College in High School

Dual Enrollment
Dual Credit
Early College
Middle College

These are all terms for programs that allow high school students to explore post-high school life and career opportunities while still enrolled in high school. 

Dual enrollment is the umbrella term for these programs. Early and middle colleges are specific types of dual enrollment programs that combine high school and college into a single educational unit.

Dual enrollment is sometimes misunderstood as only suitable for gifted high school students. That is not accurate. Dual enrollment programs offer real and lasting advantages to all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Research shows that students from all backgrounds who participate in dual enrollment programs have increased academic, career and financial success. They are more likely to graduate high school, more likely to earn a college degree or professional career certification after high school.

Maryland high school students have dual enrollment opportunities in both academic and career-focused training fields and these courses are now tuition-free. Our community colleges provide 97%* of the dual enrollment opportunities in the state.

* MLDS Dual Enrollment Report 2022

Dual Enrollment

Most dual enrollment students continue at their high school but take college-level course(s) that simultaneously earn both high school and college credit. College classes may happen in a variety of settings, including at high schools and on college campuses. Dual enrollment provides a valuable chance for high school students to explore college opportunities while still enrolled in the familiar high school environment.

Early College

Early and middle college students earn their high school diplomas at the same time as they earn their associate degrees or transferable college credits. Students in early college programs do not attend a typical high school. Instead, they attend their early college program, or early college high school program, full-time usually on a college campus.

Links to each community college’s dual enrollment and early college programs are below.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment and Early College Programs

Research shows Dual Enrollment Students: 

  • Are more likely to graduate from high school,
  • Are more likely to attend and complete college programs,
  • Are better prepared for college, both academically and socially,
  • Develop greater academic confidence, and
  • Save $100s – $1000s on college tuition.

For ALL students, Not Just High Achievers 
Research confirms that dual enrollment and early college programs can improve academic outcomes for students who are:

  • Non-native English speakers,
  • From underrepresented ethnic and economic backgrounds,
  • Academically-challenged.
Source: Dual Enrollment: Increasing College Access and Success Through Opportunities to Earn College Credits in High School, College Completion Strategy Guide, MDRC.org, July 2022.

Earning College Credit while in High School

  • Provides a significant head start on college and career
  • Increases college affordability
  • Reduces student debt
  • Improves high school graduation rates
  • Increases college completion rates

97% of Maryland’s high school students participating in dual enrollment programs are doing so at their local community college.*


* MLDS Dual Enrollment Report 2022

Pie chart dual enrollment

Dual enrollment at Maryland’s community colleges has grown
exponentially in the last 10 years.

Maryland high school students have dual enrollment opportunities in both academic and career-focused training fields and these courses are now tuition-free. Our community colleges provide 97%* of the dual enrollment opportunities in the state.

Black female student in bio laboratory

Hispanic female student apprentice and engineer checking conditioner cooling tower HVAC

Black male teen student using laptop at college library.

Links to Dual Enrollment Programs at Maryland’s Community Colleges

Early College High School Programs with Maryland’s Community Colleges

Early / Middle College programs provide early college access as stand-alone high schools within community colleges.
Students simultaneously earn a high school diploma, and either an associate degree, or up to 60 transferable college credits.

 

Allegany College of Maryland
P-TECH Pennsylvania

Baltimore City Community College
P-TECH Early College High Schools

Cecil College
Early College Academy

Community College of Baltimore County
P-TECH Early College High School – Dundalk
P-TECH Early College High School – Owlings Mills

Hagerstown Community College
Early College Degree Program

Harford Community College
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)

Howard Community College
Early College
Early College: Cybersecurity

Montgomery College
Early College
Middle College at Clarksburg, Northwest and Northwood high schools

Prince George’s Community College
All Programs