How Dual Enrollment Helped Me Save Time and Money on My Path to Graduate School

Taking AP classes and dual enrollment courses at my local community college during high school was one of the best decisions I ever made. These programs allowed me to bypass core courses like English 101 and College Algebra, saving both time and money. As a result, I graduated from Rutgers University a semester early, giving me extra time to focus on preparing for graduate school applications and scholarships. This early preparation proved invaluable, as it helped me secure funding that allowed me to attend graduate school for free.

However, I recognize that access to these programs is not always equitable. Some schools lack the funding or awareness to support dual enrollment opportunities, and students from lower-income backgrounds may face challenges such as transportation issues, textbook costs, or difficulty navigating the enrollment process.

To make dual enrollment more accessible, schools should increase outreach efforts, provide financial support for hidden costs, and strengthen partnerships with local colleges. Ensuring that all students—regardless of income or background—have access to these programs is essential. Additionally, better promotion of these opportunities can help students and their families understand the long-term benefits, ultimately making higher education more attainable and affordable for everyone.

Asante, Akua, NY