Fewer than half of states have comprehensive standards for dual enrollment, report finds |
A new report from the National Association of Concurrent Enrollment Programs (NACEP) finds that while dual enrollment programs are expanding rapidly across the U.S., many states lack consistent and comprehensive policies to ensure their quality and effectiveness. The report shows that only 18 states have “holistic” quality frameworks in place, while 22 states have partial policies and 10 states, plus Washington, D.C., have none at all, leaving students in what NACEP describes as a “quality lottery,” where program experiences vary significantly depending on local capacity and partnerships. Current policies often focus narrowly on course rigor, overlooking broader factors such as student readiness, academic support, advising, and alignment with future education or career pathways. NACEP highlights the key pillars of quality, rigor, readiness, and relevance, but warns that many programs are treated as add-ons rather than integrated components of education systems, leading to inconsistent outcomes. The report also notes that few states clearly define the purpose of dual enrollment, whether to improve college access, reduce costs, or support career pathways, resulting in misaligned funding, design, and performance. The organization is urging states to take a more strategic approach by clarifying program goals, embedding quality standards into legislation, strengthening collaboration between K–12 and higher education institutions, and ensuring that growth in participation is matched by meaningful student outcomes.
