The Impact of Dual Enrollment Participation in First-Year Retention Rates in U.S. Four-Year Institutions

• In Event: Research In Progress Roundtable Session 5
  In Invited Roundtable: Insights in the Student Experience in Higher Education: First-Year Retention, Speaking Anxiety, and Social Justice Commitments (Table 15)

Abstract

Dual enrollment programs, enabling high school students to take college-level courses, are increasingly popular for enhancing college readiness. However, institutional-level evidence linking dual enrollment participation to critical outcomes like first-year retention rates remains limited. This study examines whether higher dual enrollment participation rates in U.S. four-year institutions are associated with improved first-year retention using Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data. With multiple regression analysis and literature review, preliminary findings suggest that institutions with robust dual enrollment programs experience higher retention rates, moderated by selectivity and student demographics. Results provide actionable insights for policymakers to optimize dual enrollment strategies.

Authors

• Asmaa Almutairi, university of florida

• Chan Lu, University of Georgia