As more Colorado students take college-level classes, a report says it’s time to make improvements

About 40% of Colorado's community college enrollment is made up of high school students earning college credits, part of a nationwide trend of younger students enrolling in college-level courses. A recent report from the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University highlights that growth does not guarantee program quality, and states should reassess policies to better support high school students who are dual enrolled in college courses.

Colorado lawmakers established the concurrent enrollment program in 2009, allowing high school students to take college courses and earn credits that transfer to four-year or two-year universities, potentially saving them tuition costs. Colorado also offers online options, with the number of dual-enrolled students increasing by over 3,000 students since the previous fall, reaching 40,000 in fall 2025.

Despite this growth, Bobby Pace, provost and vice president of academic success at the Colorado Community College System, notes that there is room for improvement. The report provides five areas for strengthening dual enrollment, such as enhancing academic, financial, and career advising support, tracking student data more effectively, and ensuring credits earned align with students' interests.

Pace emphasizes the need to move beyond "random acts of dual enrollment" and focus on programs that help students graduate with the necessary credentials for college and career success. The Colorado Department of Education has implemented some of the report's recommendations, aiming for every high school student to engage in at least one college class, earn 12 college credits, or participate in a work-based learning opportunity before graduation.

However, the report also reveals that Colorado ranks among states with low funding for dual enrollment programs, leaving some students responsible for paying additional costs like books and fees. Additionally, racial and socioeconomic disparities have emerged in participation rates, indicating a need for improved student support resources at the district and college levels.