I still remember staring at the dual enrollment form for Chabot College and wondering whether I belonged in a college classroom.
As a first-generation college student, one of the greatest barriers I faced was not academic ability or even financial concerns, it was the uncertainty of entering a space that felt completely unfamiliar. College was something I hoped to achieve one day, but not something I truly believed was within reach. I had never stepped into a college classroom, nor did I know anyone who could prepare me for what to expect. That quiet self-doubt created a barrier long before I encountered any practical ones.
Looking back, dual enrollment helped break down that barrier.
When people talk about dual enrollment, the conversation often centers on college credit accumulation, accelerated degree completion, or saving money. While those outcomes are important, they do not fully capture the impact dual enrollment can have on first-generation students. For many of us, dual enrollment is not simply an opportunity to earn credits early, it is often our first opportunity to see ourselves as college students.
One of the biggest lessons I learned from overcoming impostor syndrome is that many students count themselves out before they are ever given the chance to succeed. As first-generation students, we often enter new spaces questioning whether we belong there in the first place. We hesitate before we even begin.
Dual enrollment challenges that mindset early.
By stepping into a college classroom while still in high school, students gain more than college credits, they gain confidence. Dual enrollment allows students to see themselves as capable of succeeding in higher education, transforming college from an abstract goal into a realistic possibility. This is especially important for first-generation students, who often face unfamiliar systems and expectations without the benefit of family experience. By providing early exposure to college-level coursework and campus culture, dual enrollment helps students build confidence, navigate higher education more effectively, and envision opportunities they may not have previously considered.
The benefits are also reflected in the data. According to Complete College America, students who participate in dual enrollment are 2.5 times more likely to enroll in college immediately after high school. They are also 12 percent more likely to complete a degree, with first-generation students experiencing an 18 percent increase in degree completion rates. Additionally, dual enrollment participants complete bachelor's degrees an average of 1.4 years faster, saving approximately $14,500 in educational costs.
These outcomes reinforce an important reality: when students gain confidence, accumulate credits, and begin to see themselves as college students, they are more likely to persist through the challenges and continue their educational journeys.
Community colleges play a particularly important role in making this possible. For many students, community colleges serve as an accessible bridge between high school and higher education. Community colleges provide rigorous academic opportunities while also maintaining a student-centered environment that supports growth and exploration. For first-generation students especially, community colleges play a critical role in helping students navigate the transition into higher education.
The success of dual enrollment should prompt policymakers to view it as more than an academic acceleration strategy. While reducing the cost and time required to earn a degree remains an important benefit, the broader value of dual enrollment lies in its ability to expand access to higher education and create opportunities for students who may not otherwise see themselves on a college pathway.
Yet access to high-quality dual enrollment opportunities remains uneven. A student's ability to participate often depends on where they live, the resources available at their high school, and the strength of partnerships between local school districts and community colleges. Too many students still face barriers related to transportation, advising, course availability, or credit transferability.
Addressing these disparities requires more than simply expanding the number of available courses. Policymakers should prioritize sustainable funding models that allow community colleges and school districts to build strong dual enrollment partnerships, expand advising and student support services, and reduce logistical barriers that prevent students from participating. States should also strengthen transfer agreements so that students can be confident the credits they earn will apply toward future degree pathways. Expanding access is important, but ensuring that students can fully benefit from the opportunity is equally critical.
These investments matter because the value of dual enrollment extends far beyond the credits students earn. As I reflect on my own experience, I often think about how different my educational journey might have looked without dual enrollment. Beyond the transferable credits, the most valuable thing I gained was confidence. It was proof that I could succeed in a college classroom and that the future I wanted for myself was actually possible.
For first-generation students, dual enrollment does more than provide an early start on college. It helps break down mental barriers, creates momentum toward long-term success, and allows students to envision themselves in spaces they may have once believed were out of reach.
When policymakers invest in high-quality dual enrollment programs, they are investing in more than academic outcomes. They are investing in students who may only need one opportunity to realize they belong.
Rachel Fryer is ACCT's Spring 2026 Intern
