Dual credit enrollment soars in Kentucky

VERSAILLES, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky Community and Technical College System is continuing to invest in the future of the Commonwealth by offering dual credit courses at many high schools.

The courses allow for students to get college credits while still in high school.

The executive director of credentialing strategies, Harmony Little, said in fall 2024, they saw a more than 12% increase with over 29,000 students enrolled in the courses, saving nearly $15 million.

“It is insane to think about. And I think families are really paying attention that it’s a great deal. I mean, KCTCs already has the lowest tuition in our state for all of our students. So then to be able to lower that by 50% for dual credit, obviously not everybody can pay out of pocket for that,” she said.

Little said because scholarships pay for two courses for junior and senior years, she said the courses are for everyone.

“But we see across the board that every student that engages with dual credit has a higher likelihood of going to college, whatever that means, right? Not everybody needs a four-year degree. You can get a certificate with us that leads to a job. You can get an associate degree with us that leads to a job,” Little explained.