College Success Starts Early
Dual enrollment creates structured pathways for students to experience college-level work, accumulate credits, and develop skills needed for postsecondary success while reducing time and financial costs to complete degrees, particularly for students who didn’t believe college was an option.
College Readiness
Many students lack confidence, skills, or resources to succeed in postsecondary education
Access Barriers
Traditional college preparation focuses on admission rather than success once enrolled
Completion Gaps
Significant enrollment and completion disparities exist for underrepresented populations
Proof Points
Dual enrollment levels the playing field by providing college experience within supportive high school environments while creating pipelines of college-ready students.
- Dual enrollment participants complete bachelor’s degrees average of 1.4 years faster saving $14,500
- Students are 2.5 times more likely to enroll in college immediately after high school
- 12% higher degree completion likelihood with 18% higher completion among first-generation students
- 85% conversion rate from dual enrollment to full college enrollment in effective programs
NOVA’s “Pathways to Baccalaureate” program provides comprehensive support for first-generation and underrepresented students, including specialized orientation, peer mentoring, and career counseling designed to help students navigate both high school and college expectations. NOVA saw 22% higher second-year persistence rates among dual enrollment participants, with 1.8-year average reduction in time to degree completion and significant cost savings for families.
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
Benefits
Dual enrollment creates pathways for college success while building stronger community partnerships and providing students with early college experience that improves their likelihood of completion.
Early Success
Students gain college experience and confidence before high school graduation
Reduced Costs
Accelerated degree completion saves time and money for students and families
Ease of Access
Programs can significantly reduce college enrollment gaps for historically excluded student population.
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