Work

Employment and Earnings Outcomes for Dual Enrollment Participants

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Dual enrollment, or college courses taken in high school, is an increasingly common strategy to expand access to postsecondary education, thereby improving workforce outcomes. This study looks at the relationship between participation in two dual enrollment pathways—one providing access to courses that transfer to 4-year institution and one focused on career and technical education—and workforce outcomes. Linking K-12, postsecondary, and Unemployment Insurance data, the study uses a propensity score weighting approach. Results show that both pathways had statistically significant positive associations with employment, annual earnings, and cumulative earnings, with results differing by type of pathway and by subgroup.

Source: Educational Policy

DOI: 10.1177/08959048261500087

Authors: Julie A. Edmunds, Brian Phillips, Christine Mulhern

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, RAND Corporation

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education Research Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Institute of Education Sciences