Bridging Two Worlds: The Evolving Landscape of High School Dual Enrollment in American Higher Education

In early 2024, the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) conducted a comprehensive national benchmarking survey of high school dual enrollment (HSDE) practices at higher-education institutions in the United States. With expert input from the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, research examined current practices at 298 Title-IV degree-granting institutions. This represents a 16% response rate.

Findings reveal substantial growth in HSDE programs and overwhelming institutional confidence in their value. HSDE availability has increased markedly; 93% of responding institutions now offer these programs, compared to 78% in 2016. Ninety-eight percent of institutions represented accept HSDE credit in transfer, demonstrating broad recognition of the academic validity of these credits. Institutional perspectives on HSDE’s.

The 2024 benchmark data reveal HSDE is a well-established, increasingly integrated component of American higher education. Ninety-three percent of institutions offer HSDE programs, and 98% accept HSDE credit in transfer. Most institutions employ multiple delivery methods and offer courses both at high schools and on college campuses. They are also expanding access to online and hybrid formats to increase accessibility. Research demonstrates widespread institutional confidence in HSDE’s academic value and strategic importance. Quality assurance is a clear priority; 96% of institutions have implemented formal measures.

Additionally, institutions are moving beyond viewing HSDE as just early college credit. More than 66% map HSDE coursework directly to degree plans, and 59% offer structured credential pathways, ranging from certificates to associate degrees. HSDE has become a mainstream educational practice; continued attention to accessibility, equity and learner support is crucial for maximizing its potential impact on learner success. Significant opportunities remain for enhancing HSDE programs. While 88% of institutions discount tuition, 51% report fees continue to create barriers for some learners. Less than 50% of institutions analyze HSDE demographics to identify