Dual enrollment is a tricky topic in today's educational world. In recent years dual enrollment has exploded in popularity among high school students and their parents, due in part to legislation which makes it so accessible. While many students and their parents clamor to take as many DE classes as possible, the question must be raised as to whether dual enrollment is really the best option. This post will explore dual enrollment and its application in Christian schools.
What is Dual-Enrollment?
Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to enroll in and receive credit for college courses. Often, students are able to "substitute" these courses for their standard high school courses and simultaneously receive credit toward their high school diploma and college degree. Many colleges and universities have invested in dual-enrollment programs, offering reduced or no fees on these courses, believing that these courses can serve as a means for getting students to continue with them.
The Pros of Dual-Enrollment
When done correctly, dual-enrollment programs can offer many benefits to students and their families.
The courses offer students an introduction to a college course load.
Students can knock out many of their freshman prerequisite courses through dual enrollment in their junior and senior years of high school.
Highly motivated students can complete the equivalent of an associate's degree by the time they graduate high school.
Community colleges within the UNC school system typically offer dual enrollment courses for free.
The Cons of Dual-Enrollment
While dual-enrollment courses seem like a free and easy way to get college credit, high school students and their parents must be aware of certain "cons" before diving in headfirst.
The transition to college courses can be difficult for many students.
Not all dual-enrollment programs are created equal. Courses taken through a community college often fall well below the rigor and challenge of a standard college-preparatory class at a Christian school.
If taking classes from a secular college, students will not be receiving instruction from a biblical perspective. Science courses, for instance, will teach evolution as the standard view of man's origin as opposed to Creation.
DE courses take students out of the classroom with their teacher and classmates.
Dual-enrollment credit acceptance varies by college. Many dual-enrollment courses may not be accepted at certain colleges and universities, especially if out-of-state.
Myths about Dual-Enrollment
Despite the wealth of information available about dual enrollment, myths abound that cause confusion among high school students and their parents. First, many believe that DE courses are automatically more rigorous than high school classes. This is not necessarily the case and depends entirely on the institution through which the course is taken. Data has shown, for instance, that courses taken through a community college do not prepare students as well as a college-prep or honors-level course. The second major myth is that many students think they are behind if they don't take DE classes. In most situations, this is absolutely not the case. DE credits, especially if taken at a community college, do not increase your chance of college acceptance. The third major myth surrounding dual enrollment courses is that they will boost your high school GPA. This one is only partially a myth and is dependent upon the college: courses taken through a community college will likely not help your GPA, while courses taken through a 4-year college or university will likely be more impactful.
Who Is Dual Enrollment Right For?
While I have described many "cons" to dual enrollment for a Christian school student, dual enrollment may very well be the right option for students in a few different situations. First, families who will struggle to pay for college may be wise to enroll their students in dual-enrollment courses. Second, students who plan to enter a field that requires additional years of college may find it appealing to complete many of the lower-level courses while still in high school. Third, students who have high aspirations to get accepted into certain high-level programs may be able to challenge themselves and round out their high school transcripts by taking higher-level dual enrollment courses through a university.
Is There a Better Option?
Dual enrollment is not right for every student in every situation. I do believe that dual enrollment can be a great help to many families, but my recommendation is to use moderation. Parents who allow their Christian school students to load up on community college DE courses in their junior and senior years of high school may be sacrificing the biblical worldview training they would receive in their regular classes. While dual enrollment courses taken through NC community colleges are free, parents must be mindful of the give and take that comes with substituting these courses for their standard high school classes. Additionally, because of the evidence showing that community college courses do not prepare students as well as even standard high school courses, I would only recommend students take classes through a community college for financial reasons. For students who would like to take dual enrollment courses and have the means to pay a little extra, I would recommend enrolling in a Christian college or university that has a dual-enrollment program (CCU has a good and affordable one: https://www.ccu.edu/academy/dual-enrollment/courses/).
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