Dual enrollment programs may benefit everyone. The U.S. government estimates that U.S. college graduates generate an average of $5,900 more in tax revenues annually than high school graduates. This is because college graduates tend to earn higher incomes and society in general benefits from their economic contribution. The increase in tax revenue benefits public programs including colleges and universities. Of course the most immediate financial benefit is often seen by high school students and their families. Dual enrollment programs commonly offer reduced tuition or even free tuition to participants, potentially saving students up to two years in tuition expenses.
High school students who have earned dual enrollment college credits enter college with a head start. This shortens their time to college graduation and degree obtainment. Students have often taken prerequisites and core requirements, allowing them to enter college with a better idea of what they want to study and get a degree in. Incoming college students may even have enough credits earned while in high school that they can immediately begin studying in the major content area.
Students who have taken college credits while in high school are often better prepared for college because they have already had a taste of it. These students are familiar with the structure and content of college level courses and have experience in studying at a college level. College coursework in high school provides valuable experience, sets expectations for future college coursework and develops skills that improve students' academic performance in high school coursework as well. This can help students raise their high school grade point average and increase their college admissions competitiveness.
The transition for dual enrollment students from high school to college is often easier. High school students have taken college classes while still in the high school environment, making the move to college life much smoother. Dual enrollment breaks down the steps in the transition process, allowing students to adapt to the increased requirement of college classes before adapting to an increase in responsibility that comes with adulthood.