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National Center for Education Statistics</a>, colleges absorb most of the costs. It’s a great way for them to get high school students on campus in hopes that they’ll finish out their college degree there. </p>
<p>Even if the cost of the class(es) is free, you might face other expenses:</p>
<ul>
<li>Application fees</li>
<li>Transportation costs</li>
<li>Parking pass costs</li>
<li>Books and supplies</li>
</ul>
<p>As a dual-enrolled student, you aren’t eligible for federal financial aid, but your high school or the college might help you out. For example, <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/college/valencia-college">Valencia College</a> in Orlando, Florida waives the application fee and gives homeschool students a $300 allotment per semester to purchase textbooks. Public school students in Valencia’s dual enrollment program receive a book voucher from their high school.</p>
<p><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/high-school-dual-enrollment-guide.jpg" alt="High School Dual Enrollment Guide" width="400" height="250" /></p>
<h2>What are the Benefits of Dual Enrollment Programs?</h2>
<p>There are many benefits of dual enrollment programs. Here are some of the big ones:</p>
<h4>Saves You Money</h4>
<p>The more credits you enter college with through dual enrollment, AP classes, and <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/how-clep-exams-work">CLEP Exams</a>, the sooner you can graduate. Graduating a year early could save you an average of <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://trends.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/2017-trends-in-college-pricing_0.pdf">$9,970 to $34,740</a>. These numbers are based on the average cost of college tuition at four-year public colleges and four-year private colleges, respectively. That doesn’t include room and board costs, which range from an average of $<a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://trends.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/2017-trends-in-college-pricing_0.pdf">10,800 to $12,210</a> per year.</p>
<h4>Boosts Your College Resume</h4>
<p>Strength of curriculum ranks high on the list of <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/what-do-college-admissions-counslors-look-for">factors that college admissions counselors consider when evaluating applicants</a>. Students who succeed in dual enrollment classes will have an edge over other applicants that took less rigorous course loads.</p>
<h4>More Course Options</h4>
<p>Most high school dual enrollment programs let you choose any course as long as it meets high school graduation requirements. That gives you much flexibility. Instead of taking Spanish or French to meet a foreign language graduation requirement, you could take Chinese or American Sign Language. Instead of a generic computer course, you could take Graphic Design I or Intro to Computer Programming. Taking niche courses like these can help you explore your interests and narrow down your major choices.</p>
<h4>Head Start on College</h4>
<p>College is a lot different than high school. Dual enrolled high school students get to experience these differences before going all in. A student who take classes on campus especially benefit. You can learn about the different resources available to college students, adjust to the course load, and build relationships with professors. Plus, you’ll get a head start on your college coursework, making it easier for you to pursue a <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/what-is-a-minor-in-college">minor or <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/Double-Major-Pros-Cons-and-Other-Things-to-Consider">double major</a> down the road. </p>
<h4>You’re More Likely to Graduate</h4>
<p>According to the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/press-releases/new-research-graduation-rates-dual-enrollment.html">dual enrolled high school students are more likely to graduate high school</a>. Not only that, but they’re also more likely to go on to college and complete a college degree. This is pretty significant given the decline in college graduation rates over the past few years.</p>
<h2>What Should I Consider Before Signing Up for Dual Enrollment?</h2>
<p>The benefits of dual enrollment programs are great, but there are still a few things you should consider before signing up: </p>
<ul>
<li>Just like with <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/the-benefits-of-AP-classes">AP classes</a>, dual enrollment isn’t for everyone. The classes go on your academic record, so you need to be sure you can handle the extra work.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Missing a college class is a much bigger deal than missing a day of high school. If you frequently miss school or don’t have reliable transportation, taking an on-campus college class probably isn’t right for you. Consider an online dual enrollment opportunity instead.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dual-enrolled high school students need to choose their classes wisely. Colleges won’t be impressed by an aspiring doctor who takes a weightlifting class at the college-level. They may wonder why you didn’t go with a science class.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>College credits don’t always transfer the way you’d like them too. This is especially true if you end up going to a niche school to study music or the arts. Speak with the colleges you’re interested in before choosing your classes to ensure that as many credits as possible will transfer.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>It’s tempting to leave high school life behind and take on a full course load of dual enrollment classes. The only trouble there is that colleges still like to see well-rounded students. Don’t give up on your extracurriculars, leadership positions, or <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/benefits-of-volunteering-in-high-school">volunteer service in high school</a> just to squeeze in more classes.</li>
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