Bridging High School and College via Dual Enrollment
As families and students chart the path from secondary education to higher learning, dual enrollment is emerging as one of the most effective strategies to bridge high school and college. By allowing motivated students to earn college credits while still in high school, dual enrollment can reduce tuition costs, accelerate graduation, and strengthen academic readiness.
In 2025, amid rising college costs and concerns about time-to-degree, dual enrollment programs remain a compelling option for students who aim to maximize every high school learning opportunity.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment (sometimes called 鈥渄ual credit,鈥 鈥渃oncurrent enrollment,鈥 or 鈥渆arly college鈥) allows high school students to take college-level courses and receive both high school and college credit simultaneously. These courses may be offered on a college campus, online, or taught at the high school by credentialed instructors.
Variants include:
Early college or middle college models 鈥 students attend a separate program or campus blending high school and college full time.
Running Start / dual credit programs 鈥 students take one or more college courses while still enrolled in traditional high school. (For example, the 鈥淩unning Start鈥 program is well-known in several U.S. states.)
Why Dual Enrollment Matters in 2025
1. Cost Savings & Return on Investment
One of the most tangible benefits is financial.
