Dual Enrollment: A Pathway to College Success and Higher Graduation Rates at UWM

For many high school students, the leap to college can feel daunting. The academic rigor, the new environment, and the financial commitment all represent significant hurdles. However, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is making that transition smoother and more successful for local students through its robust dual enrollment programs. A recent announcement from UWM highlights how these initiatives are not only boosting enrollment but also significantly improving graduation rates for participating students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

This success story at UWM underscores a powerful truth: providing early exposure to college-level academics and campus life can profoundly impact a student's educational trajectory. It's a testament to the university's commitment to its community and to fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive from high school through their college years.

Bridging the Gap: How Dual Enrollment Works

Dual enrollment is an umbrella term encompassing various programs that allow high school students to earn college credit. These can range from taking courses directly on a university campus or virtually, to concurrent enrollment where college courses are taught by qualified instructors right within the high school building. According to UWM, in the 2024-25 academic year, approximately 950 high school students took on-campus or virtual UWM courses, while a larger group of 1,800 students participated in concurrent enrollment classes at their high schools.

One notable example is the M3 College Connections program, which allowed Nialys Suarez, a first-generation college student from Audubon Technology & Communication High School, to spend her senior year taking classes at both UWM and Milwaukee Area Technical College. This experience, she shared, not only provided her with two semesters of free college credit but also helped her refocus her academic interests and gain invaluable insights into college life, such as attending office hours and managing coursework.

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A Clear Path to Higher Graduation Rates

The impact of these programs extends far beyond just earning initial credits. UWM's data reveals a compelling link between dual enrollment participation and long-term college success. According to the university, 42% of dual enrollment students who attend UWM graduate within four years, a significant increase compared to 26% of non-dual enrollment students. This suggests that the early exposure and support provided by these programs equip students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate their college journey successfully.

Kathleen Breuer, associate director for dual enrollment at UWM, emphasizes that dual enrollment is a "big difference-maker" for underrepresented minorities. The 2024-25 data from UWM indicates that 82% of Hispanic students who completed dual enrollment returned for their second year of college, compared with 70% who did not. Similarly, 67% of dual enrollment Black students returned for their second year, compared with 62% of non-dual enrollment students. These figures highlight the programs' crucial role in promoting educational equity and providing a stronger foundation for diverse student populations.

Why Dual Enrollment is Gaining Popularity

Several factors contribute to the growing demand for dual enrollment programs. Vicki Bott, who oversees academic partnerships in UWM's Office of Dual Enrollment, notes that requests often come from high school administrators and parents. One significant driver is the rising cost of higher education, with families seeking more affordable pathways to a college degree.

Beyond cost savings, dual enrollment offers other advantages:

• Enhanced College Readiness: Students gain firsthand experience with college-level expectations, assignments, and teaching styles, making the transition to full-time college less of a shock.
• Competitive Applications: Having college credits on a high school transcript can make a student's college application more competitive.
• Reliable Credit Earning: Unlike some Advanced Placement (AP) courses where college credit is contingent on a high-stakes exam, dual enrollment grants credit upon successful completion of the course. As Breuer states, "With dual enrollment, if you take the class and you complete it, you get the credit. Students don’t have to rely on that high-stakes test."
• Boost for High Schools: Participating in dual enrollment programs can also positively impact high schools' standings on state report cards.

Cultivating a Sense of Belonging at UWM

While other universities in the UW system offer dual enrollment, UWM's particular focus is on serving Milwaukee students. Breuer and her team aim to foster a strong connection between dual enrollment students and the UWM campus community. Outreach program coordinator Jordan Kellogg organizes campus activities for concurrent enrollment students, such as attending the annual Future Educators Summit or participating in workshops and tours of labs. These experiences, UWM reports, make students more likely to choose UWM for their college education, as they already feel a sense of familiarity and belonging.

Nialys Suarez's experience exemplifies this. After her M3 year, she chose UWM over another prestigious university because she already felt "at home" and had made numerous connections. She is now a committed student worker at the Roberto Hernandez Center and expects to graduate early in 2027, crediting dual enrollment for setting her on her path to an early childhood education degree.

A Brighter Future for Students and Community

UWM's success with dual enrollment programs is a win for students, families, and the wider Milwaukee community. By providing accessible pathways to college credit and fostering a supportive learning environment, UWM is not only boosting its own enrollment and graduation rates but also investing in the future success of its local talent. It's a powerful model for how universities can effectively partner with high schools to empower the next generation of learners.

For high schoolers considering their post-secondary options, exploring dual enrollment opportunities, and leveraging free educational tools like exam prep resources, can be a strategic step toward a successful and less stressful transition to college. As Nialys Suarez advises, "If you have the opportunity, I would say do it."