Dual Enrollment Bridge: Save Time & Cost in High School–College

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 “dual credit,” “concurrent enrollment,” or “early college”) 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 — students attend a separate program or campus blending high school and college full time. mdacc.org

• Running Start / dual credit programs — students take one or more college courses while still enrolled in traditional high school. (For example, the “Running Start” 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. Every college credit earned in high school can reduce the number of credits students need to pay for in college. In fact, studies suggest that each dollar invested in dual credit returns approximately $1.18 in savings through reduced time in college and earlier workforce entry. College in High School Alliance

2. Accelerated Graduation

Students who accrue dual enrollment credits often enter college with a head start on general education or major requirements. Some graduate from college in three years rather than four, or complete associate degrees by high school graduation. sallie.com+1

3. Improved College Access & Success

Recent research from the Community College Research Center reports that students who take one or more dual enrollment courses are more likely to apply to—and be admitted by—selective colleges. Underrepresented students, in particular, benefit: each dual enrollment credit increased the likelihood of applying to four-year institutions by about 15.6 percent among Black students. Inside Higher Ed

Moreover, dual enrollees more often receive grants or scholarships and at higher values than their peers. Inside Higher Ed

4. Smoother Academic Transition

Because dual enrollment introduces students to college rigor earlier, it builds confidence and helps hone study skills, time management, and self-advocacy.

5. State & Institutional Support Growth

As of 2024, 39 U.S. states had passed new laws or policies expanding dual enrollment. College in High School Alliance Many colleges now partner directly with school districts to offer tuition-free or subsidized dual credit options. mdacc.org+1

How Policy and Practice Align

For example, Maryland offers nearly tuition-free dual enrollment in community colleges, making these programs accessible to a broad range of students. mdacc.org

Challenges & Considerations

1. Credit Transfer Uncertainty
Not all colleges accept dual enrollment credits, or they may only count them as electives. Students and counselors need to verify articulation agreements in advance.

2. Student Readiness
Dual courses are more demanding. Without maturity, work habits, and academic support, some students may struggle under the heavier load.

3. Resource & Capacity Constraints
Some school districts and colleges lack the faculty, infrastructure, or funding to scale dual enrollment effectively.

4. Equity & Access
If not carefully managed, dual enrollment can exacerbate inequities—if advanced students disproportionately benefit due to early awareness or access.

5. Scheduling & Logistics
Coordinating high school and college calendars (transportation, class times) can be a practical hurdle.

Recommendations for Schools, Districts & Policymakers

• Establish clear credit transfer pathways between high school course catalogs and postsecondary curricula, ensuring dual enrollment credits seamlessly count toward college degrees.

• Prioritize equity by intentionally recruiting underrepresented students, providing wraparound support (tutoring, advising, transportation), and subsidizing cost barriers.

• Build partnerships between K–12 and higher education institutions to align courses, calendars, and student supports.

• Train high school teachers for dual enrollment delivery, or jointly employ faculty who understand both secondary and postsecondary standards.

• Monitor outcomes longitudinally, tracking graduation rates, college persistence, and cost savings to validate program impact.

A 2025 Example: Momentum in Action

In Houston, the HISD district dramatically expanded its OnRamps dual enrollment collaboration with the University of Texas. During the 2023–2024 year, participation catapulted nearly 280%, from 941 to over 3,500 students. Concurrently, credits awarded jumped from 504 to 2,260—demonstrating that scaling dual enrollment is possible when policy, funding, and collaboration align.

Meanwhile, in North Carolina, the state’s Career and College Promise (CCP) program continues to offer free dual enrollment to eligible high schoolers. Immigrant students, in particular, gain a pathway to college credits despite restrictions on federal aid.

These examples reflect a broader trend: jurisdictions are increasingly viewing dual enrollment not as a niche offering, but as essential infrastructure in the high school–college bridge.

Best Practices: Maximizing Dual Enrollment for Students

1. Start early, with planning.
   Sophomores and juniors should explore which college-level courses align with their interests and future majors.

2. Balance rigor and capacity.
   Take 1–2 courses at first; resist overloading until confident.

3. Verify credit articulation.
   Before enrolling, ensure that the target colleges will accept those credits toward a degree.

4. Use supports proactively.
   Access tutoring, advising, and time-management training.

5. Document course equivalencies.
   Keep syllabi, grading rubrics, and transcripts handy for college admissions or appeals.

Conclusion

In 2025, with college costs continuing to climb and degree timelines under pressure, dual enrollment offers one of the most efficient and equitable bridges between high school and college. For students, it means saving time, reducing debt, and gaining confidence in college-level work. For families, it offers a high return on investment. For education systems, it strengthens alignment between K–12 and higher ed, and accelerates state attainment goals.

When deployed thoughtfully—with strong transfer agreements, equitable access, and support systems—dual enrollment becomes more than just a trickle of advanced students. It becomes a cornerstone strategy in redesigning the pathway from high school graduation to degree completion for all learners.