News and Research on Dual/Concurrent Enrollment

Dual and concurrent enrollment programs are partnerships between high schools and postsecondary institutions, through which qualified students earn college credits before graduating from high school. During the 2010-2011 school year, more than 1.2 million U.S. students took these courses, representing annual growth of over 7 percent a year since 2002.

In addition to earning low-cost college credits, students receive college-related benefits. Academic research and state data suggest that high school students in concurrent enrollment programs:

  • are more likely to meet college-readiness benchmarks;
  • achieve a lower likelihood of college placement into remedial English or math;
  • attain higher four- and six-year college completion rates; and
  • accomplish a shorter average time to bachelor’s degree completion for those completing in six years or less.

You can learn more about these programs by accessing the resources listed below. 

The Benefits of College in High School Programs (June 2021)

This is a fact sheet released by The College in High School Alliance, an umbrella organization over NACEP and others.  It contains general information about CHS programs. Read more »

Colorado Case Study (March 2021)
This study shows Concurrent Enrollment to be highly effective in increasing college graduation for high school students in Colorado. The sample includes students across different demographics and academic abilities. Read more »

From the College in High School Alliance (December 2020) 
Recommendations for the Biden-Harris Administration to Support Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment & Early College High Schools Read more »

Dual or Concurrent Enrollment in Public Schools in the United States (December 2020)
Released by IES at US Department of Education, this report explores the relationship between program funding and availability of dual/concurrent enrollment in public schools by both community type  and the school’s percentage of FRPL students (Free or Reduced Price Lunch). Read more »

The Dual Enrollment Playbook: A Guide to Equitable Acceleration for Students (October 2020)
Access the highlights 
View the full Playbook

NACEP High School Guide (September 2019)
A district and high school guide to launching and managing concurrent enrollment Read more »

Earning College Credits in High School: Options, Participation, and Outcomes for Oregon Students (March 2017)

This is a study of accelerated college credit options at public colleges in Oregon and the students who enroll in them. Oregon has many accelerated college credit options available through. Read more »

Characteristics and postsecondary pathways of students who participate in acceleration program in Minnesota (February 2017)

This study examined the 2011 cohort of Minnesota public high school graduates who participated in acceleration programs, which allow students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit for advanced coursework. Participants had better college outcomes than did nonparticipants, regardless of whether they were awarded college credit. Read more »

Dual Enrollment Courses in Kentucky: High School Students' Participation and Completion Rates (June 2016)

This descriptive research examines participation in and completion of dual enrollment courses in Kentucky after the passage state legislation increased access to postsecondary education for high school students. About 20% of 11 and 12 grade students pursued dual enrollment opportunities. Findings raise important questions for practitioners about differential course participation rates for students of different race/ethnicities, genders, and family incomes. Read more »

50-State Comparison: Dual/Concurrent Enrollment Policies (March 2016)

Education Commission of the States has researched dual/concurrent enrollment policies in all states to provide this comprehensive resource. Read more »