Dual Credit Courses, Growing in Popularity

TYLER — Alba-Golden Senior Jaselyn Riley will be getting two diplomas in May. She graduates from high school and will receive an associate’s degree from Tyler Junior College. She, like a growing number of students, are taking dual credit courses. A record number of students are registered in dual credit courses at TJC. It hit 2,033 this semester. And not only academic courses, but technology courses are available as well.

Dr. Tam Nannen, TJC assistant vice president for academic affairs says the courses are growing in popularity because students see the advantages. They see how, in the long run, they will not only save time, but also save money. And she stresses that a student needs to be focused because dual credit courses are really college courses and are more rigorous than their high school courses.

Research shows that students who enroll for dual credit in high school are more likely to complete a high school diploma. To take it a step further, students who begin their associate’s degree in high school are more likely to complete a college program of study. And even beyond that, students who complete an associate’s degree are more likely to complete a four-year degree.

Translating that into jobs and future earnings, students who complete a certificate or degree are more likely to be hired and less likely to become unemployed; and associate’s degree graduates will earn about $500,000 more over their lifetime than those with no post-high school degree or certificate.