Let’s expand dual enrollment and invest in Arizona’s students
A proven strategy for student success
At Helios Education Foundation, we believe every Arizona student deserves the opportunity to succeed in college and career—and dual enrollment is one of the most effective tools to help make that happen.
Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses, earning both high school and college credit at the same time. It accelerates the path to higher education, builds student confidence, and reduces the time and cost it takes to complete a college degree or credential. In other words, it works—and our data proves it.
What is dual enrollment?
Research from Helios shows students who take dual enrollment courses are more than twice as likely to attend college. Once enrolled, they’re more likely to stay in school, earn higher GPAs, and ultimately complete postsecondary degrees. These benefits are more pronounced for Latino, low-income, male, and special education students.
These advanced courses not only offers students a preview of college-level rigor—it helps them see that a college degree is attainable and worth pursuing. And yet, despite all the clear benefits, access and opportunity remain inequitable.
Today, nearly half of Arizona high schools do not offer dual enrollment courses. Fewer than 25% of Arizona students graduate having taken at least one dual enrollment course.
Participation remains especially low among Latino, Black, and low-income students. In many rural and low-income areas, dual enrollment is simply not offered, leaving entire communities of promising young people without this opportunity.
Dual enrollment participation is on the rise
In 2023, the Governor and Legislature made dual enrollment a priority in Arizona by approving funding to:
- Help students pay for dual enrollment courses,
- Provide incentives for teachers to become certified to teach dual enrollment courses, and
- Expand the Arizona Teachers Academy to provide the coursework for that certification.
These investments made a real difference. In FY 2024, nearly 26,000 Arizona high school students participated in a dual enrollment course, up from 17,500 the year prior. That’s a significant and promising sign of progress.
But those state dollars were one-time funds. Without renewed state support, we risk losing the momentum we’ve built. Continued investment is critical if we want this upward trend to last—and to reach the students who need it most.
A smart investment for Arizona
We’re encouraged that the Governor’s Executive Budget proposal for FY 2026 includes an additional one-time investment of $3 million from the General Fund to support the Dual Enrollment Student Development Program. This new funding would:
- Give high school students the opportunity to earn community college credits, so that their time in high school counts toward their future degree;
- Increase the affordability and accessibility of a postsecondary education, reducing cost burdens for families; and
- Support the operational expenses of delivering dual enrollment courses in Arizona schools, including faculty certification, materials, and administrative coordination.
These are exactly the kinds of strategic, targeted investments Arizona must make if we’re serious about increasing postsecondary attainment and supporting a strong economy. We’ve shared this same message with lawmakers to encourage support from both the Governor’s Office and Legislature in the final state budget package.
What students are saying about dual enrollment
Members of the Arizona State Board Student Advisory Panel recently focused their efforts on dual enrollment and shared their personal experiences during a presentation to the Arizona State Board of Education.
Students described how these courses helped them prepare for college, earn credits and save money.
One student said, “Dual enrollment has been useful to me as a way to get college preparation and receive 30+ credit hours that can be used post-high school.” A homeschooled student described how the challenge of college-level classes helped her grow academically and stay engaged, ultimately earning 20 credit hours in subjects like math, computer science, and English.
But not all students have access. As one student noted, “My school has no structure for dual enrollment. Students don’t know it’s even an option.” Another added that in rural areas, access is often limited by a shortage of qualified teachers, reliable transportation, and lack of internet.
Students also offered recommendations to expand access—like removing tuition costs, starting outreach earlier in high school, and sharing information in multiple languages to improve awareness. Many of these recommendations mirror Helios’ research and support for state funding for dual enrollment.
We can’t meet Arizona’s goals without dual enrollment
Arizona has committed to the Achieve60AZ goal of ensuring that 60% of working-age adults hold a postsecondary degree, certificate or license by 2030. Today, we’re at just 49%, according to the Arizona Education Progress Meter.
Even more concerning, less than a third of Arizona high school graduates complete a college degree or certificate program within six years, according to the Arizona Board of Regents. Meanwhile, the state is facing an annual shortfall of more than 26,300 bachelor’s degrees needed to meet future workforce demands.
These aren’t just statistics. They represent young Arizonans who risk missing out on education and economic opportunities unless we take action.
Dual enrollment must be part of the solution. It not only prepares students for college—it reduces college costs, supports degree completion, and helps build a more equitable and prosperous Arizona.
Now is the time to act
We’re now in the thick of budget negotiations, and it’s critical that the Governor’s Office and Legislature approve the $3 million reinvestment in dual enrollment.
Doing so would send a strong message: Arizona believes in its students. It would show families across the state—no matter where they live or how much they earn—that their children can start college early, save money on tuition, and graduate high school already carrying college credits.
Now is the time to act. Let’s approve this funding for dual enrollment and put more Arizona students on a path to postsecondary success.
Dual Enrollment Resources:
Learn more about the importance of dual enrollment and how Arizona teachers can earn dual enrollment certification: