Students take a mix of high school- and college-level courses, shortening the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and one to two years of college coursework. "For every class you can take in high school, that's one less class you are financing down the road," said Chad McGuire, director of Post's High School Academy. These programs are not restricted to high school students on a specific, and often accelerated, academic track, as many AP classes are. Where dual enrollment falls shortNearly two-thirds of community college dual enrollment students nationally were from low- or middle-income families, according to a 2017 study from the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. Of those students, 88% continued on to college after high school, and most earned a degree within six years.

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Persons: Chad McGuire, McGuire, They're, Martha Parham Organizations: National Student Clearinghouse Research, University's High School Academy, Post's High School Academy, American Association of Community Colleges, Community College Research Center, Columbia University Locations: Waterbury , Connecticut