choice for their academic goals.
Before enrolling, students and parents should ask the following questions:
- Will the credits transfer to the colleges the student is considering?
- Does the student meet the academic requirements for participation?
- Will college courses fit with extracurricular activities and graduation requirements?
- Is the student prepared for the faster pace and increased responsibility of college coursework?
- Who is responsible for tuition, textbooks, transportation, and other fees?
Students should discuss these questions with their high school counselor and the participating college before enrolling. The U.S. Department of Education also recommends that families understand state policies regarding dual enrollment, since eligibility requirements and funding vary considerably.
How Dual Enrollment Has Evolved
While dual enrollment originally focused almost exclusively on helping academically advanced students begin earning credits toward a two-year or four-year degree, today's programs serve a much broader group of students.
Many states have expanded dual enrollment opportunities to include career and technical education (CTE) pathways in fields such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, manufacturing, education, and business. Students can often graduate from high school with both college credit and industry-recognized credentials, giving them greater flexibility to enter the workforce immediately or continue toward an associate or bachelor's degree.
Many public school districts have also partnered with local colleges to create Early College High Schools, allowing motivated students to earn substantial college credit and in some cases, an associate degree, before graduating from high school. These opportunities reflect the growing emphasis on preparing students for both college and careers.
Final Thoughts
Dual enrollment programs continue to provide one of the most valuable opportunities for motivated high school students. By earning college credit while still in high school, students can reduce future college expenses, experience the rigor of college coursework, and potentially complete a college degree sooner.
At the same time, students should carefully research transfer policies, admission requirements, and financial responsibilities before enrolling. A conversation with both a high school counselor and a college advisor can help ensure that the courses selected align with the student's long-term educational goals. Families interested in maximizing the value of a public school education may also appreciate Public School Review's discussion of the return on investment of public high school programs.
With thoughtful planning, dual enrollment remains one of the most effective ways for students to challenge themselves academically, save money on college, and make a smoother transition from high school to higher education.
