what is dual enrollment in high school

Dual enrollment in high school is a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn credit for both their high school diploma and a college degree simultaneously. These courses can be taken either on a college campus, online, or sometimes even at the high school itself if the program offers it there. The credits earned usually count toward graduation requirements in high school as well as toward a college degree, helping students get a head start on college education. The program typically involves a collaboration between the high school and a local college, university, or community college. Students usually need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as maintaining a specific GPA or passing placement tests, to enroll in dual enrollment courses. The courses are college-level, so they prepare students for the academic demands of higher education while they are still in high school. Benefits of dual enrollment include saving time and money on college tuition, better preparing students for college-level work, expanding academic options, enhancing college applications, and providing early exposure to the college environment. Dual enrollment can be a cost- effective way to earn college credits and accelerate educational progress. In summary, dual enrollment allows high school students to effectively start college early by earning credits that apply to both high school and college, making the transition to college smoother and potentially shortening the time and cost to earn a college degree.