Illinois Dual Credit Student Enrollment Has Risen

More than 100,000 Illinois high school students are now taking college-level courses for credit.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration showing two graduation caps atop a stack of notebooks, representing Illinois dual credit enrollment growth. — Dual credit enrollment for Illinois high school students has surged by more than 9% annually since 2020, with over 100,000 students currently participating. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support high schools prioritizing college-level dual credit courses for students?

Dual credit enrollment in Illinois has climbed by over 9% annually since 2020, reaching a total of more than 100,000 participants. State mandates requiring college and career pathway endorsements have fueled this growth across the region.

Why it matters

The program allows students to save significant money on future college tuition while fulfilling state-mandated early credit requirements. Participation helps bridge the gap between secondary and higher education by aligning curricula.

Enrollment has grown from 67,000 students in 2020 to over 100,000 today, with some community colleges reporting that dual credit learners account for up to 40% of their earned credits. Students take 75% of these courses at their home high schools.

The players

College of DuPage

This community college serves nearly 11,000 dual credit students, making it the largest provider of these programs in the state.

Earlville High School

This institution has been featured in the state for its participation in the dual credit pilot programs.

The details

High schools partner with community colleges to offer nearly 300 different courses, with faculty coordinating to ensure syllabi and learning outcomes match collegiate standards. Students must earn at least six credit hours to meet state pathway endorsement requirements.

In 2020, approximately 67,000 Illinois students participated in dual credit programs.
Over the past four years, the number of partner schools for College of DuPage grew from 15 to 50.
During the current school year, more than 100,000 Illinois high schoolers are earning dual credits.
Over the next decade, the high school-age population in Illinois is expected to drop significantly.

Roadmap

This program expansion reflects a broader shift in secondary education where high schools and colleges integrate to lower the financial barrier to higher education. The growth follows the mandate set by Illinois College and Career Pathway Endorsements.

Families can significantly reduce total college tuition costs by completing mandatory credit hours during high school. Students should consult their school counselors to determine which of the 300 available courses are currently offered at their campus.

The takeaway

Students participating in these programs gain a head start on their degree path while minimizing out-of-pocket tuition expenses. Families should prioritize checking early college credit opportunities to maximize these cost-saving benefits before graduation.