DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAMS

Dual-enrollment programs have become a popular option for high school students to study college courses before graduating. These partnerships often exist between high schools and nearby community colleges, allowing students to obtain college credits while still in high school — frequently for free. With the increased popularity of dual enrollment, many students' parents are investigating the advantages of such a program in their academic pursuits.?

?What is Dual-Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is a programme that permits qualifying juniors and seniors to enrol in college-level courses while still in high school. The classes might be held on a community college campus or at a high school. State-by-state differences in eligibility, tuition prices, and earned credit options exist. In many situations, there is no tuition price for high school students enrolled in a dual-enrollment program, which significantly benefits individuals worried about the expense of higher education. Other programs may charge a tuition cost, albeit it is frequently far less than what students would pay after high school. In most cases, dual enrollment programs are overseen by high schools.

Potential Benefits of the Program

According to the Northwest Iowa Community College website, there are several advantages to a dual-enrollment programme. These advantages include:

• Provides kids with a head start on the college experience by requiring less time after high school to get a college degree
• Students who take dual-enrollment programmes generally save money on tuition.
• Students may use the college library and other resources.
• Earned grades are recorded on the student's permanent transcript.
• Credits earned may be transferable to a four-year institution.
• Classes may have a lower student-to-instructor ratio.
• Students might look at other disciplines of study to assist them in deciding on a major later.
• Students may enrol in courses not presently offered at their high school.

Dual enrollment allows children to experience college-level material while remaining within the secure boundaries of high school. Students gain credits that they may use toward a two-year degree at the school or even a four-year degree if the credits transfer entirely to the four-year institution of their choosing.

Who Enjoys the Benefits?

When dual-enrollment programmes originally began, the primary beneficiaries were high-achieving students who had been hand-picked by high school instructors and administrators. However, studies suggest that these programmes provide equivalent advantages to students who are not as academically oriented, as reported by Inside Higher Ed a few years ago. Dual-enrollment programmes have been related to more excellent high school graduation rates and a higher possibility of students enrolling in a postsecondary institution.

Furthermore, students who participated in dual-enrollment programmes in high school had better total GPAs throughout their first three years of college. These advantages applied to both high-achieving kids and students from other subgroups. Male and low-income students, two subgroups often struggling academically in high school and beyond, also saw benefits. The report recommended that states continue to extend dual-enrollment possibilities to all students, even those who do not consider themselves college-bound.

Reasons to Reconsider Dual-Enrollment

While many high school students around the nation benefit from dual enrollment, there are specific reasons why parents and students may want to rethink this choice.

• Students who can take a broad choice of Advanced Placement (AP) classes in their current high school may be able to earn just as many college credits via these programmes, according to Study Point.
• If students are interested in extracurricular activities to enhance their college resumes, they should consider taking dual-enrollment courses that will conflict with such activities. When considering candidates for admission, colleges consider both academics and extracurricular activities.
• Dual enrollment may not be the ideal choice if a student is doubtful of his ability to stay up with a college-level course at this time. Grades obtained in dual-enrollment classes are recorded on the permanent transcript and, if they are poor, may prevent entrance to college.