If you’re a high school student who wants to get some of your college courses completed before you finish high school, dual enrollment can be an excellent option. This program allows you to complete two academic programs at two different institutions at the same time, getting a head start on your degree and giving you a foundation for college coursework.
While dual enrollment can be beneficial for many high school students, it does have advantages and disadvantages. Learn more about dual enrollment and how to determine if it’s the right choice for your goals.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses and earn credits toward both their high school diploma and college degree concurrently. This is an opportunity for students to not only get a head start on college (and possibly save money on tuition) but to also experience the rigor of college-level coursework while still in high school.
The programs for dual enrollment can vary by state and institution, but they’re generally open to high school students who meet certain academic criteria. Requirements often include a minimum GPA, high standardized test scores, and approval from both the participating high school and college.
What Types of Dual Enrollment Classes Are There?
Dual enrollment courses depend on the specific program, but these classes are generally similar to those offered at the college level. They typically cover the core subjects like science, math, social sciences, and English. Specialized programs may offer additional dual enrollment courses for career and technical education.
The college-level courses for dual enrolment are separate from the high school curriculum, but the courses themselves and the credit earned count toward high school graduation requirements and college degree requirements.
What Are the Advantages of Dual Enrollment?
For high school students looking to get a jump on college, dual enrollment programs can offer a lot of benefits:
- Exposure to college-level instruction: Enrolling in a postsecondary institution in high school gives students the experience of taking a college-level class. They can then be more prepared for the rigors of college and the expectations of college curricula.
- Better prep for success: College classes are typically more challenging than high school classes. Dual enrollment prepares students for the step up to college courses and can give them an advantage in the transition in their first year.
- Competitive college applications: Excelling in dual enrollment courses shows prospective colleges that a student is prepared for the rigor of college and is more likely to succeed in college-level courses.
- Time savings: Getting some college courses completed in high school with a dual enrollment program helps students get a head start on their education and accelerates the path to their degree.
- Cost savings: Earning college credit in high school reduces college costs by earning college credit in high school. However, there are costs to dual enrollment to consider.
What Are the Disadvantages of Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment does have some downsides to consider, such as:
- Limited course offerings: Because dual enrollment courses are often offered at the high school and are taught by college professors, there may be limited courses offered and limited time slots.
- Travel and logistics: some dual enrollment courses may be offered at a local college campus, which means students have to be able to arrange for transportation and the school has to offer class times that fit within the high schooler's schedule.
- Limited credit acceptance: Not all colleges offer credit for dual enrollment courses, particularly Ivy League and other top-tier colleges. It’s possible for years of college-level work to be reduced to just a year or so of college credits. If these colleges are the goal, AP courses may be a better choice.
- Fewer participating schools: Dual enrollment is a collaboration between a high school and college, so the credits earned in the program may only be accepted by specific partner colleges.
What Is the Difference Between Dual Enrollment and AP?
Dual enrollment involves taking college courses that follow a typical college format and are taught by college professors. Advanced placement (AP) courses are taught at the high school level by high school teachers, but they follow a standardized college-level curriculum to ensure students have the knowledge to pass the AP test and earn college credit.
Unlike AP classes, which award credit based on an exam, dual enrollment courses award credit as long as the student passes the class. AP courses are run by the College Board, so they’re standardized and accessible across a wider variety of schools than dual enrollment programs.
Are There Alternatives to Dual Enrollment?
Yes, there are several alternatives to dual enrollment that can offer similar benefits to you, including:
AP Courses
AP courses offer a college-level curriculum that’s taught as a high school course by a high school teacher. The coursework culminates in an exam for college credit. AP courses are offered by the College Board and standardized across schools, so they’re more widely accepted by colleges than some dual enrollment courses.
Online Courses
Online learning has become much more accessible in recent years. Colleges and universities offer online courses, as well as specialized online learning platforms like Sophia. While online course formats and options can vary, these courses offer an opportunity for high school students to get a jump on their college education with general education courses or courses in specialized subjects for college credit.
CLEP Exams
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a program that offers standardized tests that are created and administered by the College Board. These tests assess college-level knowledge in core subject areas to earn college credits without the need to take a course. CLEP exams are often used by adult learners and military service members, but high school students are welcome to take CLEP exams to earn college credits.
Early College Programs
The popularity of AP and dual enrollment courses has led to another advanced secondary program, the early college program, that allows students to work towards an associate degree before they finish high school. Like dual enrollment, early college programs provide a college curriculum that’s designed for adolescent learners to help them earn a degree and transition into higher education.
Knock Out Your Gen Eds
Dual enrollment can be a great option for high school students to get a jump on college, but it’s not the only one. With options like Sophia, you can take self-paced college-level courses designed to transfer for credit. Start your free trial today!
