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This page will provide resources and guidance for schools, students, and families to understand and successfully engage in Concurrent Enrollment opportunities. It will include information on how concurrent enrollment works, how students can access and participate in college-level courses while in high school, and the roles schools and partners play in supporting student success. The page will also highlight best practices, planning tools, and support resources to help students earn college credit, reduce the cost of postsecondary education, and make informed decisions about their academic and career pathways.
The Concurrent and Dual Enrollment page on the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) website explains Colorado’s Concurrent Enrollment program, which allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn both college and high school credit simultaneously, often with tuition covered by the school district. It provides statewide information for students, families, and educators about how the program works, eligibility (open to 9th–12th graders with academic plan approval), cooperative agreements between local education providers and institutions of higher education, policy and statutory context, and links to additional resources, reports, data, and support tools to help stakeholders understand and implement concurrent enrollment opportunities in Colorado.
How it Works
How it Works
Eligibility: Open to 9th-12th graders with academic plan approval and meeting college course prerequisites.
Application: Students apply through their school district, getting approval from their high school counselor or administration.
Course Selection: Choose courses that count for both high school and college, often general education or career-focused, that apply to a degree/certificate.
Tuition: The state or district generally covers tuition, making it free for students/families, and credits apply to the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF).
Credit Transfer: Credits are typically guaranteed to transfer to any Colorado public college, fulfilling high school graduation requirements and building a college transcript.
Location: Courses can be on a high school campus (taught by approved teachers) or a college campus, sometimes full-time or part-time
Key Benefits
Jumpstart College: Earn college credits early, potentially finishing a degree faster.
Save Money: Avoid paying for introductory college courses.
Increased Success: CE students are more likely to attend and graduate from college on time
Roles of Schools & Partners in Student Success
Roles of Schools & Partners in Student Success
School Counselors: Guide course selection, help with applications, and connect students with career paths.
Teachers: Provide differentiated instruction, blending high school support with college-level rigor.
Colleges/Partners: Adapt programs, ensure course quality, and sometimes offer financial assistance (e.g., funding for tuition).
Support Systems: Early College models offer intensive support, while broader programs can build college belonging and self-efficacy, crucial for success
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