Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges of Dual Credit

HIGHER EDUCATION FACES a number of interrelated challenges, including underprepared students, limited access, high costs, and relatively low degree completion rates. These issues are particularly vexing because addressing one concern often leads to unintended consequences that affect the others. Policymakers and educators have attempted a range of structural and programmatic solutions, but so far the results continue to disappoint. The 6-year college graduation rate for first-time students hovers around 55%. Further, degree completion disparities exist when comparing students by race and ethnicity, class, and gender.