Concurrent Enrollment Programs: Predicting the Likelihood of Entering and Completing College

• In Event: Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Using Large-Scale Data Systems to Examine Equity Issues in P-16 Schooling

Abstract

Many hypothesize that expanding access to concurrent enrollment will increase the likelihood that students enter and complete college, particularly for low-income students who are at lower odds of earning a degree. This research includes the records of 17,996 high school graduates linked with National Student Clearinghouse records. Although underrepresented in accelerated programs overall, this study found concurrent enrollment figures prominently among accelerated program options for low-income students. Findings demonstrate a positive, statistically significant relationship between concurrent enrollment and college outcomes. That is, the odds of being admitted to college are four times greater, for entering college immediately after high school are two times greater, and for graduating college are five times greater. Each of these analyses controls for income status.

Author

• Pamela R. Buckley, University of Colorado - Boulder