In education, dual enrollment (enrolment) is where a student is enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in any two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon.

In secondary school

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Students enrolled in secondary school (called high school in the United States) may be dual enrolled at a local institution of higher learning, such as a community college or university. These students may take classes at either institution for credit toward their high school diploma. Some dual enrollment courses may result in college credit, but only if the participating student has already satisfied certain requirements for a high school diploma. Many state governments within the United States have recognized the benefit of dual enrollment and have consequently instructed their public universities to begin collaborating with local schools. Some private universities also participate.

Dual enrollment in both secondary school and college is advantageous to students because it allows them to get a head start on their college careers. Furthermore, it may ease the transition from high school to college.

In college

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Colleges may join together in leagues to allow their students to take courses at all of the member universities. These leagues, such as Five Colleges (Massachusetts), Seven Sisters (colleges), or Five Colleges of Ohio, allow students to benefit from the collective knowledge of all of the participating institutions. In general, there is no increase in tuition to participate in collegiate dual enrollment programs.

Within colleges, programs that coordinate the curriculum of dual major students are sometimes called dual enrollment programs. These programs allow the student to reap the benefits from both departments without having to take overlapping and unnecessary courses. Most universities have some degree of interdepartmental dual enrollment coordination.

Academic transfer | School terminology