College Credit in High School

College in high school programs — programs that allow students to earn college credit through taking college courses offered in partnership between institutions of higher education and high schools — introduce postsecondary options to students early. When students have access to college courses in high school, they are more likely to persist in college and earn a degree. Yet too few students have access to these programs, particularly students of color — especially Black, Latinx, and Native American students, and those from low-income backgrounds. 

Our Equity-Centered Approach

We work alongside our partners from the New York Equity Coalition to champion policies that provide equitable access to college credit in high school. We advocate at the state and district level to ensure programs center equity and are accountable to both student performance and postsecondary success. That starts with removing barriers to access for students of color and from low-income backgrounds while increasing data transparency about the access to and outcomes of college credit in high school programs — also known as early college and dual enrollment programs.

Latest Resource

Your Guide to College Credit in High School in New York

This resource guide educates parents and caregivers about college credit in high school programs and how these opportunities can help students save time and money in the future. It explains the different types of programs available — like dual enrollment, early college, and P-TECH — and what families should know to support their students. The guide also offers tips on questions to ask schools and how to make sure college credits will count after high school.
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Data Snapshot

Only

%

of young people in New York City report having access to dual enrollment courses.

*EdTrust-New York Poll, 2022

In New York

%

of students from low-income backgrounds who took early college courses in high school graduated college in four years, compared to only 23% of their peers.

*NY4ECP Report, 2024

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