What is dual enrollment? Gaining the Edge on College Success

The leap from high school to college can feel daunting. Balancing academic demands and future plans often feels overwhelming. Programs like dual enrollment are designed to ease this transition, giving students the tools they need to succeed.

Why is dual enrollment so popular?

So, what is dual enrollment? It’s a program that lets high school students take college-level courses and earn college credits while completing high school. This provides a head start on academics and helps students build confidence by exploring college-level learning in a familiar, supportive setting.

It’s no wonder so many students and parents want to know how to do dual enrollment. In fact, 82% of public high schools in the 2017–2018 school year offered dual enrollment opportunities. Why? Because it works—saving time and money while preparing students for success. So, if you’re wondering what dual enrollment involves and how it can set you up for success, keep reading to learn more.

What does dual enrollment mean?

So, what’s the dual enrollment definition in academic terms? Simply put, it’s a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn credit for both high school and college at the same time. Depending on the program, these courses can often be taken through a local community college, university, or even online.

More generally speaking, dual enrollment acts as a bridge between high school and college, giving students a chance to experience the challenge of college-level work without diving in headfirst, which makes the eventual transition into college life a lot less intimidating.

How Dual Enrollment in High School Works

You know that dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credits while still working toward their high school diploma. But how exactly does it work? The process can vary depending on your state and specific school, but the overall steps are similar. Here’s a quick view of how it works and what to expect.

Getting Into a Dual Enrollment Program

Getting started with dual enrollment doesn’t have to be complicated, and most schools have resources to help high schoolers get underway. Here are some of the steps that are typically required to get into a dual enrollment program:

• Research programs: Start by exploring dual enrollment options in your area. These might include programs at community colleges, universities, or even online platforms like K12.
• Talk to a guidance counselor: High school guidance counselors are excellent resources. They help students determine which programs they qualify for, explain the application process, and guide them through next steps.
• Gather the essentials: Once you define what dual enrollment program you’re interested in, you’ll need to pull together a few things to apply, including:
  • High school transcript
  • Standardized test scores (if the program requires them)
  • A signed parental consent form
  • Any program-specific forms or documents

What is a dual enrollment course?

After you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation, you’ll be ready to move on to selecting your courses. But what is a dual enrollment course? These are college-level classes that count for both high school and college credit. Common courses include general education subjects like English, algebra, and history, but some programs offer specialized courses aligned with career tracks.

Students typically collaborate with their high school counselor and college advisor to choose courses that fit their academic and career goals. Their schedule might include a mix of high school and college classes, or they might attend college courses online or in person. In-person classes also give students a chance to experience a college campus.

What happens when it’s time to graduate?

Graduation is a little different for students who are dual enrolled. By the time they finish high school, they’ll often have completed a semester—or more—of college credits. By getting a head start on college, you reduce the overall timeline for your degree and save significant time and money in the process.

However, it’s important to ensure that the credits earned through dual enrollment transfer to the student’s future college. To avoid surprises, confirm transfer agreements with program advisors and double check with prospective college academic advisors or transfer coordinators.

When can you start dual enrollment?

Deciding when to start dual enrollment depends on a mix of readiness, school policies, and personal goals. However, for most students, dual enrollment starts during their 11th or 12th grade year:

• Grade 11: Starting in 11th grade, students get two whole years to take advantage of dual enrollment, potentially completing several college courses by the time they graduate high school.
• Grade 12: If they’re not ready earlier, 12th grade is still a great time to get a head start on college and test the waters of university-level work without committing too soon.

Benefits of Being Dual Enrolled

Dual enrollment opens up opportunities that go beyond earning credits. It’s a chance for high schoolers to grow academically, financially, and personally while preparing for the next stage of their education.

Academic Advantages

Taking college-level courses while in high school gives students an academic edge. The coursework is more challenging and engaging, pushing students to think critically and tackle advanced concepts. Plus, it’s a great way to build confidence in handling the demands of higher education while earning credits that can lighten the load in college.

Financial Benefits

Dual enrollment can also make college shorter and more affordable; completing general education courses while still in high school often saves thousands of dollars, making a big difference for families planning for college expenses.

Personal Development

Beyond the academics and savings, dual enrollment helps students grow as individuals. They build strong study habits, time management skills, and independence. These experiences prepare students for future challenges and set them up for success in college and beyond.

How is dual enrollment different from AP_^® and honors programs?

Dual enrollment, AP (Advanced Placement^®), and honors programs all offer high school students advanced academic opportunities, but they work in entirely different ways. Here’s how they compare:

• Qualifications: Each of these programs has its own requirements. Dual enrollment, for example, usually requires students to meet a minimum GPA, have parental consent, and sometimes pass a placement test to show they’re ready for college-level work. AP^® courses, on the other hand, may have prerequisites like completing earlier classes, while honors courses are often more accessible with fewer strict requirements.
• Course setting: Dual enrollment courses are offered through colleges and can be taken on a college campus, online, or occasionally at the high school. AP^® courses stick to a standardized curriculum designed by the College Board, and honors classes are simply more rigorous versions of standard high school courses in the curriculum.
• Credits earned: This is where the biggest difference lies. With dual enrollment, students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, and those college credits often transfer to other schools, depending on the institution. AP^® and honors classes only count toward high school credit, though AP^® courses allow students to earn college credit if they score well on the AP^® exam.
• Cost: Cost can be a deciding factor for many families, and fortunately, dual enrollment is often free or reduced in cost. AP^® courses don’t have a fee to take, but the AP^® exams costs around $100 per test, which can add up if a student takes several classes. Honors courses, meanwhile, are part of the standard high school curriculum and come at no extra cost.

Getting a Head Start on Your Child’s Future With Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment gives high school students a unique opportunity to get ahead. It helps them earn college credits, save on tuition, and build skills that will set them up for success in higher education and their future careers.

To figure out if dual enrollment is the right fit, start by talking with a guidance counselor or teachers. These discussions can help clarify how this option aligns with your child’s goals and readiness. For those ready to take the leap, dual enrollment can be a decisive step toward their future.

Want to explore dual enrollment options? Check out K12’s public and private online school offerings to find programs that might offer dual enrollment and help your child get started on this exciting path.