Chicago Public Schools Spotlight Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Programming

Chicago Public Schools Spotlight Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Programming

The District celebrates record growth by highlighting stronger outcomes for Black and Latinx students, career pathways, and providing cost-effective educational outcomes for CPS families.

CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools (CPS) celebrated record participation and success in its nationally recognized dual credit and dual enrollment programs, which continue to expand rigorous college-level opportunities for students across the city. These programs are driving stronger outcomes for Black and Latinx students, and providing families with meaningful cost-effective savings as students earn college credit at no cost.

“The fact that so many District students are taking advantage of college courses while finishing their high school academic journeys is proof of what happens when robust educational options provide successful postsecondary outcomes,” said Dr. Macquline King, Interim CEO/Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools. “Students see their peers earning college credit, and they want to participate. That momentum matters.”

Advancing Success: Together We Rise 2029

Central to the District's Success 2029: Together We Rise strategic plan, Dual credit and dual enrollment are part of a broader suite of early college and career opportunities designed to prepare students for life after graduation. These programs – alongside Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Programmes, the State Seal of Biliteracy, Career and Technical Education, internships, and Junior ROTC – support the District’s goal of increasing the percentage of graduates who earn advanced course credits from 49 percent in 2024 to 70 percent by 2029. In 2025, 56.3 percent of CPS graduates reached that milestone, underscoring the growing number of students who are taking advantage of rigorous pathways that build confidence and momentum. The District also monitors college enrollment and persistence, as well as scholarships earned, to ensure that students are not only ready for college and career, but successfully navigating those next steps.

The Class of 2025 achieved several historic milestones:

211 graduating seniors earned both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

More than 1,000 graduates successfully completed 15 or more transferable college credits, the equivalent of a full semester of college coursework.

A 21.4 percent increase in students earning 15 or more college credits compared to 2024.

80 District high schools earned milestone recognition for early college achievement – a 21.3 percent increase from last year. In total, more than 6,600 students earned more than 66,000 early college credits, representing an estimated $10 million in tuition savings for CPS families – the highest in District history.

Together, these outcomes tell a compelling story that CPS has been lifting up throughout November and December: students have more opportunities than ever to challenge themselves academically, explore their interests, and earn meaningful credentials before graduation. Last month, CPS celebrated record AP gains; today, the District is spotlighting dual credit and dual enrollment to show how all of these pathways work together to build strong, confident graduates who are ready for what comes next.

How Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Expand College Opportunities for CPS Students

Dual credit and dual enrollment programs give CPS students meaningful opportunities to experience college-level coursework, strengthen their academic confidence, and reduce college costs long before graduation. Through partnerships with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), and a growing network of higher education institutions – including Chicago State University, University of Illinois-Chicago, Illinois Tech, Loyola University, Northeastern Illinois University, National Louis University, University of Chicago, DeVry University – students can earn transferable college credits at no cost to families.

Dual enrollment allows juniors and seniors to take college courses on a participating higher education campus or online, giving them access to college libraries, labs and student support. Students can explore subjects from biology and business to psychology and computer science, gaining early exposure to fields that align with their interests or future careers. Dual Credit, offered within CPS high schools and taught by credentialed CPS teachers, brings rigorous general education coursework directly into the school day allowing students to fulfill high school requirements while simultaneously earning college credit.

Together, these programs create flexible pathways that meet the needs of diverse learners. Whether a student is pursuing a full associate degree, knocking out general education requirements, or exploring future majors, dual credit and dual enrollment help them build momentum, strengthen college applications, and save time and money. These opportunities complement AP, IB, CTE, JROTC, and other advanced pathways, ensuring every CPS student has access to multiple ways to challenge themselves and prepare for life after high school.

Learn more about CPS at www.cps.edu and connect with CPS on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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