Rewriting the path to college: why dual enrollment is essential for today’s learners

Dual enrollment is gaining momentum as a powerful bridge between high school and college—offering students earlier access to higher education, reduced costs and greater confidence in their academic future.

At Arizona State University, Accelerate ASU has become one of the largest university-led dual enrollment efforts in the nation, with more than 60 online, transferable college courses taught by ASU faculty. The program is designed for maximum flexibility and equity: no GPA or transcript requirements and no applications. Students only choose to transcript a course if they’re satisfied with the outcome. This can significantly reduce both time and financial barriers to earning a degree. It also gives students a head start on academic confidence, helping them feel like they belong in college-level spaces.

This kind of model is especially impactful for first-generation students and schools serving historically marginalized communities. Students can now move forward with a clearer sense of what’s possible after high school.

Access to college courses in high school is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Dual enrollment, especially when thoughtfully integrated and accessible, is one of the most effective tools for increasing college readiness and economic mobility.

Learn more about how ASU is expanding access to college through Accelerate ASU’s barrier-free dual enrollment model.