New CPE report finds dual credit increases the likelihood of postsecondary enrollment

April 21, 2026

According to a new report by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), the likelihood of dual credit participants enrolling in college directly after high school is 72%, compared to just 53% for non-participants. Additionally, each successive dual credit course makes postsecondary enrollment more likely.

“This report quantifies what we’ve long suspected—that providing opportunities to earn college credit while in high school motivates students to pursue postsecondary education,” said Aaron Thompson, CPE President. “Exposing students to dual credit demystifies the college experience and lets them know they have what it takes to succeed at the next level.”

The report examines the types of dual credit courses most associated with postsecondary enrollment. Courses taught by high school teachers, either on a high school or college campus, produce a higher likelihood of postsecondary enrollment than courses taught by college professors (online or in-person).

“Interestingly, the report shows that dual credit is most effective when it maintains some continuity with high school,” says Chris Ledford, CPE’s Director of Data and Advanced Analytics and the report’s lead author. “This finding has implications for policymakers and school leaders, suggesting that dual credit courses that blend college exposure with high school instruction and support are most effective.”

The full report can be accessed at http://cpe.ky.gov/data/publications.