North Carolina Students Earned College Credits via Program

The statewide Career and College Promise initiative enabled 95,000 students to complete coursework in 2024-25.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a graduation cap sitting on a stack of thick tomes, representing student academic advancement. — North Carolina's Career and College Promise initiative enabled 95,000 high school students to earn college credits during the 2024-25 school year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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During the 2024-25 school year, 95,000 North Carolina students participated in dual enrollment programs, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school. This initiative, built on the Career and College Promise program established in 2011, serves as a pathway for students to reduce future tuition costs.

Why it matters

The program strengthens connections between education and high-demand sectors like healthcare and biotechnology. By earning credentials early, students potentially improve their long-term earning power and gain a head start on professional careers.

In 2024-25, 95,000 students participated in dual enrollment, with 59 percent selecting the College Transfer pathway. Meanwhile, Career and Technical Education graduates saw 14 percent higher cumulative wages over seven years, compared to 7 percent for transfer students.

The players

Durham Public Schools

This local school district is currently pursuing a goal to have one-quarter of its graduates hold college credentials by 2028.

Bloomberg Philanthropies

This organization provided a 29 million dollar grant to support the Durham Early College of Health Sciences.

Duke Health

This health system plans to hire at least 60 students who graduate from the Durham Early College of Health Sciences.

The details

Students utilize six terms of eligibility, including 11th and 12th grade plus two summers, to complete college coursework through partnerships between high schools and community colleges. Local efforts like those in Durham are pushing to expand these opportunities, with Durham Public Schools aiming for 25 percent of graduates to hold college credentials by 2028.

North Carolina launched the dual enrollment program in 1983.
The General Assembly established the Career and College Promise program in 2011.
95,000 students participated in dual enrollment during the 2024-25 school year.
Durham Public Schools set a goal for graduates to hold credentials by 2028.

Culture Shift

The expansion of dual enrollment reflects a broader societal move toward integrating vocational and academic training into secondary education. This shift positions the Career and College Promise program as a primary driver in preparing students for high-wage industries earlier than legacy models allowed.

Students and families in North Carolina can leverage these partnerships to significantly lower the financial burden of future higher education tuition. By participating in these programs, students may also secure a competitive advantage in the local labor market before finishing high school.

The takeaway

Early access to college coursework provides a proven financial incentive for families by reducing the total cost of degree completion. Students should consult with their high school counselors to map out the specific terms of eligibility for their chosen academic pathway.