Understanding Dual Enrollment in Colorado

Dual enrollment programs let high school students take college-level courses and earn postsecondary credit before graduation. In Colorado, this topic is especially important because the state uses several related pathways, including dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, and the ASCENT option. The terms are sometimes used loosely, but they are not identical. Colorado's Department of Education explains that dual enrollment is one way students can earn college credit while still in high school, while concurrent enrollment is a specific state-supported model with its own rules and funding structure. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/concurrentenrollment/options))

For families, the appeal is straightforward: students may save time, explore college expectations early, and build confidence in a lower-risk setting. For schools, these programs can support college and career readiness, especially when students want to challenge themselves without waiting until after graduation. Colorado also reports that concurrent enrollment is widely available across the state, with 94% of districts and 80% of high schools offering it. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/grad-concurrent))

How Colorado's system works

Colorado's dual enrollment landscape is shaped by state law and by agreements between school districts, charter schools, colleges, and universities. The Colorado Department of Education notes that concurrent enrollment is the most structured option: students take college courses while enrolled in high school, and the course is guaranteed to transfer within Colorado public institutions under the concurrent enrollment framework. By contrast, dual enrollment may involve tuition costs and does not guarantee transfer in the same way. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/concurrentenrollment/options))

That distinction matters. A course that looks similar on paper may have different financial rules, transfer expectations, and eligibility requirements depending on whether it is offered as concurrent enrollment or as another dual enrollment arrangement. Families should always ask which program model is being used before registering. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/concurrentenrollment/options))

What students may pay for

Cost is one of the biggest differences between Colorado's options. The state says concurrent enrollment generally has no tuition cost to the student, although books, supplies, or fees may still apply. Dual enrollment, on the other hand, may require tuition and other expenses. ASCENT, which is a fifth-year option for eligible students, also has no tuition cost to the student, though some additional costs may still arise depending on the district or institution. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/concurrentenrollment/options))

This is why it is important not to assume that every college-in-high-school course is free. In Colorado, the funding model depends on the specific pathway and the local agreement behind it. A counselor or district coordinator can usually explain whether the student, family, or school district is responsible for any portion of the cost. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/concurrentenrollment/options))

ASCENT in 2026: important update

One of the most significant current developments in Colorado is the phaseout of ASCENT. The Colorado Department of Education states that the program is being repealed after the 2025-26 budget year and will end on June 30, 2026. That means families and schools should treat ASCENT as a closing pathway rather than a long-term option. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/concurrentenrollment/options/ascent))

ASCENT has allowed qualified students to remain in high school for a fifth year while taking postsecondary courses at no tuition cost. The state says eligible students must have completed at least 9 credit hours of postsecondary coursework before finishing 12th grade, among other requirements. Because the program is ending, districts and families should confirm whether a student can still participate during the final transition period and whether local agreements remain in place. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/ce-ascent))

Who is eligible?

Eligibility rules vary by program and by district. In general, students need to meet academic, age, and administrative requirements set by the school district, the college, and state policy. Colorado's guidance notes that the Department of Education does not decide which students qualify for ASCENT; local school districts and charter schools do. The same local-control principle often applies to other concurrent enrollment arrangements as well. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/ce-ascent/forstudentsandparentsguardians))

For homeschool students, the rules can be more specific. Colorado says homeschool students must be enrolled in a participating public school district or charter school to access state concurrent enrollment funding, including ASCENT and TREP. That makes early communication with the local education provider especially important. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/ce-ascent/ascentfaqs))

Why Colorado schools use dual enrollment

Colorado schools often use dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment to help students transition from high school to college more smoothly. These programs can reduce the time needed to complete a degree, expose students to college expectations, and help students test whether a field of study is a good fit. The state's graduation guidance also describes concurrent enrollment as a widely available opportunity that aligns high school and postsecondary coursework. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/grad-concurrent))

There is also a workforce angle. Colorado's education agencies frame these programs as part of postsecondary and workforce readiness, meaning students can begin building college credit and career momentum before they leave high school. That can be especially useful in a state where students may be balancing college access, affordability, and local labor-market needs. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/ce-ascent))

Questions families should ask before enrolling

• Is this course offered as concurrent enrollment or another form of dual enrollment?
• Will the course transfer to Colorado public colleges and universities?
• Who pays tuition, books, supplies, and fees?
• What GPA, placement, or prerequisite requirements apply?
• How will the course appear on the high school transcript?
• Does the student need approval from the district, the college, or both?
• If the student is in homeschool or a special program, are there extra eligibility rules?

What to watch next

Because Colorado's dual enrollment landscape changes over time, families should verify details every school year. The biggest current change is the end of ASCENT on June 30, 2026, which may affect students who were planning to use that pathway. At the same time, concurrent enrollment remains a major option across the state, and Colorado continues to encourage students to explore college credit opportunities while still in high school. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/concurrentenrollment/options/ascent))

For students, the best next step is usually a conversation with a school counselor or district concurrent enrollment coordinator. For parents, the key is to compare the academic benefits with the costs, transfer rules, and graduation timeline. In Colorado, dual enrollment can be a smart move, but only when the program details are clear. ([ed.cde.state.co.us](https://ed.cde.state.co.us/concurrentenrollment/options))

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