Students saved $48.7 million in future tuition expenses
More students than ever are earning college credit during high school, thanks to a big jump in Concurrent Enrollment participation last year, according to a recent joint report from the Utah System of Higher Education and the Utah State Board of Education.
Utah high school students earned 268,357 credits in the 2017-18 school year, which is 34,731—and nearly 15%—more than the previous year. By earning these college credits through Concurrent Enrollment, students saved $48.7 million in future tuition expenses.
Dave Buhler, Commissioner of Higher Education, said, “Concurrent Enrollment is a wonderful way for high school students to experience the rigor of a college class and earn college credit while in high school. We are pleased record numbers of high school students are taking advantage of this low-cost option, as it helps them save on their education and be better prepared once they reach college.”
“We are proud of our educators who are encouraging more of their students to challenge themselves with college-level coursework,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson. “We know this will lead to more students entering and succeeding in higher education.”
More highlights from the report:
- The number of students participating in Concurrent Enrollment increased by 10.6%, from 32,849 in the 2016-17 school year to 36,335 in 2017-18.
- Credit earned towards general education courses saw the largest increase, with a 20.6% increase over the previous year.
- Weber State University and Utah Valley University had the highest number of enrollments and most credit earned.
This is on the heels of a recent report that showed Utah high school students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and earning college credit through the AP exam, increased as well. AP exam participation increased 1.4% from 2017, and students earning a 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams increased 1.6% to 68.6%, according to a report released by the College Board last week.
