Illinois Community College Board report highlights College of DuPage as leader in dual credit enrollment

The latest report released by the Illinois Community College Board shines a spotlight on College of DuPage as a front-runner in dual credit enrollment and underscores the positive impact dual credit programs have on student success.

According to the report, among Illinois’ 48 community colleges, COD had the highest dual credit enrollment in fiscal year 2023 with 7,391 actively enrolled students.

Furthermore, since 2019, COD has experienced a 28% increase in enrollment in its dual credit program, demonstrating the institution’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for students.

“Being recognized as a leader in dual credit enrollment by the Illinois Community College Board is a testament to COD’s unwavering dedication to educational excellence and student success,” said COD President Brian Caputo. “COD’s dual credit program exemplifies our commitment to providing innovative educational pathways for students in our community.”

Serving more than two dozen high schools in DuPage County, COD’s dual credit program allows qualified high school students to enroll in a college-level course and upon successful course completion, earn both college and high school credit.

These courses are taught at partner high schools during the regular school day by certified high school teachers who are also credentialed by COD as dual credit.

By taking dual credit courses, students are able to get a jump-start on earning free college credit while still in high school, said COD English professor and dual credit faculty coordinator Tim Henningsen.

“Dual credit offers students a dual benefit: not only do they kick-start their progress toward a college degree, but they also do so at no out-of-pocket cost to them,” Henningsen said. “It’s an incredible opportunity, both academically and financially.”

The ICCB report also highlights the significant impact of dual credit participation on student success. High school students who engage in dual credit coursework demonstrate notably higher rates of completion and advancement within community colleges compared to their peers who do not participate in such programs.

“This trend reflects the growing recognition of dual credit programs as valuable pathways for high school students to gain college-level experience and accelerate their academic journeys,” Henningsen said.

Learn more about the dual credit program at COD at www.cod.edu/academics/.