New Survey: Why Students Participate in Dual Enrollment

"Over the past three years, the number of high school students taking college courses has increased more than 20 percent, making them a growing share of all undergraduates, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Dual enrollment can help high school students get a head start on their college degree. In addition to expediting the amount of time it takes to complete a two- or four-year degree, concurrent-enrollment courses may be cheaper or subsidized for high school students, reducing the costs associated with a college degree."

"The primary motivation for students to engage in dual enrollment was to get ahead on college credits and reduce tuition costs (51 percent). One in five students said they were looking for more advanced coursework. The data also pointed to dual enrollment's role as a pipeline to higher education. Three in five students said they strongly agree with the statement "My dual-enrollment experience is preparing me for college," and a similar share indicated they feel like they belong at their college."

Over the past three years the number of high school students taking college courses rose more than 20 percent, increasing their share of undergraduates. Dual enrollment expedites completion of two- and four-year degrees and can be cheaper or subsidized, reducing college costs. Most participants are high school seniors (76 percent) and take one or two college courses (58 percent); 19 percent enroll in four or more. One-third take courses online while two-thirds attend in person at a local college. Primary motivations are earning credits and cutting tuition (51 percent) and seeking advanced coursework (20 percent). Three in five say the experience prepares them for college and increases belonging, though one in five worry about affordability and dually enrolled students more often receive grants and scholarships.

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