Concurrent Enrollment Outcomes by Course Location

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, we compared the initial outcomes of students who took concurrent enrollment (CE) at their high school with those who did so at a local college. We use propensity score matching to produce like groups and compare grades and credit hours earned at three time points. At the end of high school, we compare CE credit hours and grade point average (GPA). After matriculation, we compare GPA and credit hours earned at the end of the first and second postsecondary semesters. Data come from the state of Colorado comprising a panel covering all concurrent enrollment students in the state between 2012 and 2016. Our results indicate that matched students do not have statistically significant differences in GPA or credit hours earned at any point. The results offer some support that CE grades that were awarded highly similar regardless of whether delivered in a high school or a college setting, and there are no statistically significant differences after postsecondary enrollment. The results support high schools offering CE in a format that best fits the local conditions. Institutions can use this information when considering transfer agreements and when entering into provider agreements with high schools.