What is Concurrent Enrollment? Guide to Requirements, Benefits, and Challenges for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

College is the typical next step after finishing high school. Once students go off to college, they will experience more freedom but will also be faced with far heftier courseloads and more complicated concepts to learn and apply. This tough transition lends to the 37% college dropout rate in four-year colleges and 67% dropout rate in two-year institutions (National Center for Education Statistics, 2021). As such, many students are unable to reap the benefits that the influence of college education has to offer. This is where preparing for college is of utmost importance.

Concurrent enrollment is among the methods that can smoothen the transition from high school to higher education as it lets students experience a slice of college while still finishing secondary education. Besides their high school curriculum, learners also take on a selection of classes provided by postsecondary institutions. Serving as a headstart, the experience acquaints learners with the rigors of college and how courses are administered.

To help you gain a more concrete idea of how this works, this guide will discuss what concurrent enrollment is. It also navigates the requirements and challenges that are commonly encountered with the arrangement. Moreover, the discussion below will elaborate on why concurrent enrollment is worth pursuing, to begin with.

What is Concurrent Enrollment Table of Contents

What is concurrent enrollment?
Requirements of Concurrent Enrollment
Reasons to Consider Concurrent Enrollment
How Does Concurrent Enrollment Enhance Career Readiness?
Concurrent Enrollment Challenges
Can Concurrent Enrollment Lay the Groundwork for a Competency Based Doctorate?
Can Concurrent Enrollment Pave the Way for Certification-Based Careers?
Can Concurrent Enrollment Impact Your Financial Aid Eligibility?
How to Find Concurrent Enrollment Programs
What skills can students develop through concurrent enrollment programs?
Can Self-Paced Online Courses Complement Your Concurrent Enrollment Experience?
Can Concurrent Enrollment Accelerate Your Career’s Earnings Potential?
Can Concurrent Enrollment Shape Your Future Advanced Degree Opportunities?

What is concurrent enrollment?

Concurrent enrollment is a program that allows high school students to be enrolled in a postsecondary institution to take college classes. These courses bear college and high school credits, potentially shortening the time spent by a student in college. Depending on the arrangement, the concurrent classes may be taught by college professors or college-approved high school teachers to ensure that the subject matter is on the postsecondary level (NACEP, n.d.). Moreover, the program is typically offered to high school juniors and seniors.

The typical coursework in this program includes English, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Humanities (Flynn, 2021), but the range of classes offered tends to vary per school district. Dual enrollments often last for one college semester as high school students take classes alongside college learners.

According to the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), 63% of postsecondary institutions believe that finishing concurrent enrollment programs improves the likelihood of students being admitted to college (Loveland, n.d.). While more recent figures on the success rate of concurrent enrollment programs on college admission are not available, the arrangement does offer a more comprehensive experience than what college entrance exam review centers provide.

As such, the latest concurrent enrollment statistics reveal that 78% of high schools in the United States offer at least one dual enrollment program (Gagnon, Liu, & Cherasaro, 2021). And when the search is confined to the REL Central states, namely Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, that figure jumps to 85%.

Some states have also reported increases in participation in these programs. In Colorado, the share of dual enrollment participants has leaped from 11% in A.Y. 2012-2013 to 19.2% in A.Y. 2019-2020 (Colorado Department of Higher Education, 2021). Meanwhile, there are states that reported a decrease, as the 37% drop in Boise among other locales, but it is likely due to COVID-19 (Villareal, 2021) and not the quality of the programs.

Types of Dual Enrollment Arrangements

Dual enrollment programs primarily differ in the location in which instruction takes place. In a study by The Aspen Institute (2020), it was discovered that 85% of college classes in dual enrollment programs took place in a high school campus, more than those administered on a college campus (17%) and online (8%).

Below are some of the types of dual enrollment arrangements:

High School Campus. College professors travel to high school campuses to conduct college classes.
College Campus. High school students travel to the college campus to take their classes.
Distance Learning. High school students take college classes and communicate with their professors online. The courses can be synchronous or asynchronous, depending on the college’s coursework.

Concurrent Enrollment vs Dual Enrollment

Is there a difference between concurrent enrollment vs dual enrollment? Not really. The terms are often used interchangeably as they allude to the same process. However, if one is to take the technical route, concurrent enrollment is defined as a mode of dual enrollment that pertains to taking college classes, administered in a secondary environment, simultaneously with high school classes (NACEP, n.d.).

Dual Enrollment vs Advanced Placement vs Double Credit

Dual enrollment programs can sometimes be confused with similar programs that also offer credit-bearing courses to high school learners—the Advanced Placement (AP) program and the double credit program. The three tend to differ in structure and/or duration. An AP covers an entire curriculum created by the College Board while both the dual enrollment and dual credit programs conduct classes that are offered by partner colleges and usually last for one semester. The programs can be extended; for some institutions, the extension is enough for a high school student to earn an associate degree (Utah Valley University, n.d.).

Furthermore, AP and dual enrollment programs are taken by high school students looking to gain college credits while dual credit participants aim to obtain high school and college credits (Hays CISD, n.d.).

Requirements of Concurrent Enrollment

Similar to academic scholarships, concurrent enrollment requirements revolve around grade point averages and standardized test scores to sieve eligible aspirants from a crowd of applicants. The grade requirements vary per institution and district, but it is safe to assume that concurrent enrollment programs require high marks. This ensures that the learners who will qualify have the capacity to absorb college-level courses.

The minimum grade requirements posted by the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education stand as a reliable basis for the marks a student has to achieve to be eligible. Other states have different ones but those are more or less in the same range as what Oklahoma schools adhere to. Some districts and high schools shoulder the costs or at least offer tuition waivers (Okcollegestart.org, 2021) for high school juniors and seniors who manage to enter a concurrent enrollment program.

Research University Requirements

GPA: 3.0 (unweighted), top 33.3%

SAT: 1,160

PSAT: 1,160

National ACT: 24

Pre-ACT: 24

Residual ACT: 24

Regional University Requirements

GPA: 3.0 (unweighted), top 50%

SAT: 1,030

PSAT: 1,030

National ACT: 20

Pre-ACT: 20

Residual ACT: 20

Community College Requirements

GPA: 3.0 (unweighted)

SAT: 990

PSAT: 990

National ACT: 19

Pre-ACT: 19

Residual ACT: 19

Private institutions have distinct terms and requirements, often posted on their websites. Interested parties are advised to check the information to know what grades they need to attain to qualify for concurrent enrollment. High school counselors can also help with admissions and in choosing the most suitable school for students.

Subject Requirements

Besides grade requirements for eligibility, colleges and universities may have requirements for certain courses. For instance, a student who scored well overall but had low marks in Science might not be allowed to take advanced classes at the postsecondary level. To be on the safe side, learners must achieve high standardized test scores across the board.

For subjects like Math, English, Science, and Reading, students must have earned a grade of at least 19 for each in the ACT or a score of 510 in the SAT to qualify (Okcollegestart.org, 2021). Colleges and universities are expected to furnish their own means of assessment like entrance exams to ascertain the abilities of applicants as well as determine the most appropriate coursework for each eligible aspirant.

Reasons to Consider Concurrent Enrollment

Concurrent enrollment brings in a host of clear advantages that can affect the course of a student’s college life and beyond. From attending course-bearing classes to a better understanding of the college experience, high school students will gain knowledge on how to smoothly transition from high school to higher education. This is only the tip of the iceberg regarding concurrent enrollment’s full range of benefits.

Earning College Credits

One of the foremost advantages of concurrent enrollments is that the classes bear college credits. For every subject completed, a course is removed from a student’s college curriculum, so much so that learners can potentially earn an associate degree while in high school. The program speeds up the time it takes to earn a diploma while vastly expanding a learner’s knowledge base, including the subjects taken up in high school.

As such, significant growth in the number of students participating in concurrent enrollments was seen in California. The share of students enrolled in dual enrollment programs increased from 11.3% in A.Y. 2015-2016 to 18.2% in A.Y. 2018-2019 (UC Davis Wheelhouse Institute, 2021).

Not all colleges and universities, however, accept credits from concurrent enrollments so students should explore their options well. High school dual enrollment counselors can help them in this regard since they know which institutions take in credits.

Reduction in Higher Education Expenses

Fewer college courses equate to lower costs as concurrent enrollment students are not required to take credited classes in college. So, how much exactly does one save? With dual enrollment, a class costs $0-$400 (Dalton, 2020) while the average cost per credit hour in a four-year college is $636 (Hanson, 2021). A class is usually worth three credit hours, which brings the total to $1,908. Therefore, the amount of savings for one class in a four-year college ranges from $1,508 to $1,908. If a student takes Science, Math, English, and Reading classes, the amount of savings jumps to $6,032-$7,632.

Furthermore, learners eligible for concurrent enrollment may qualify for merit-based grants and scholarships given the high-grade requirements of such programs. Obtaining these further drives down the costs of higher education, making college more accessible to low-income students and families.

Understanding College Classes and Lifestyles

Besides earning college credits, concurrent enrollment students will get acquainted and accustomed to how lessons are taught in college. The deeper approach to the subject matter might surprise students at first but they can consult with professors, college classmates, and counselors for help in handling the increase in difficulty. This could result in an improvement in study habits, which students can also apply in high school to get even higher marks or leverage when pursuing a double degree.

Outside academics, students can befriend college classmates and learn the ropes from their habits and lifestyles. This leads to worthwhile connections being forged and the familiarization of college norms and practices outside the classroom, which are essential for any college freshman.

All these spark the interest of concurrent enrollment students to pursue a college degree. In fact, they are 23% more likely to enroll in college right after finishing high school than those who did not take part in dual enrollment (Villareal, 2021).

Helps Students Pick a Major

A study by Ellucian (2019) reveals that 51% of students are not confident in their career path when they enter college. In addition, an equal percentage of learners end up shifting majors. This is perfectly understandable, considering how tough it is to make a life-changing decision at a young age. The problem is shifting majors extends one’s stay in college, therefore, pushing up expenses. Concurrent enrollment can help in this regard.

As students get to explore the coursework offered by various degrees, they will have first-hand experience on which courses suit their preferences, en route to making a decision, or at least shortlisting their options. If a student has the time and headspace to take on a full college load, they can even pick up an associate degree while still in high school, but that would be particularly difficult.

How Does Concurrent Enrollment Enhance Career Readiness?

Concurrent enrollment programs extend learning beyond academic credit—they equip students with a practical mindset and industry-relevant competencies that support future career success. Early exposure to college-level coursework refines critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that align with market demands. Moreover, these programs nurture professional behaviors such as time management, adaptability, and project execution, all essential for smooth transitions into the workforce. Pairing concurrent enrollment with focused educational pathways like 12 month certificate programs that pay well can further elevate a student’s readiness for high-demand career opportunities.

Concurrent Enrollment Challenges

Despite the numerous benefits of concurrent enrollment, it also has its share of challenges. At the end of the day, high school students have yet to adjust to the more rigorous study habits that college courses demand. And they have to fit their college classes into an already packed high school schedule.

Heavy Study Load

The academic demands of college might overwhelm high school students, which, in turn, could adversely affect their performance in both high school and the college classes they are taking. From the onset, 61% of teens admit to feeling a lot of pressure while 21% experience some pressure to get good grades (Horowitz & Graf, 2019), and adding a slew of complex college-level courses to their plate will not do their mental health too many favors. Some students will have to effectively expand their headspace and manage their time well if they are to cope with the compounded school requirements.

Moreover, the task of completing deliverables like assignments and projects can be punishing for students when the classes from the two schools demand these concurrently. They have to sacrifice a lot of time for other endeavors, particularly rest and leisure, should they wish to maintain high grades. Communicating with teachers, professors, and counselors can help lighten the load to a manageable level.

Rigorous and Conflicting Schedules

Besides the academic demands, students will have to deal with conflicting schedules, especially those who have to travel to another campus for concurrent enrollment classes. Simultaneous deadlines for college applications could have learners scrambling to a variety of locations just to submit assignments or participate in some projects, and sometimes meeting all those demands is impossible. After all, high school curricula come with rigid schedules and the addition of college classes makes matters exponentially more challenging. The travel time between campuses can also act as a huge impediment.

Again, communicating with college professors and the counselor can help in this regard. Professors already know who among the students are part of the concurrent enrollment program, so they can make reasonable adjustments to schoolwork and homework if the situation calls for them to do so.

Conflict in Credits

Not all post-secondary institutions recognize the credits from concurrent enrollment programs, Meanwhile, those that do so only accept them for certain courses. This is where the program’s counselors come in. They can guide high school students on which colleges and universities will accept the program’s credits in full. Furthermore, these professionals can aid learners with admission and academic requirements.

Even though public institutions are more likely to recognize concurrent enrollment credits than private ones, it is advisable for students to do research on the postsecondary institutions they wish to enroll in to ascertain the most viable options.

Less Time for Extracurricular Activities

Students who are active in or intend to join extracurricular clubs in school would likely take a more passive role if they participate in concurrent enrollment. The college workload, along with the travel time to a different campus, will occupy the space often relegated for extracurricular programs and other school activities. Dual enrollment will also take time away from high school friends as participants will have to simultaneously deal with assignments, schoolwork, and exams for both high school and college. To properly cope with stress, students need to establish new routines and manage their time well. They can ask for tips from counselors and their high school and college classmates.

Besides the given challenges, concurrent enrollment programs have more room for improvement. In the study “Determinants of Dual Enrollment Access: A National Examination of Institutional Context and State Policies" by Spencer and Maldonado (2021), it was revealed that “[Dual enrollment] Programs should consider ways to provide more services to support students. At the school level, administrators may need to improve outreach to parents—particularly those students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Schools could also ensure that their [dual enrollment] partnerships with local colleges feature orientation programs and campus visits for students and their families, which are suggested to improve the process of early college-going."

Can Concurrent Enrollment Lay the Groundwork for a Competency Based Doctorate?

Concurrent enrollment equips students with the self-directed learning, rigorous academic practice, and critical problem-solving skills that are essential for advanced study models. These programs introduce learners to the structure of college-level coursework and reinforce independent research and competency assessment—elements that are increasingly central to progressive education systems. By fostering early academic maturity and proficiency, concurrent enrollment can serve as a foundational step toward adapting to outcomes-driven learning environments, such as a competency based doctorate.

Can Concurrent Enrollment Pave the Way for Certification-Based Careers?

Concurrent enrollment programs can also serve as a strategic pathway to industry-recognized certifications, complementing academic learning with hands-on, market-ready skills. Student participation in dual enrollment courses sometimes opens access to specialized training modules and partnerships with local industry experts, ensuring that coursework aligns with real-world applications. Through this approach, learners gain exposure to technical competencies that are vital in fields where qualifications can be earned without a traditional degree. This dual focus helps students build a robust resume early on, equipping them to compete for roles in sectors that value practical certification, such as careers that only require a certificate. By balancing college credits with targeted certification programs, students not only deepen their academic foundation but also secure a competitive edge in rapidly evolving job markets.

Can Concurrent Enrollment Impact Your Financial Aid Eligibility?

Research indicates that while many concurrent enrollment programs are subsidized by high schools or local districts, students should verify with potential postsecondary institutions how these credits might influence financial aid packages. Some colleges may view dual credits as a reduction in total credit required toward graduation, which can affect the structure of loans or scholarship requirements. Additionally, specific financial aid programs have distinct criteria regarding course load and credit accumulation. Prospective students must review institutional policies and consult financial aid counselors to ensure that early college credits do not inadvertently limit eligibility for future educational funding. For those considering accelerated degree options, such as one year master degree programs, early financial planning in alignment with concurrent enrollment outcomes is essential.

How to Find Concurrent Enrollment Programs

Many institutions offer different types of concurrent enrollment programs across the United States, and searching for these is sometimes as easy as making an inquiry in school. After all, 88.98% of high schools in the country offer dual enrollment programs (NACEP, n.d.). The concurrent enrollment counselor can supply all the necessary information regarding applications, admissions, and the types of programs offered by college and university partners.

Students can also conduct their own research on the most ideal concurrent enrollment programs within their communities. Postsecondary institutions typically post their dual enrollment programs, policies, and credits on their website. As a supplemental reference, the Education Commission of the States released a list of dual and concurrent enrollment policies across 50 states in 2019.

If the high school a student is enrolled in does not offer dual enrollment programs, a learner can enter similar programs with college-bearing credits like Advanced Placement or dual credit. Taking the AP test costs $96 (College Board, 2021). Another option is the College Level Examination Program, which also affords college credits and can be taken during the summer at a local college or over the internet.

What skills can students develop through concurrent enrollment programs?

Concurrent enrollment programs not only offer students the advantage of earning college credits but also equip them with valuable skills that prepare them for future academic and career success. Here are some of the essential skills students gain from participating in concurrent enrollment:

Time Management: Juggling high school and college coursework requires effective time management skills. Students learn to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and allocate their time efficiently, which are crucial skills for college and the workplace.
Self-Discipline: With the added responsibility of college-level work, students in concurrent enrollment programs must practice self-discipline. This ability to focus and stay on task without constant supervision builds independence and accountability.
Academic Rigor and Critical Thinking: College courses often involve deeper analysis, research, and critical thinking compared to high school classes. Students develop analytical skills that help them evaluate information critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives.
Communication Skills: Interacting with college professors and classmates, both in-person and online, allows students to improve their verbal and written communication skills. This experience helps them become more confident in presenting ideas and participating in academic discussions.
Adaptability and Resilience: College coursework may present unexpected challenges, requiring students to adapt and find effective solutions. Developing resilience to handle academic pressure and learn from setbacks prepares students for similar challenges in the future.
Networking and Professionalism: Engaging with college-level peers and faculty provides early exposure to networking and fosters professional behavior. These connections can be beneficial for future internships, mentorships, and career opportunities.

Can Self-Paced Online Courses Complement Your Concurrent Enrollment Experience?

Leveraging self-paced online courses can provide a flexible supplement to the structured nature of concurrent enrollment. Students may use these courses to reinforce challenging subjects or explore new areas of interest that are not covered in their regular curricula, thereby enhancing their overall academic preparedness. This strategic combination can help individuals manage their workload more effectively while allowing them to tailor their study pace. Exploring quality options from accredited self-paced online colleges supports a diversified approach to learning and bolsters readiness for the demands of higher education.

Can Concurrent Enrollment Accelerate Your Career’s Earnings Potential?

Concurrent enrollment programs can provide a headstart not only in higher education but also in building a competitive career profile. By engaging in college-level coursework early, students develop advanced research, analytical, and communication skills that employers value across various industries. This early exposure often leads to more efficient career planning, as students can explore academic pathways aligned with high-return fields. In certain sectors, such as healthcare, the foundational skills honed through concurrent enrollment may open opportunities in roles that require less formal schooling, such as medical jobs that pay well with little schooling. Employers increasingly recognize the practical experience and perseverance demonstrated by students who manage both high school and college work, thereby potentially boosting their long-term earnings and career growth.

Can Concurrent Enrollment Shape Your Future Advanced Degree Opportunities?

Concurrent enrollment cultivates the analytical mindset and academic resilience that later translate into strong graduate school applications. By experiencing college rigor early, students develop research techniques, critical inquiry, and advanced study habits that improve their readiness for higher academic challenges. Such a foundation can ease the transition into specialized fields and competitive master’s programs, including the easiest master's degrees. This proactive preparation also signals to admissions committees a commitment to long-term educational success without duplicating earlier insights on cost-saving or skill acquisition.

Are concurrent enrollment programs worth it?

Based on the merits that define what is concurrent enrollment, entering a program is certainly worth any student’s while. Not only does it bear courses with college credit, concurrent enrollment vastly expands a student’s knowledge base as well. It prepares high school students for the lifestyle, subject depth, and study habits that higher education entails.

Moreover, concurrent enrollment significantly decreases college expenses since it shortens curricula. Depending on a program’s terms and credit coverage, students can potentially save thousands of dollars in college. They can also graduate faster than those who did not participate in a dual enrollment program. Students just need to learn how to manage their time and seek the advice of the program counselor to make the experience feel more rewarding than stressful.

Should you wish to know more about handy programs and the latest developments in colleges and universities, you can browse through our feature on the top trends in higher education. Like concurrent enrollment, the information it contains can help you become better prepared for college.

Key Insights

Concurrent Enrollment Overview: Concurrent enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses, earning both high school and college credits. This can shorten their time in college and provide a smoother transition from high school to higher education.
Participation Rates: As of recent statistics, 78% of high schools in the United States offer at least one dual enrollment program, with some states showing even higher participation rates.
Types of Programs: Dual enrollment programs can be conducted on high school campuses, college campuses, or online, with most courses currently being taught at high school campuses.
Eligibility Requirements: Requirements typically include a high GPA and standardized test scores, with specific thresholds varying by institution.
Advantages: Benefits include earning college credits, reducing higher education costs, better understanding of college classes and lifestyles, and helping students decide on a major.
Challenges: Challenges include heavy study loads, conflicting schedules, potential credit transfer issues, and reduced time for extracurricular activities.
Finding Programs: Information on concurrent enrollment programs can be obtained from high school counselors or directly from college and university websites.

FAQ

What is concurrent enrollment? Concurrent enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses, earning both high school and college credits simultaneously.
How does concurrent enrollment differ from dual enrollment? Concurrent enrollment is a type of dual enrollment where students take college classes at their high school, whereas dual enrollment can also include taking classes on college campuses or online.
What are the typical eligibility requirements for concurrent enrollment? Eligibility usually requires a high GPA and standardized test scores, though specific requirements vary by institution.
What are the benefits of participating in a concurrent enrollment program? Benefits include earning college credits, reducing college expenses, gaining familiarity with college-level coursework, and helping students decide on a major.
What challenges might students face in concurrent enrollment programs? Students might face heavy study loads, conflicting schedules, potential issues with credit transfer, and less time for extracurricular activities.
How can students find concurrent enrollment programs? Students can inquire with their high school counselors or research online on college and university websites to find available programs and their requirements.
Are concurrent enrollment credits accepted by all colleges? Not all colleges accept concurrent enrollment credits, so students should research and consult with counselors to ensure their credits will be recognized by their chosen postsecondary institutions.
How much can students save on college expenses through concurrent enrollment? Savings can vary, but taking concurrent enrollment courses can significantly reduce the cost of college tuition by earning credits at a lower cost compared to traditional college courses.
Can concurrent enrollment help students decide on a major? Yes, by exposing students to various college-level courses, concurrent enrollment can help them explore different fields and make more informed decisions about their major.
Is concurrent enrollment worth it for all students? Concurrent enrollment can be highly beneficial for motivated students who can handle the additional workload and are looking to get a head start on their college education.