What Is Dual Enrollment and How Does It Work?
byConnections Academy
7 min to read
Many high schoolers and their parents are looking for ways to get a head start on college. From planning visits to completing applications, there are so many paths your student can take. If you don’t know where to start, dual enrollment courses could be a great option. But, there are important questions to consider: Do colleges prefer dual enrollment? And, what is the difference between dual enrollment and AP®* courses?
If your student is considering dual enrollment, read on for useful information they should know before pursuing dual credit programs over other options.
What is Dual Enrollment?
So, what is dual enrollment? Dual enrollment programs allow students to take college classes while they’re still enrolled in high school. These classes count for both high school and college credit. High school students who complete dual enrollment may need to take fewer classes in college due to earning transferable college credit.
How Do Dual Enrollment Programs Work?
Dual enrollment programs are different at each school. However, the process usually starts with students identifying what subject area they are interested in. After that, they apply to be accepted into the program.
If your student attends a virtual school like Connections Academy, we can help them identify pathways tied to their interests and current high school curriculum. And, more than 30 Connections Academy schools participate in partnerships that enable students to earn college credits or work on special programs with a university partner.
How Is Dual Enrollment Different from Advanced Placement and Honors Courses?
Advanced Placement® Courses
Advanced Placement®* (AP) courses are college-level classes offered by the College Board and administered by high school teachers. AP courses are particularly beneficial for ambitious students who excel in a specific subject area and would like to extend their education beyond the traditional curriculum.
These courses typically require more work, independent learning, and greater critical-thinking than standard high school courses. Unlike dual enrollment classes where students earn credit based on their completion of the course, students who participate in AP classes must pass a knowledge test to determine if they receive college credit. So, if your online school student is interested in enriching education throughout the year and hopes to attend college with some credits covered—this may be a good option for them.
Honors Classes
Honors classes differ from school to school, but at the core of it, they are higher-level classes that go at a faster pace and cover more material than standard high school classes. Because these courses are more academically challenging, they may assist students in receiving greater academic recognition and could even help secure college scholarships.
Though students don’t receive college credit, honors courses are designed for them to experience a more challenging curriculum. These classes are also available to students at every grade level in high school, whereas dual enrollment programs are typically reserved for college-bound juniors and seniors.
The Pros and Cons of Dual Enrollment
When determining whether or not your student should pursue dual enrollment, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons. Here’s an overview of some of the advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
1. Challenging Coursework
When students opt to take dual enrollment courses, they’re exposed to rigorous courses that aren’t typically offered in high school. Many students enter college undecided about what to study. So not only does dual enrollment assist with expanding their learning, it introduces them to courses that align with their interests. That could lead to students identifying their career choice or declaring a major early on.
Having access to higher-level classes can also help students set better academic goals. When they receive hands-on experience, they can use the skills learned in dual enrollment in their regular high school setting. Whether online school or brick-and-mortar, dual enrollment can assist students with staying organized and focused on their curriculum.
2. Cost-Effective
One of the biggest advantages of dual enrollment is the reduced price of higher education. With college tuition increasing over the past decades, dual enrollment courses provide the perfect opportunity to drive down your student’s out-of-pocket costs. If classes are offered through the high school your child attends, the fees for the courses are likely covered through the partnership. This allows students to get a taste of college with minimal financial burden—as a result, making college more attainable.
Dual enrollment courses are also beneficial for your student’s finances later down the line. It’s not uncommon for incoming freshmen to borrow money from student loans or other sources to cover the cost of their education and school-related expenses. By getting a head start on the classes needed to graduate college, participating in dual enrollment courses can help limit the amount of debt a student could potentially face.
3. Accelerated Education
Students who utilize dual enrollment are often able to graduate college earlier than anticipated. Since students begin earning college credit while still in high school, they can enter college with their prerequisites completed or halfway done. This shortens their graduation timeline and allows them more opportunities to explore electives and even double majors.
Students might also have more time to explore internships, social clubs, and volunteer work—all of which can help them identify their talents and make connections that will further their career
Disadvantages
1. Credits May Not Transfer
Students and parents need to research their options and talk with a school counselor before signing up for dual enrollment courses. While in most cases credits will transfer, there are some circumstances when they won’t. For example, if your student chooses to attend a private university, there is a chance that they might not accept the credit due to not being able to verify the merit of the classes.
Another reason an institution might not accept the credit is if it’s located out of state. In that case, it could be difficult for credits to transfer. Or the school may accept the credit, but not count it toward your student’s degree. Therefore, if your K–12 student is considering an out-of-state or private option, you might encourage them to take AP classes instead.
2. Greater Expectations
If your child attends virtual school, chances are they’re used to managing their education independently. Unlike traditional schools where the teacher is monitoring your student’s work by the hour, Connections Academy students will often complete assignments on their own without the physical presence of an instructor.
That said, your child’s ability to juggle a busy schedule should be considered before making a decision. Whether your student is in a traditional or online high school, figuring out how to alter their schedule could be a difficult task for them to take on.
Additionally, the coursework is more challenging, and students will be graded based on their performance. With that, students who choose to enroll in dual enrollment courses have to be committed to putting in extra work to complete assignments and receive a passing grade.
3. The College Experience
College is about so much more than a degree. It’s a time when students learn about themselves and discover their passions. Accelerating that process could cause your student to miss out on valuable college experiences that most students have in their first year.
For instance, if your student enters college with all of their prerequisite courses completed, they are less likely to have classes with similar-aged peers, which could impact their community connections. Additionally, they could miss out on relationship-building opportunities with professors who can potentially serve as mentors during college and beyond.
So, although dual enrollment courses can accelerate your student through college, they can result in the absence of important social opportunities and stepping stones that are useful for later in life.
Each student’s experience will be different with dual enrollment. And with 34% of students opting to take courses for college credit while in high school, there are certainly ways to make it work best for your family no matter what option you choose.
*AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
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