Takeaways from The Impact of Dual Enrollment
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U.S high schools tend to implement one of two models of education, one of which reserves opportunities for college credit for college students and another which allows high schoolers to also earn college credit. Which, given a choice, do you think most college-bound students would prefer? Amy and Mike invited admissions professional Audrey Moreno to explore the impact of dual enrollment programs.
Listen to the full episode HERE before or after you review the key takeaways, topic breakdowns, and questions answered from this episode.
Key Takeaways
Dual enrollment offers various models (early college high schools, on-campus courses, in-school college classes) providing flexibility for students
Benefits include cost savings, academic preparation, college navigation skills, and increased likelihood of college success
Funding and requirements vary by state/institution; local research is crucial for accessing opportunities
Dual enrollment significantly boosts college matriculation, retention, and graduation rates
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Topical Breakdown
Evolution of Dual Enrollment Programs
Expanded from traditional community college classes to diverse models:
Early college high schools (9-12th grade college integration)
Half-day programs (high school + college campus)
In-school dual credit taught by qualified high school teachers
Online asynchronous options (e.g., Accelerate ASU)
COVID-19 accelerated growth of online dual enrollment opportunities
Benefits of Dual Enrollment
Academic rigor and college preparation
Cost savings (potential to graduate early, reduce tuition)
Exploration of academic interests before committing to a major
Builds academic confidence, especially for underrepresented students
Develops college navigation skills (enrollment, communicating with faculty, accessing resources)
Improves college matriculation, retention, and graduation rates
Funding and Access
Varies by state and institution:
Some states offer permanent funding (often with GPA/income thresholds)
Schools may cover costs or have cost-sharing agreements with colleges
Students/families may bear costs in some cases
Requirements can include GPA thresholds (e.g., 3.0 unweighted in Florida), income thresholds, and test scores (ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER)
Trend towards multiple measures for access (e.g., using GPA instead of test scores)
Expanding Dual Enrollment Access
School counselors and administrators should assess:
Depth and breadth of existing programs
Grade levels offered
Variety of courses beyond basic English/Math
Multiple provider partnerships to meet diverse student needs
Students/families should:
Start with local options and funding
Explore school and community college programs
Consider online asynchronous options if local choices are limited
Next Steps
Research local dual enrollment options and funding in your area
Assess current dual enrollment offerings at your school/district
Explore partnerships with multiple providers to expand access
Consider Accelerate ASU for flexible, open-access dual enrollment options
Educate students and families about dual enrollment benefits and opportunities
Q&A
Dual Enrollment Definitions
What is an early college high school?
Students take college classes throughout 9th-12th grade, replacing many high school classes. Can earn high school diploma and associate's degree or significant college credits.
What are dual and concurrent enrollment?
Definitions vary, often used interchangeably. Can involve:
High school teacher with master's credential teaching college course during normal school day
Students attending community college for courses
Various models where students earn high school and college credit simultaneously
Benefits of Dual Enrollment
Why should students consider dual enrollment?
Develop academic rigor
Earn college credit
Showcase academic capabilities for college applications/scholarships
Safely explore academic potential, especially for "academic middle" students
Reduce college costs and potentially graduate earlier
Strengthen academic profile for merit scholarships
Explore fields of interest before committing to a degree path
How does dual enrollment contribute to college access for underserved students?
Builds academic confidence
Provides structured, supported higher-level academic preparation
Teaches college navigation skills (course enrollment, communicating with faculty/staff)
Develops social capital needed for college success
Funding and Requirements
Who pays for dual enrollment?
Some states have dual enrollment funding (may have GPA/income thresholds)
Some schools cover costs or have cost-sharing agreements with colleges
In states without permanent funding, cost often falls to students
Funding access may depend on GPA, income, or test score thresholds
What are common requirements for dual enrollment?
GPA thresholds
Income thresholds
Test scores (ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER)
Moving towards "multiple measures" access in some areas
Outcomes and Research
Is there research supporting benefits of dual enrollment?
Yes, research shows dual enrollment students realize many benefits:
Higher college matriculation rates
Higher first-to-second year retention
Higher persistence to graduation; ASU's own transfer data confirms these trends.
Accessing Dual Enrollment Opportunities
What advice do you have for accessing dual enrollment?
Start local - check policies to avoid missing funding opportunities
Look for programs at local community colleges
Check with your high school
Consider online asynchronous options like Accelerate ASU for flexibility
How can school counselors expand dual enrollment access?
Evaluate depth/breadth of existing programs (courses offered, grade levels, etc.)
Start conversations about dual enrollment in middle school
Be aware of multiple provider options to meet diverse student needs
Advocate for bringing in new programs
Accelerate ASU
What is Accelerate ASU?
Dual enrollment provider partnering with schools in 38 states and 13 countries
Offers asynchronous online courses
Open access - no test scores or GPA thresholds required
Simple sign-up process without formal admissions