Dual Enrollment Pays Off—Here’s the Proof

Media Team. Oct 27, 2025

2 min read

More high school students than ever are earning college credit early—and research shows it’s a powerful head start.

At BYU Independent Study, we help students thrive in high school and beyond with flexible AP, CTE, and dual-enrollment courses they can take anytime, anywhere.

What is dual enrollment?
Students earn college credit while still in high school through:
AP courses — College-level curriculum with potential exam-based credit
CTE courses — Career exploration + workforce skills
University dual-enrollment courses — Real transcripted credit that transfers

The payoff is big. A new 2025 study from the Community College Research Center found that students who complete accelerated coursework—especially dual-enrollment classes—earn 27–40% more by their mid-20s than peers who don’t.

Even better: students who combine dual enrollment with AP or CTE options experience…
• Higher college completion rates
• Faster career and income growth
• Greater long-term academic success

BYU Independent Study makes it all possible
Students can:
• Learn at their own pace in online courses
• Receive free tutoring and academic support
• Earn real college credit that moves with them

When students gain college-level momentum early, they’re more confident, more prepared—and more likely to thrive after graduation.

Explore BYU Independent Study courses and help students get ahead today!