1. Saves money for taxpayers by allowing students to take those core college courses which are also required for high school graduation only once.
2. Allows high school students to advance more quickly through the pipeline and graduate from college (i.e., enter the workforce) sooner.
3. Provides students greater flexibility and choice (dual credit vs. AP.) by expanding options for college-bound high students.
4. Rigorous, challenging, and engaging pedagogy is a good way to keep seniors from taking "easy" electives and losing their academic "edge." (Recall the "math gap" noted in colleges before the 4x4 model was implemented.)
5. "Studies show that dual credit increases the likelihood that a student will complete high school, and enroll in and persist in college." (THECB)
6. "Contributes to the goals of Closing the Gaps through greater participation and increased academic success." (THECB)
7. Significantly reduces the cost of higher education. GC tuition and fees are a fraction of the cost at four year schools.
8. Dual Credit courses allow students to better transition to the college life while still close to home.

Why Dual/Concurrent Enrollment?         

A recent study by the Community College Research Center shows that once in college, students who had taken dual enrollment courses received higher grade point averages (GPA) and persisted in completing a college credential at a rate greater than their peers. Unlike advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs, dual enrollment classes carry college credit and are not dependent on a particular score on a standardized testing instrument before a college will grant credit for the various courses taken in these programs.