I was chatting with some fellow high school moms the other day. They talked about if their teen should sign up for dual enrollment and how to even go about starting the program, as some colleges are 100% virtual right now.
If you’re new to dual enrollment, it’s a program in which your teen can take college courses while still in high school. Many states offer this program under a variety of names, such as Jumpstart, Concurrent Enrollment, or Running Start. While it’s a great way for high schoolers to get a head start on earning college credits, the program is not for everyone. Here are the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Dual enrollment can save you money on college costs. It’s a great way to help lower tuition costs. Tuition and textbook costs are typically 100% covered through the program. With college tuition costs being $20,000 a year on average, dual enrollment can be a big lifesaver in reducing that amount. You could possibly save an entire semester’s worth of tuition and fees. This would be a great option for students who are looking into careers that require more than four years of education.
Cons
Even though your teen is still in high school, they will be treated like a college student. This means you won’t get emails from the teacher stating your teen isn’t showing up for class or they are behind on assignments. Nor will the professor answer your calls and emails asking how your teen is doing. I know of a parent whose teen didn’t show up for class almost the entire semester. Of course, the student failed the class, and the parent ended up having to pay for it.
How do you decide if dual enrollment is right for your teen?
1. Download my Dual Enrollment Considerations Checklist. It provides questions to help you determine if your teen has the right mindset to take college courses in high school.
2. Go to my blog and read other insights I share about dual enrollment.
3. Work with your high school guidance counselor. They are your go-to source for the application process, requirements, and scheduling.
If you’d like to talk through the dual enrollment program and process, schedule a complimentary strategy session with me here.