Dual Enrollment – Save Time and Money in Post-secondary School

By Valarie R. Austin, October 5th, 2021, 10:00 AM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

Dual or concurrent enrollment programs allow high school students to save time and money while pursuing post-secondary education. High school students pursue their high school diploma while earning credits toward a technical school certification or a college degree such as associate’s degree. Dual enrollment classes count for both high school and college credit. Dual enrollment credits can significantly reduce the amount of time that high school graduates attend post-secondary school. Today, post-secondary education is necessary for higher wages and advancement in any career field. For example, to get a blue-collar job such as a plumber or mechanic, a high school graduate must attain industry-recognized training at a technical school to become qualified. In addition, white-collar careers such as accountant and lawyer require college degrees. Dual enrollment programs help parents and students to save money on tuition, books, and other college expenses. Parents do not have to pay for on-campus housing or meal plans. Dual enrollment participants are eligible for discounts on the cost of books, which may be free, and course credit hours at many technical schools or community colleges.  Some high school districts or states may provide financial assistance. The dual enrollment cost savings can add up quickly, which can save students time and money.  

The dual enrollment program is one avenue for high school students to earn technical school certifications or college credits in fulfillment of career goals. High school students must coordinate with their guidance counselor to verify their eligibility for the program. Each program’s requirements can vary by state. For instance, some high schools allow students as early as the tenth grade to participate in dual enrollment. Students must obtain written permission from their parent(s) to participate. The actual college classes can take place at the high school, online, or on the local college campus. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that “one-third of high school students took courses for post-secondary credit in 2019” (https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/pros-cons-dual-enrollment-high-school/). Dual enrollment students must pass their college courses with at least a grade of “C.” In some cases, however, high school policies may require students to maintain a 3.0 or better average in their high school and college courses. These policies are designed to protect the high school students’ future college grade point average because dual enrollment grades will be a part of their college academic record.

Dual enrollment classes fulfill introductory or general education courses such as English, Math, Social Sciences and Humanities that all college freshmen must complete. After successful completion, these credits are typically transferable to a four-year public or private college. It is very important that high school students along with their parents research dual enrollment college programs. If they plan to transfer to a different college/university, they must determine if their college of interest accepts dual enrollment credits. Some post-secondary schools, especially out-of-state public and private colleges/universities, may not accept dual enrollment credits or they may accept a limited number. According to mvorganizing.org, most Ivy League colleges and universities do not accept dual enrollment credits. (https://www.mvorganizing.org/what-are-the-cons-of-dual-enrollment/). Despite the concern about transferring credits, dual enrollment students should save their course syllabi to showcase the content and academic rigor of their college courses.

High school students who want to participate in dual enrollment programs have to be able to work independently in order to manage their classes. To succeed, they must possess time management skills and good study habits for academic coursework. College classes will be harder and more challenging than typical high school curriculum. Dual enrollment students will learn from college professors and their peers along with upper level college students. Dual enrollment courses follow the semester or quarter schedule of the college. If classes occur on the college campus, the dual enrollment class schedule and transportation time to campus can interfere with high school extracurricular activities. The parent(s) and potential dual enrollment student must investigate and understand the requisites of a dual enrollment program, including:  

o High school eligibility, oversight and graduation requirements
o Local colleges that offer dual enrollment programs, their acceptance standards and application forms/fees
o Offered college courses and credit load requirements
o Class registration and scheduling process
o Course withdrawal/drop policies and deadlines
o Grade requirements to stay in the dual enrollment program
o Tuition, fees, books, and other costs
o Transportation to campus, if necessary, and cost
o Payment methods for courses
o Availability and application requirements for state/college/high school district funding assistance
o And other pertinent information, such as the potential change in the high school graduates’ statuses from college freshmen to sophomores if they accumulate enough credits

While not for every student, dual enrollment programs allow opportunities for the college experience in high school. Colleges offer more course selections on a variety of subjects than high schools. After high school graduation, the accumulated dual enrollment credits can open up options for a student to work and earn money while attending college, participate in internships, or study abroad. In addition, the college-level course rigor highlights the dual enrollment students’ ability to flourish in the college environment. Or, high school students may use dual enrollment to obtain certifications for entry into blue-collar careers. The biggest bonus for dual enrollment participants is saving time and money in pursuing certifications or degrees. Parents should welcome dual enrollment as a way to provide new academic experiences for their young adult but also celebrate the cost-saving. Have a great semester!

 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2021, Vauboix Publishing LLC. (Article 3 of 5, fall 2021)

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida