The Power of Community College Dual Enrollment: A Roadmap to Student Success in Nebraska

Education is the cornerstone of opportunity, and in Nebraska, community college Dual Enrollment has emerged as a game-changer for high school students. By allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school, Dual Enrollment not only accelerates academic achievement but also fosters long-term success in higher education and beyond. 

For the past five years, Nebraska community colleges have been a driving force in supporting Nebraska’s students by offering Dual Enrollment classes at low or no cost tuition. Two key funding allocations have made this possible:  $3 million from the State of Nebraska’s general fund and a $5 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These funds have enabled Metropolitan Community College and Nebraska’s five other community colleges to expand Dual Enrollment opportunities. However, with ARPA funding set to expire on June 30, 2025, the future of this critical program depends on continued investment. 

Dual Enrollment Boosts Graduation and College Enrollment Rates 

The statistics speak for themselves: 

• High school graduation rates for Dual Enrollment students stand at an impressive 99.1%, compared to 83.1% for non-dual credit earners. 

• College enrollment rates also show a significant difference, with 87.6% of Dual Enrollment students continuing their education, versus 60.8% of their peers. 

• 87.2% of Dual Enrollment students stay close to home and enroll in Nebraska colleges.  

By reducing the barriers between high school and college, Dual Enrollment ensures students are better prepared, more confident and more likely to pursue higher education. 

Persistence and Graduation: The Lasting Impact of Dual Enrollment 

The benefits of Dual Enrollment extend beyond just starting college, they help students persist and graduate. At two-year colleges, 81% of Dual Enrollment students return for their second year, compared to just 67% of non-dual credit earners. This shows that early exposure to college coursework builds resilience and determination in students. 

Affordability: Making College More Accessible 

A major advantage of Nebraska’s Dual Enrollment program is affordability. Some community colleges, such as Metropolitan Community College and Northeast Community College, offer Dual Enrollment tuition-free, while others provide courses at a reduced cost. 

Since making Dual Enrollment tuition-free, the MCC student participation has more than doubled, rising from 4,000 students pre-COVID to nearly 9,000 today. While state funding covers approximately 45% of the tuition, the remaining expenses are shared by community colleges, high schools, donors and business partners. This collaborative approach ensures that students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to quality education. 

Flexibility: Tailoring Dual Enrollment to Student Needs 

Each community college in Nebraska has the ability to adjust its Dual Enrollment program to fit the needs of its students. This flexibility allows schools to create pathways that work best for their communities, ensuring that more students can take advantage of this incredible opportunity. A standout example of Dual Enrollment’s impact is the partnership between MCC and Millard South High School. In the 2023-24 school year alone, 677 Millard South students took advantage of Dual Enrollment opportunities, with 148 students achieving a significant milestone — earning both a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously. 

A Bright Future for Nebraska’s Workforce 

In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature approved LR335, which set an ambitious but crucial goal: by 2030, at least 70% of 25- to 34-year-olds should hold a degree, certificate, diploma or other postsecondary credential with economic value. Dual Enrollment plays a key role in achieving this target by providing an early jumpstart on higher education. 

This program isn’t just about academics, it’s about economic mobility, workforce development and creating a stronger Nebraska. By ensuring that all students have access to Dual Enrollment, Nebraska is investing in a skilled, educated workforce ready to meet the demands of the future. 

Dual Enrollment Career Academies have become an integral part of offering hands-on learning experiences in high-demand industries such as healthcare and skilled trades. These academies equip students with the practical skills needed to enter the workforce immediately while also laying a strong foundation for further education. 

Metropolitan Community College’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities is exemplified by its recent partnership with Fremont High School to establish the Career and Technical Education Center. This modern facility, launched in 2024, is designed to provide students with industry-aligned training in high-wage, high-demand career fields, facilitating a seamless transition from education to employment. 

Support LB173 to Sustain Dual Enrollment 

To ensure the continued success of Nebraska’s Dual Enrollment programs, we urge lawmakers and community members to support LB173. This bill seeks to provide sustained tuition support for Dual Enrollment programs, allowing all Nebraska high school students to continue accessing these invaluable courses at low to no cost. Investing in Dual Enrollment means investing in Nebraska’s future workforce, economic growth and student success.  

*The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the guest writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Platte Institute.