Colleges push for growth in dual enrollment amid rising student numbers

Dual enrollment courses have gained attention as a valuable method for preparing high school students for college. These courses not only provide an early start on college credits but also help develop essential skills such as time management and critical thinking. According to a 2024 study by the Community College Research Center at Columbia University’s Teacher College, dual enrollment increased by 46 percent from 2015 to 2021 and another 18 percent from 2021 to 2023.

Despite the benefits, access to these courses remains challenging, particularly for students of color and those from low-income areas. State policies often require complicated exams or payment for classes, and some regions lack qualified teachers. John Fink, a senior research associate at Columbia's community college research center, notes that dual enrollment can save money and time while allowing students to explore advanced content before entering college.

The Columbia study found that low-income, Black, and Hispanic students are underrepresented in dual enrollment programs. Barriers vary by state; about half require payment for courses or passing standardized tests. Mindset and messaging also limit access as educational leaders may not prioritize outreach to underserved communities.

Bethany Usher of Radford University observed this trend among southwest Virginia schools where many students come from low-income households. High school instructors must have at least 18 graduate-level credits in their subject area to teach dual enrollment courses through a community college—a requirement many do not meet due to pedagogical-focused graduate degrees.

Radford University is working on expanding teacher certification programs with online classes targeting professionals with master's degrees. Agida Manizade mentions creative methods like sending kits for lab work preparation in ecology courses. The program aims to address knowledge gaps in local schools by coordinating with principals on subjects lacking certified teachers.

Experts emphasize focusing on crucial subjects like math, which has seen increased enrollment in dual enrollment over the past decade according to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). Olga Rodriguez of PPIC highlights that math courses often act as "gatekeeper classes" preventing degree completion if unpreparedness persists.

Efforts continue across states and districts promoting awareness about dual enrollment benefits starting as early as middle school education levels—embedding it into default high-school tracks could broaden accessibility beyond high achievers alone.

“There's continued investment in these programs in red and blue states,” says Fink regarding funding support across political lines while colleges reconsider staffing strategies given significant enrollments stemming from such initiatives focused both on acceleration strategies alongside enhancing overall access opportunities within higher education landscapes today.