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Dual enrollment
View on WikipediaIn the United States, dual enrollment (DE), also called concurrent enrollment, programs allow students to be enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. Generally, it refers to high school students taking college or university courses. Less commonly, it may refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs.
History
[edit]Dual enrollment was first started in 1955 by the University of Connecticut under the direction of Provost Albert Waugh. It was his belief that the senior year in high school was not challenging enough for many students, resulting in student boredom and disinterest in learning - now called senioritis. He believed that it was the University's responsibility to engage with the high schools to offer introductory University courses at the high school, allowing a more rigorous academic experience and giving students a head start for college.[1]
In the mid-1990s a movement started to formalize a national accreditation body for concurrent and dual enrollment programs. In March 1997 the first national meeting of concurrent enrollment professionals was convened by Syracuse University at the American Association for Higher Education conference. Two years later, in 1999, 20 institutions of higher education officially established the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships - NACEP - by adopting bylaws and a mission statement.[2]
Examples
[edit]Students enrolled in secondary school may be simultaneously enrolled at a local institution of higher learning, such as a community college or university.[3] If students pass their college classes, they receive credit that may be applied toward their high school diploma and toward a college degree or certificate.[4] Many state governments within the United States have recognized the benefit of dual enrollment and have consequently instructed their public universities to begin collaborating with local schools. Some private universities also participate. A 2011 study concluded that student experience differs dramatically from one program to the next.[5]
Dual enrollment can be advantageous to students because it allows them to get a head start on their college careers. In some cases, the student may even be able to attain an Associate of Arts or equivalent degree shortly before or after their high school graduation. Furthermore, participation in dual enrollment may ease the transition from high school to college by giving students a sense of what college academics are like.[6] In addition, dual enrollment may be a cost-efficient way for students to accumulate college credits because courses are often paid for and taken through the local high school.
A number of different models for dual enrollment programs exist,[7] one of which is concurrent enrollment. Concurrent enrollment is defined as credit hours earned when a high school student is taking a college course for both high school and college credit, during the high school day, on the high school campus, taught by a qualified high school instructor. Many prominent universities started the movement of concurrent enrollment - UConn Early College Experience and Syracuse University Project Advance. In the George Washington Early College Program (GWECP-AA), students at the School Without Walls Senior High School are enrolled at the George Washington University and take a full course-load at the university, along with other undergraduate students. These college courses are used to fulfill the students' high school graduation requirements for District of Columbia Public Schools.
Concurrent enrollment in states such as California allows students to enroll in college courses while simultaneously attending their high school or even a lower grade which differs from dual-enrollment which is for high school students.[8] In California, with permission from the school's principal, middle schoolers may enroll in college classes typically taught at local community colleges.[8]
Cost
[edit]Dual enrollment-like programs come with a cost, whether paid for by the student, school district or a combination of other state funded programs. Out of the fifty states in the United States, parents of students interested in the program are primarily responsible for the tuition cost in nine of those states. In Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon and Tennessee, the states themselves are responsible for student tuition payment and in other states like Florida, the school district is responsible for the student dual enrollment program tuition. States may choose to go into a contract with a secondary institution and may be reimbursed upon students' satisfactory grade achievement. States and school districts may also choose to cover all or part of the tuition cost with a max college credit limit before the student is responsible for payment.[9]
Running Start or Expanded Options (Oregon) [10] programs allow students to take college classes at their local community college. One of the main differences between Running Start and a regular dual enrollment program is the cost. The Running Start program makes tuition rates lower for high school students. Since FAFSA does not allow high school students to receive student aid.[11] Running Start removes some of the barriers high school students face in taking college courses.
There are some online learning platforms that allow high school students to take college classes fully online through their platform. These classes are typically asynchronous and a lower cost dual enrollment option. [12]
Parents of students who are enrolled in a dual enrollment program may qualify for a tuition and fees tax deduction for up to $4,000 per year.[13]
Criticism
[edit]This section
relies largely or entirely on a single source. (May 2018) |
From a financial stand point, in the United States some aspects grant funding to both the high school and colleges per student. It can be hard, unless explicitly stated by law, to determine which institution should receive the funding. There have been cases in the past where both institutions claimed the state funds leading to the state paying for the student twice.[14]
Students
[edit]A study on students in dual enrollment where participants were given pseudonyms and interviewed on their thoughts on what dual enrollment offered revealed some positive and some negative themes that appeared across the interviews.[15] Among the positives, students mentioned “exposure, learning the hidden curriculum, and independence and freedom.”[16]
Students further explained each theme during their interviews. Exposure referred to the general atmosphere of the college experience. Students were able to become more comfortable with being in a college setting and were more prepared for attending college once they graduated high school. “Learning the hidden curriculum” referred to students learning that college was not just about learning the material a class was teaching them. They also needed to learn study habits, how to ask professors for help, and other beneficial student practices, all of which contrast to high school experiences. A student (whose pseudonym is Carmen) noted that high school teachers tend to hold the student's hand and give them as much help as they can. This contrasts to college professors who only help students when asked to do so. “Independence and freedom” was often used by the students to describe themselves overcoming fear and maturing. Most students explained how they had much more freedom and often thought to themselves “I can do whatever I want.” These students then realized the consequences of doing whatever they felt like, and learned from their mistakes, and learned. One student even reflected on the actions of her past and said, “I feel so disrespectful now, now that I think about it.”[16]
The students did not have only positive things to say about dual enrollment. Three themes were found in their interviews: “issues in credit and grades, negative interactions with others, and limited support systems.”[16]
The biggest problem brought up by students was “issues in credit and grades.” Students often lamented how their grades in college classes would affect their overall high school transcript and quite often result in a lower GPA.[17] They were worried how it would affect their acceptance rate in other colleges later on. Poor grades in dual enrollment courses can hurt students’ chances of receiving financial aid as well as their eligibility to enroll in a four-year college or university.[18] However, colleges also consider a student's dual enrollment classes as a demonstration that a student has taken initiative to get a head start on their college education as well as possesses the ability to handle college-level coursework.[19] “Negative interactions with others” was described by students with how they were treated. The students felt cast out as many college students would treat them differently and would even get remarks that made them felt threatened. The dual enrollment students reflect on their past actions might have warranted such treatment as Roger says, “we weren't very mature.” The final negative theme – “limited support systems” – stems to both the college and the high school. Students described that, once enrolled in dual enrollment, their high school counsellors and other faculty seemed to work with the students less. They felt like they were no longer a part of the general group of the high school. In the college setting, where they were expected to know material from courses they may have not taken yet. The college tutoring sessions were held during times that the dual enrollment students could not make. As Alicia says, “I didn't feel like an actual student.”[16]
Faculty members
[edit]A survey taken by teachers, counselors, and principals from 35 high schools was held to learn the opinions of faculty on dual enrollment (the term concurrent enrollment was used in the study). When asked how the school was impacted, the responses were positive all around. Many of the responses focused on students being able to earn college credit and be introduced to a college atmosphere. When asked how the students were impacted, most of the responses were positive as well, except the survey item “the student considered for the first time going to college.” Many respondents were neutral with only 35% agreeing. Students were thought to have already planned to move on to college before trying dual enrollment. The faculty commented on how dual enrollment gave students the opportunity to gain college credit. Teachers focused on how the increased difficulty of college courses prepared them for later. Counselors and teachers both noticed personal gains in students as well. Students had an increase in confidence and were willing to participate in more challenging studies.[16]
Students of color and low income students
[edit]Although dual enrollment generally has a positive success rate in relation to college enrollment and completion, the results for low-income students and students of color displays a major difference. As a whole, college completion rates among dual enrollment students and non-dual enrollment students is higher at 22 percent as well as college enrollment rates being 34 percent higher. When looking exclusively at dual credit students of color enrollment and completion rates compared to non-dual credit the numbers show an obvious positive outcome with a 26 percent higher enrollment rate and 14 percent higher completion rate. Looking at those success rates against the success rates of other students researchers found a gap ranging from 4 to 8 percent. A study that took place in Florida was able to combat these results with their own when they found the number of dual credit students of color and non-dual credit to enroll and complete college was both equal.[20]
A University of Connecticut study (2016) indicated that students in middle-income and lower-income family quartiles had higher participation rates in concurrent enrollment programs than students in higher-income family quartiles. One attributing factor for these findings is that an increasing number of first-generation students and middle income families see the value of high-access low-cost opportunities because attending college is still aspirational and not guaranteed for students in these groups.[21] Concurrent and dual enrollment programs that waive or reduce fees to students participating in the Federal Free & Reduced Lunch program can positively impact participation rates for these students.
In college
[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. (December 2016) |
Colleges may create partnerships with schools that allow high school students to enroll in college classes or programs. Most universities have some degree of interdepartmental dual enrollment coordination. Arizona State University, for example, partnered with a group of Phoenix, Arizona charter schools called ASU Preparatory Academy.[22] The partnerships grants students the ability to enroll in one of ASU's online Global Freshman Academy courses as either independent study electives or while taking a similar higher level high school course.[23]
High schools might also have a partnerships with a group of colleges, such as Five Colleges (Massachusetts),[24] Seven Sisters (Northeast), or Five Colleges of Ohio.[25] That allows students to benefit from the collective knowledge of all universities and prevent them from duplicating unnecessary course offerings at each institution. Most universities have some degree of interdepartmental dual enrollment coordination.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ UConn Early College Experience Newsletter, Winter 2015 https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=http://ece.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1356/2017/02/ECE-NEWSLETTER-WINTER-12_12.pdf&hl=en
- ^ NACEP.org History http://www.nacep.org/about-nacep/history/
- ^ Mcconnaha, Michelle (2016-12-24). "Early college dual enrollment offers students a head start". Ravalli Republic. Retrieved 2016-12-28.
- ^ Hughes, K. L. (2010). "Dual Enrollment: Postsecondary/Secondary Partnerships to Prepare Students". Journal of College Science Teaching. 39 (6).
- ^ Edwards, Linsey; Hughes, Katherine; Weisberg, Alan (2011). Different Approaches to Dual Enrollment: Understanding Program Features and Their Implications. Insight. James Irvine Foundation.
- ^ Dare, Lynn; Nowicki, Elizabeth (2015-10-01). "Conceptualizing Concurrent Enrollment Why High-Achieving Students Go For It". Gifted Child Quarterly. 59 (4): 249–264. doi:10.1177/0016986215597749. ISSN 0016-9862. S2CID 145508266.
- ^ Edwards, L.; Hughes, K. L. & Weisberg, A. (2011). "Different Approaches to Dual Enrollment: Understanding Program Features and Their Implications".
- ^ a b Sensei (2022-05-17). "What Are The Differences Between Concurrent And Dual Enrollment | YCS". Your College Sensei. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
- ^ "Dual Enrollment: Who Is Primarily Responsible for Paying Tuition". ecs.force.com. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
- ^ https://www.oregon.gov/ode/learning-options/AcceleratedLearning/Pages/Expanded-Options-Program.aspx
- ^ "Are "Dual Enrollment" Students Considered College Students on the FAFSA?". Fastweb. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
- ^ "Dual Enrollment". Portage Learning.
- ^ "The High School College Credit Tuition Tax Deduction". Retrieved 2018-05-03.
- ^ Hiesterman, Matthew (2013). "High School Students Attending College: A Study Of The Dual Enrollment Program And Its Impact On The Postsecondary Institution Of Brevard Community College": 24 – via University of Central Florida Libraries.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "NSCC - Benefits of Dual Enrollment". www.northshore.edu. Retrieved 2018-07-16.
- ^ a b c d e Dual enrollment policies, pathways, and perspectives. Taylor, Jason L.,, Pretlow, Joshua. San Francisco, California. 26 February 2015. ISBN 9781119054290. OCLC 905919670.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ "What is a GPA and Why Is It So Important? - MastersPortal.com". www.mastersportal.com. Retrieved 2018-07-16.
- ^ "Dual Enrollment". California Community Colleges - Enroll Today. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
- ^ Melanie (2022-12-23). "How to Decide Between AP vs Dual Enrollment Courses". eAchieve Academy, Wisconsin Online Charter School. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
- ^ Taylor, Jason L. (October 2015). "Accelerating Pathways to College: The (In)Equitable Effects of Community College Dual Credit". Accelerating Pathways to College: The (In)Equitable Effects of Community College Dual Credit. 43. ProQuest 1719015685.
- ^ Boecherer, Brian A. (June 2016) Income Effects on Concurrent Enrollment Participation: The Case of UConn Early College Experience. Chapter 16: Bridging the High School-College Gap: The Role of Concurrent Enrollment, Syracuse University Press.
- ^ "ASU Preparatory Academy |". asuprep.asu.edu. Retrieved 2018-07-16.
- ^ "ASU Prep Goes the Extra Mile". Retrieved 2016-12-28.
- ^ "The Consortium | www.fivecolleges.edu". www.fivecolleges.edu. Archived from the original on 2018-10-30. Retrieved 2018-07-16.
- ^ "Welcome to Five Colleges of Ohio | Five Colleges of Ohio". www.ohio5.org. Retrieved 2018-07-16.
Dual enrollment
View on GrokipediaOverview
Definition and Core Mechanisms
Dual enrollment constitutes an acceleration mechanism in secondary education wherein high school students concurrently enroll in postsecondary-level courses, earning credits that satisfy both high school graduation mandates and postsecondary degree or certificate prerequisites. This framework, also termed concurrent enrollment in certain contexts, facilitates advanced academic progression by integrating college rigor into the high school curriculum, thereby mitigating postsecondary remediation needs and expediting credential attainment.[10][11][12] At its core, dual enrollment operates through inter-institutional partnerships that establish course equivalencies, enrollment protocols, and credit articulation standards between secondary and higher education providers. Eligibility hinges on students demonstrating postsecondary readiness via criteria such as a minimum high school GPA (frequently 3.0 or equivalent), standardized placement assessments, or prior academic performance indicators, ensuring participants can handle college-level demands without disproportionate failure risks.[13][1] Upon course completion with passing grades, the postsecondary institution issues official transcripts for college credit, while the high school converts these—typically at a ratio of three college semester hours equating to one high school unit—toward diploma requirements, with transferability to other colleges governed by state policies or accreditation alignments.[14][10] Delivery mechanisms encompass multiple formats to align with logistical constraints and student demographics: traditional on-campus attendance at colleges under faculty supervision; high school-based instruction by college-affiliated adjuncts or credentialed secondary teachers dually authorized to award postsecondary credit; and virtual modalities via approved online platforms. These options, often stipulated in memoranda of understanding between partners, prioritize instructional integrity through adherence to postsecondary syllabi, assessments, and faculty qualifications, though variations persist across states and districts.[2][15][16]Distinctions from Similar Programs
Dual enrollment differs from Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs primarily in that it requires students to enroll formally as matriculated college students, taking courses instructed by college faculty at a postsecondary institution, with credits awarded upon passing the course (typically a grade of C or higher) and recorded on an official college transcript.[17][18] In contrast, AP and IB courses occur within the high school setting, taught by certified high school instructors following standardized curricula developed by the College Board or IB Organization, respectively, with potential college credit contingent on performance in end-of-course exams (AP scores of 3–5; IB higher-level scores of 5–7).[17][19] IB further distinguishes itself as a cohesive two-year diploma program incorporating interdisciplinary elements such as Theory of Knowledge, an extended essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service requirements, emphasizing global perspectives over isolated course credits.[19] Terminology like concurrent enrollment and dual credit often overlaps with dual enrollment but carries nuances depending on state policies and institutional definitions; concurrent enrollment generally permits high school students to take postsecondary courses for college credit alongside their high school load, while dual enrollment specifically denotes earning transferable credits applicable to both high school graduation and college degrees.[1][20] Some programs differentiate "dual credit" as courses taught by high school faculty with postsecondary approval—often on the high school campus—versus true dual enrollment, which mandates instruction by accredited college professors, ensuring alignment with college-level rigor and accreditation standards.[18] Early college high schools (ECHSs) represent a more intensive variant, functioning as standalone or affiliated institutions where students follow a structured pathway to earn an associate degree or 60+ college credits by high school graduation, typically involving full- or near-full-time college coursework integrated into the high school experience.[21][22] Dual enrollment, by comparison, offers flexibility for students to select individual courses—often part-time—without committing to a degree trajectory, allowing integration into a traditional high school schedule rather than replacing it.[21] This distinction highlights ECHSs' emphasis on cohort-based progression and support services tailored for acceleration, as opposed to the elective nature of standard dual enrollment.[22]Historical Development
Origins and Early Adoption (1970s–1990s)
Dual enrollment programs originated in the early 1970s as localized initiatives primarily offered by community colleges to provide advanced high school students with opportunities to earn college credit, addressing gaps in rigorous secondary coursework.[23] One of the earliest examples was the establishment of the Middle College High School at LaGuardia Community College in New York City in 1974, which integrated high school and college curricula on a college campus to foster seamless transitions for underprepared students.[24] These initial programs were sporadic and varied in structure, often limited to select districts or institutions without widespread state coordination, reflecting a response to demands for accelerated learning amid concerns over high school curriculum limitations.[25] State-level formalization began in the mid-1970s, with California enacting the first dual enrollment policy in 1976 through a statute in the Education Code permitting high school students to enroll as special part-time students at community colleges for credit applicable to both secondary and postsecondary levels.[26] This was followed by Minnesota's Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program in 1985, recognized as the pioneering statewide legislation that allowed eligible juniors and seniors to attend postsecondary institutions tuition-free, earning dual credits while fulfilling high school requirements.[23] These policies emphasized accessibility for motivated students but initially served small cohorts, with participation constrained by eligibility criteria focused on academic readiness and institutional capacity. Adoption expanded modestly through the 1980s and into the 1990s, as additional states introduced enabling legislation or guidelines, though programs remained unevenly implemented and primarily targeted gifted or at-risk youth rather than broad populations.[27] By the early 1990s, dual enrollment operated in fewer than two dozen states, often through partnerships between high schools and local community colleges, with enrollment numbers in the low thousands nationally, prioritizing enrichment over systemic reform.[23] Early evaluations highlighted benefits in student motivation and credit accumulation but noted challenges in quality assurance and equity, as access favored suburban or higher-achieving districts.[28]Nationwide Expansion (2000s–Present)
Dual enrollment programs experienced substantial nationwide growth beginning in the early 2000s, driven primarily by state-level policy expansions aimed at enhancing high school students' college readiness and accelerating postsecondary credential attainment. Participation rates surged from roughly 300,000 students in the early 2000s to approximately 1.5 million by 2021, reflecting increased availability through partnerships between high schools and postsecondary institutions.[29][30] By the 2022–23 academic year, an estimated 2.5 million high school students—about 20.4% of public community college enrollees—participated in dual enrollment courses, marking a more than eightfold increase over two decades.[31] This expansion correlated with broader adoption, as nearly 70% of U.S. high schools offered dual enrollment options by 2015, up from limited availability in prior decades.[27] State legislatures played a pivotal role in this proliferation, enacting policies to subsidize tuition, loosen eligibility criteria, and incentivize program delivery models such as on-campus, online, and concurrent high school-college courses. By the 2010s, 48 states plus the District of Columbia had established state-funded dual enrollment initiatives, often prioritizing access for underrepresented or lower-achieving students to address postsecondary completion gaps.[32] Examples include expansions in states like Texas, where dual enrollment enrollment grew rapidly alongside legislative mandates for credit transferability, and California, which in 2015 increased credit limits and enabled tuition-free community college options for participants.[27][33] These reforms were informed by early evidence of positive outcomes, such as higher college persistence rates, prompting governors and education commissions to integrate dual enrollment into broader workforce and economic development agendas.[34] Federal involvement remained supplementary, focusing on research and targeted grants rather than direct mandates, though bills like the proposed Jumpstart on College Act sought to allocate funds for equitable expansion.[35] Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicate that by 2015–16, 34% of public high schools with grades 9–12 facilitated dual or concurrent enrollment, with higher participation in schools serving economically disadvantaged students.[1] Post-2020, growth accelerated amid pandemic-related disruptions to traditional pathways, with community colleges reporting 73.5% of dual enrollees in public institutions by 2022–23, underscoring the program's role in maintaining continuity in credit accumulation.[31] Despite this momentum, disparities persist, as rural and low-income districts lag in program density due to logistical and funding barriers.[36]Program Structures and Operations
Variations in Delivery Models
Dual enrollment programs vary in their delivery models, which differ primarily by instructional site, faculty type, and format, influencing accessibility, cost, and student experience. These models are shaped by partnerships between high schools and postsecondary institutions, with two-year colleges favoring high school-based delivery to broaden participation, while four-year institutions often prioritize campus-based instruction.[37] Concurrent enrollment, a common variant, involves college-credit courses taught directly on high school campuses by high school instructors approved as adjunct faculty by the partnering college. This model minimizes transportation needs and integrates seamlessly into the school day, thereby increasing enrollment among local students. Among two-year institutions offering dual enrollment, 93% deliver courses on high school sites, typically employing a mix of high school (50%) and college instructors to meet accreditation standards.[37] State guidelines, such as those from the Montana University System, require concurrent instructors to hold specific educator licenses and undergo college oversight to align with postsecondary rigor.[38] In the college-site model, students commute to the postsecondary campus for classes taught by institution faculty, providing exposure to college facilities and peer dynamics but potentially restricting access due to logistics. This approach predominates at four-year nonprofit colleges, where 83% of dual enrollment occurs on campus, often limiting eligibility to upperclassmen (grades 11-12 in 85-98% of programs).[37] Online and hybrid delivery models enable remote access via virtual platforms, addressing rural or instructor shortages by leveraging technology for credit-bearing courses. About 68% of two-year and 42% of public four-year institutions offer such distance options, with adaptations like videoconferencing or co-teaching—where college faculty remotely supervise high school instructors—expanding STEM access in under-resourced areas.[37][39] In systems like Montana's, online formats fall under broader "early college" provisions, allowing dual or college-only credit while mandating faculty qualifications equivalent to on-site delivery.[38] These variations reflect institutional priorities, with blended approaches increasingly used to balance quality control and equity.[39]Funding, Costs, and Eligibility Requirements
Dual enrollment programs in the United States are funded through a mix of state appropriations, local school district budgets, postsecondary institution allocations, and occasional student fees, with models varying significantly by state to cover tuition, instructor stipends, and administrative expenses. As of spring 2024, approximately 19 states provide full tuition reimbursement via state funding for eligible courses, such as Arkansas (state covers community college rates) and Tennessee (Dual Enrollment Grants up to $459 per course), ensuring no tuition costs to students or districts. Eleven states shift primary responsibility to local districts, including Florida (districts pay standard per-credit rates for on-campus courses) and Ohio (districts fund College Credit Plus programs). Partial models combine state and district contributions in places like Iowa (state adjusts K-12 funding formulas to include dual enrollment weights), while reduced-fee approaches in states like Indiana and Utah require students to pay $5–$25 per credit hour, often with waivers for low-income families.[40][40][41] Student costs are minimized in most programs, with tuition waived in fully or district-funded states—covering about 30 states total—but participants often bear expenses for textbooks (averaging $100–$200 per course), transportation, and potential lab or technology fees not reimbursed by public sources. In 26 states, programs are entirely publicly funded and free to students, though postsecondary partners like community colleges may absorb unreimbursed operational costs, leading to net losses in half of Ohio's institutions when factoring instructor time and facilities, per a 2024 state audit. Nominal fees persist in partial models, such as Utah's $5–$30 per credit or South Dakota's $40 per credit, with equity measures like Missouri's Dual Credit Scholarship providing up to $1,500 annually for low-income enrollees to offset such barriers.[42][43][40] Eligibility criteria, specified by policy in 41 states, emphasize academic readiness and administrative safeguards, typically requiring students to be in grades 10–12 (mandated in 33 states), maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0, and secure approvals from parents, counselors, and sometimes postsecondary admissions offices. Twenty-six states tie access to standardized test scores or placement exams meeting college-level benchmarks, such as Georgia's requirement of a 1200 SAT or 26 ACT for advanced courses. Additional common hurdles include school official recommendations (in 19 states) and limits on credit hours, like Tennessee's cap at 60 transferable credits, aimed at preventing overload while prioritizing high-demand fields. Variations exist for equity, with some states like Texas offering the FAST program to waive fees for underserved students meeting basic criteria, though open-access policies in states without strict GPA thresholds can broaden participation at the risk of higher failure rates in rigorous courses.[41][41][44]Empirical Benefits and Outcomes
Academic Performance and College Readiness
Dual enrollment participation has been linked to improved high school academic performance, including higher grade point averages (GPAs), in multiple empirical analyses that account for students' prior achievement levels.[45] [46] For instance, one study of North Carolina students found that dual enrollment and similar early college programs positively affected high school GPA and graduation rates after controlling for baseline academic factors.[46] Exposure to college-level coursework through dual enrollment enhances college readiness by building skills in time management, independent learning, and rigorous academic expectations, which facilitate smoother transitions to postsecondary education.[5] Research consistently shows that participants earn college credits that reduce future remediation needs and accelerate degree progress, with dual enrollees less likely to require developmental math courses upon matriculation.[47] In terms of early college outcomes, dual enrollment students demonstrate stronger persistence and completion rates. National data indicate that dual enrollment participants are 11% more likely to persist into their second year of college compared to non-participants.[48] College completion rates for these students reach 66%, versus 54% for those without prior dual enrollment experience.[48] Systematic reviews of over 100 studies affirm these patterns, with positive associations persisting across quantitative analyses of enrollment, performance, and attainment, though effects vary by program quality and student demographics.[49] [50]| Outcome Measure | Dual Enrollment Effect | Source Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| High School GPA | Positive increase | Controlled studies show gains over peers[45] |
| College Persistence (Year 2) | +11% likelihood | Vs. non-participants[48] |
| College Completion Rate | 66% | Vs. 54% for non-dual students[48] |
| Immediate College Enrollment | Higher rates post-HS | Compared to non-participants[30] |
Long-Term Economic and Workforce Impacts
Participation in dual enrollment programs correlates with enhanced long-term earnings potential. Analysis of Texas high school graduates from the class of 2011, using propensity score matching on administrative data, revealed that dual enrollment participants earned 4% to 9% more annually than comparable non-participants from the sixth through twelfth year post-graduation, offsetting early lower earnings attributable to extended postsecondary enrollment.[51] These gains stemmed from higher college completion rates and credential attainment, though participants accrued modestly higher student loan debt in initial years, particularly among African American and economically disadvantaged subgroups.[51] Earnings differentials varied by demographics: white students experienced 8% to 13% higher earnings, while African American and Hispanic students showed smaller or insignificant gains in early years; economically disadvantaged participants, however, realized 7% to 14% increases by years 7–12.[51] In Maryland, propensity score matching of cohorts from 2009–2010 demonstrated causal effects, with dually enrolled students earning $2,100 more in wages six years post-high school and exhibiting higher workforce participation rates (67% versus 62% for non-participants).[52] These effects were pronounced for Black, Hispanic, and other minority students relative to white peers.[52] Workforce entry accelerates for dual enrollment alumni, contributing to broader economic returns. In Colorado, concurrent enrollment linked to approximately 10% higher earnings five years post-graduation, reflecting earlier labor market integration.[53] A Texas evaluation estimated that each dollar invested in dual credit yields $1.18 in immediate returns, escalating to nearly fivefold through long-term tax revenues from expedited workforce participation and productivity gains.[54] Such outcomes underscore dual enrollment's role in bolstering human capital, though heterogeneous benefits highlight the need for targeted implementation to maximize equity in labor market advantages.[51][52]Criticisms and Limitations
Concerns Over Academic Rigor and Quality Control
Critics of dual enrollment programs have raised alarms about inconsistent academic standards, particularly when courses are delivered in high school settings by non-college faculty, potentially diluting the rigor expected in postsecondary education. Faculty associations, such as the Faculty Advisory Council to the Intersegmental Coordinating Committee, argue that dual credit courses taught in high schools often exhibit lower educational quality compared to those on college campuses, with variations in curriculum depth and instructional expectations leading to mismatched student preparation.[55] This concern stems from the rapid expansion of programs, where high school teachers—frequently lacking advanced degrees or college-level teaching experience—may adapt content to suit younger learners, resulting in simplified assessments and reduced intellectual demands.[56] Quality control mechanisms vary widely by state and institution, exacerbating risks of substandard offerings; for instance, accreditation bodies like the New England Commission of Higher Education have identified pitfalls such as inadequate oversight of dual enrollment, where institutions partner with high schools without robust vetting of instructor credentials or course syllabi alignment to college norms.[57] Postsecondary faculty have expressed apprehension that dual enrollment coursework, especially in concurrent high school models, fails to replicate the analytical and independent learning required in traditional college environments, with some empirical analyses revealing lower performance metrics for dual enrollees upon full-time college entry.[58] Reports highlight logistical challenges in ensuring instructor qualifications, as qualifying high school educators for college-level teaching often involves financial burdens and compromises on expertise, potentially prioritizing enrollment growth over scholarly standards.[56] Credit transfer disputes further underscore rigor deficits, as dual enrollment credits are sometimes rejected by four-year universities due to perceived inconsistencies in course content and grading severity, prompting debates over whether programs inflate high school GPAs without conferring equivalent postsecondary value.[9] Community college instructors have voiced opposition to unchecked partnerships, citing insufficient faculty involvement in curriculum design and evaluation, which can lead to grade inflation and erode public trust in the college credential.[59] Despite some studies affirming comparable or higher rigor in select dual enrollment formats, the proliferation— with over 1 million U.S. high school students participating by 2020—has amplified calls for standardized quality assurance, including mandatory college faculty oversight and periodic audits to mitigate these systemic vulnerabilities.[27][55]Potential Drawbacks for Student Development
Dual enrollment programs can impose significant stress on participating students due to the intensified academic demands of concurrent high school and college coursework, with 66% of surveyed students identifying college class workloads as their primary stressor.[60] This dual burden frequently leads to burnout, characterized by physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, as participants report sustained pressure without adequate breaks, exacerbating feelings of overwhelm and reducing motivation.[61] Family expectations contribute further, affecting 61% of students and prompting unhealthy coping mechanisms such as ignoring stress, which correlates with procrastination and diminished academic performance.[60] The transitional nature of dual enrollment creates a "liminal space" that disrupts social-psychological development, as students navigate conflicting high school and college role expectations, potentially causing disorientation and reduced confidence from course failures or mismatched preparation.[62] Socially, participants often miss age-appropriate high school experiences, including peer interactions and extracurriculars, leading to isolation, lack of belonging—particularly in online formats—and formation of insular "cliques" that hinder broader interpersonal growth.[61] Dual-enrolled students exhibit statistically lower self-esteem compared to non-participants (M=50.16 vs. M=52.63, p<0.05), suggesting adverse effects on emotional well-being from academic pressures that outpace typical adolescent maturation.[63] These developmental challenges may accelerate emotional maturity unevenly, with students feeling compelled to forgo social activities and "life experiences" like parties, resulting in long-term regrets over curtailed adolescence.[61] While some adapt through peer support (82% report feeling aided by friends), limited engagement with counselors (<6%) indicates insufficient institutional safeguards against these risks, particularly for those in under-resourced settings.[60] Empirical evidence remains preliminary, often drawn from small-scale qualitative studies, underscoring the need for broader longitudinal research to quantify long-term psychological outcomes.[61][60]Equity, Access, and Participation
Demographic Disparities in Enrollment
Participation in dual enrollment programs exhibits notable disparities across demographic groups, with White students disproportionately represented relative to their share of the high school population. In a national analysis of the Fall 2015 high school cohort, White students comprised 61% of dual enrollment participants compared to 52% of all high school students, while Black students accounted for 7% of participants versus 10% of the overall population, indicating underrepresentation among Black students.[64] Hispanic students showed near parity at 15% of participants versus 16% of all students, though national participation rates reveal lower engagement: Black students at 27%, Latino students at 30%, and White/Asian students at 38%.[65] Asian students were slightly underrepresented at 4% of participants versus 5% of the population.[64] Socioeconomic status further accentuates inequities, as low-income students participate at lower rates than higher-income peers, despite some programs aiming to broaden access. Schools serving high concentrations of low-income students (defined as 75% or more eligible for free or reduced-price lunch) are less likely to offer dual enrollment, with only 71% providing programs compared to 84–93% in lower-poverty schools during the 2017–18 school year.[1] These gaps persist due to barriers such as tuition costs in schools where families cover fees (up to 51% in low-poverty settings versus 28% in high-poverty ones) and limited program availability in resource-constrained districts.[1] Gender differences are modest but consistent, with females comprising 56% of dual enrollment students versus 53% of the overall high school population in the 2015 cohort.[64] Geographic factors compound disparities; while 90% of rural schools offered dual enrollment in 2017–18 (higher than 73–83% in urban/suburban/town areas), rural programs more frequently relied on family funding (50% versus 26% in cities), potentially limiting access for lower-income rural students.[1] Overall, these patterns reflect systemic barriers including academic prerequisites, transportation, and institutional priorities that disproportionately affect underrepresented groups.[66]| Race/Ethnicity Group | Participation Rate (%) | Source (Data Year) |
|---|---|---|
| White/Asian | 38 | NCES (2015–16) |
| Latino | 30 | NCES (2015–16) |
| Black | 27 | NCES (2015–16) |
