Can Dual Enrollment Help Fill Higher Education Classrooms?

Higher education institutions of all types are under intense pressure from drops in enrollment. Finding more pathways to bring students into an institution can help colleges survive this national enrollment slump. One way to deliver a smoother pathway to college for some students is to partner with high schools to offer dual enrollment courses. Dual enrollment courses can potentially encourage students who wouldn’t otherwise have considered college to enroll after high school.

What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment (DE), sometimes called concurrent enrollment, allows high school students to enroll in college classes and usually receive both high school and college credit. Courses may be taught at the high school by certified high school instructors, or students may travel to the college campus to attend. High school students gain both experience with college classes that interest them and credit they can use towards a college degree.

Students who are unsure about attending college can use DE classes as a bridge to try college coursework, and the school can create a smooth pathway that helps students use the credits and enroll in a degree program. Any type of higher education institution can offer DE courses, though about 70% of DE courses are in partnership with community colleges. Often, credits are only accepted by the college offering the DE course, incentivizing students to continue their studies at the institution.

How Can Dual Enrollment Help Colleges?

Every potential student counts and many institutions are creating different types of new programs to meet learners’ needs and attract more students to bolster enrollment numbers. Dual enrollment can be part of that strategy.

• Reaching More High School Students

Dual enrollment programs have the potential to reach students who are hesitant about college enrollment or planning for college, and like the idea of getting credits early. Some DE programs even allow students to finish an associate’s degree while they finish high school. Targeted DE programs can reach underserved students and are often attractive to those who don’t have the academic ambition to take more rigorous AP courses.

• An Early Bridge to Prospective Students

Courses offered through high school introduce students to college and encourage them to consider a future degree. This means schools are reaching students earlier in their high school careers and giving them a slower introduction to the idea of full college enrollment. Once a student is involved with the college, it is easier for them to consider continuing, somewhat akin to a marketing funnel. The programs also put the college name and offerings in front of students to familiarize them with the institution even if they don’t take a DE course.

• On-Campus vs. at High Schools

Offering DE classes on college campuses has shown lower pass rates for students but a higher probability that the student will enroll in the college. Offering courses at the high school may have higher pass rates for students, but if recruitment is a goal, trying to bring students onto the college campus may make more sense.

• Potential Funding Streams

Beyond the benefits of introducing prospective high school students to the college, institutions may be able to access funding from states or school districts. High school students generally pay lower tuition through DE programs, and additional scholarships and grants are available to students. While the financing models vary across states and programs, colleges have the flexibility to create programs that suit their institution and geographic area. Some programs focus more on career and technical education, while others lead to traditional degree programs.

• Collaboration with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Many high schools participate in CTE programs, which often have a dual enrollment component. States have already identified in-demand fields for their regions, so partnering higher education institutions can help design pathways that lead to in-demand careers for students. Piggybacking on state efforts can align college goals with regional initiatives and help initiate collaborations with school districts.

• Student Success

For colleges, student success metrics are important to prove the value and quality of their offerings. DE programs have been shown to improve graduation rates. DE also benefits low-income, Black, Hispanic, and academically struggling students. The potential to enroll DE students in degree programs can provide colleges with more students who can succeed in college.

Challenges and Best Practices for Dual Enrollment Programs

As with every new program, starting a dual enrollment partnership with high schools will have associated costs. Even with various sorts of funding, it is hard to cover program costs. Careful planning coupled with a higher number of enrolled students can bring the numbers closer to matching, but DE may not pay for itself. Colleges must also institute academic advising and other student support to make the programs succeed, which can require additional staff.

Designing pathways that smoothly lead to degree programs rather than miscellaneous courses can increase enrollment and student success. Careful planning to align with local needs and interests for career training and degree credentials can help match students with gainful employment when they graduate, making the programs more attractive to districts, state boards of education, and the students themselves.

Conclusion

For colleges hoping to increase enrollment, instituting dual enrollment partnerships with high schools can be a source of potential students. Dual enrollment can act as part of the marketing funnel for potential full-time students by introducing an institution early on, and offering a clear pathway to a degree. As dual enrollment continues to be popular, it is another possible avenue for identifying and nurturing prospective students.