Dual Enrollment in High School: Pros, Risks, and Real Student Results
For many families, the idea of high-schoolers earning college credit via dual enrollment is compelling. But what does dual enrollment really mean? What are the benefits and risks, and how do real students fare now in 2025? This article provides an up-to-date, evidence-based look at the practice to help parents, students and educators make informed decisions.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment (sometimes called dual credit) refers to arrangements where a high school student takes one or more college-level courses and earns credit simultaneously for high school and college. These courses may be offered at the high school, online, or at a partnering college campus.
Key features:
Students remain enrolled in high school while taking college credit courses.
Credits may count toward both the high-school diploma and post-secondary degree.
Course costs are often subsidized or lower than standard college tuition.
Participation varies widely across states, districts and schools.
Why It Matters Right Now (2025 Update)
The reach of dual enrollment has grown significantly. A recent study reported that students who took dual-enrollment courses were more likely to apply to, and be admitted into, selective colleges, with especially strong gains for Black students. Further, longitudinal research shows that students who participate may earn more six to twelve years after high school — although those gains are uneven.
Meanwhile, program quality, access and credit-transferability are areas of concern. Because of these trends, dual enrollment is increasingly seen as an important part of the college & career readiness landscape. But it’s not without trade-offs.
“Almost 5 million high school students were enrolled in dual-credit courses… The results look promising, but … none of the research undertaken so far can make a definitive claim about causality.”
The Pros of Dual Enrollment
Here are the major advantages high-school students may gain:
1. College readiness and exposure
Students experience the pace, demands and environment of college-level work, developing time-management and study habits. eoschools.org+1
This exposure can reduce the “shock” of freshman year, easing the transition.
2. Cost savings and accelerated progress
Dual enrollment courses often cost less (or are free) for high-school students.
Students may graduate high school with college credits already earned, reducing time and cost for a college credential.
One analysis found that for every dollar invested in dual credit, states may see more than $1 in return in terms of students spending less time in college and entering the workforce earlier. College in High School Alliance
3. Motivation, discipline and academic standing
Successfully completing college-level work in high school signals academic rigor and initiative to colleges and employers.
Students often gain confidence and are more likely to pursue postsecondary education. eoschools.org
4. Access and equity potential
For under-represented students, dual enrollment can help bridge access gaps. Some studies show stronger gains for low-income, first-generation and minority students when access is equitable.
Quick comparison: Pros summary
| Benefit | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|
| Early college credit | Less time to degree, reduced cost |
| College exposure | Easier transition, stronger readiness |
| Enhanced academic profile | Improved college admissions prospects |
| Equity boost (if accessible) | Higher enrolment & degree rates for underserved groups |
The Risks and Limitations
Dual enrollment is not a panacea. Families should weigh several potential pitfalls:
1. Varying credit-transfer and recognition
Not all colleges accept dual-enrollment credits, and policies vary by institution. Some private or selective colleges may view these courses differently.
2. Unequal outcomes, especially for underserved students
Long-term earnings gains are real (4-9% higher after six years in one Texas study) but benefits were smaller or statistically insignificant for some minority and lower-performing students.
3. Quality and program alignment issues
Some dual-enrollment courses may not match the rigor of college courses, or may not align with students’ long-term academic/career pathways.
4. Increased workload and possible stress
Taking college-level work while in high school can add pressure, especially if the student is not ready. Without proper support and advising, the experience may backfire.
5. Hidden costs or barriers
Although programs are often low cost or free, some fees, travel, prerequisites or scheduling conflicts may arise. Additionally, advising and awareness can be limited for some students. College Transitions
Real Student Results (2025)
Here are key empirical findings from recent research:
A 2025 study reported that students who completed at least one dual-enrollment course were 1.5 times more likely to receive a scholarship in their first year of college compared to non-participants.
The long-term earnings study found dual-enrollment students earned on average 4-9% more annually six to twelve years after high school graduation than peers.
In terms of access, dual enrollment participation is increasing: some states report over 30–40% of public high school students participating.
But the benefits are not distributed equally: students from low-income backgrounds see delayed earnings gains, and gaps by race and English-language proficiency remain. edworkingpapers.com
Example case
Imagine a student in high school who takes a dual enrollment psychology course through a local community college. That student:
Earns 3 college credits while in grade 12
Demonstrates readiness and ambition on their transcript
Applies to four-year colleges with some coursework completed
Graduates college one semester early, reducing cost
In contrast, a student who takes the same course but whose credits are not accepted or who does not receive strong advising may gain less benefit.
Best Practices for Students, Parents and Educators
To maximize benefits and mitigate risk, consider the following guidelines.
For Students & Parents
Confirm credit transferability: Ask the prospective college whether the dual enrollment credits will count toward degree requirements.
Choose courses aligned with your intended major or interest: Taking random credits may not help in the long run.
Ensure you have advising and support: High school and college partners should provide guidance about expectations, workload and balance.
Monitor workload and readiness: Make sure taking college-level classes does not compromise your high-school performance or well-being.
Review costs and fees: Even subsidised programs may have hidden expenses (materials, transportation, etc.).
Keep records and transcripts: Obtain official college transcripts for any earned credits—this avoids later problems when applying to universities.
For High Schools and Districts
Partner with colleges to ensure rigor and alignment between high-school and college courses.
Offer equitable access: Provide outreach and remove barriers for historically underserved students.
Track student outcomes: Monitor which courses lead to transfer and success, and refine pathways accordingly.
Align dual-enrollment offerings with career and major pathways, not simply as “extra credit”.
Should Your Student Consider Dual Enrollment?
Here are some decision-making questions to discuss:
Is the student academically ready for college-level work (in terms of maturity, time management and study skills)?
Will the courses taken likely be accepted as credit by the college or university the student is targeting?
Does the student have clear goals (major, career interest, degree plan) that will benefit from early college credit?
Are there supports in place (advising, tutoring, scheduling help) to sustain success?
Will dual enrollment allow the student to save time and money, or will it complicate the pathway to graduation?
If the answers are affirmative, dual enrollment can be a powerful strategy. If not, it may be wiser to focus on strong high-school performance, AP/IB courses, and college readiness through other means.
Conclusion
Dual enrollment remains one of the most promising high-school–to-college strategies available today. Evidence from 2025 shows that students who participate can enjoy improved college readiness, reduced cost and modest long-term earnings gains. However, the benefits are not automatic—quality, alignment, access and advising matter deeply.
For parents, students and educators, the key is to treat the approach thoughtfully. With the right course selections, support systems and institutional buy-in, dual enrollment can accelerate a student’s academic trajectory in a meaningful way.
As you explore pathways for your high-school student, ask hard questions, review program agreements with colleges, and consider whether dual enrollment fits the student’s readiness and goals. When implemented well, it may offer a strategic advantage; when not, it may represent a missed opportunity or avoidable risk.
