Marketing Dual Enrollment Programs: Your Secret Weapon for Enrollment Growth

With the enrollment cliff happening right now, the challenging reality of tightening budgets, and the pressure to maintain strong enrollment numbers, marketing dual enrollment programs could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

You’re not alone in feeling these pressures. But here’s the good news: you don’t need deep pockets to create real impact and drive growth.

Dual enrollment programs are a relatively new idea, but they are proving to be a solid strategy that can attract more mission-fit students, help you reach non-traditional learners, and boost your overall enrollment.

And even better—they don’t require a massive budget or a complicated overhaul.

You might have heard of dual enrollment, but chances are you haven’t fully leveraged it yet.

Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to enroll in college-level courses while still completing their high school education.

It’s like getting a head start, giving students a chance to experience college coursework, earn credits early, and smoothly transition into higher education.

High school students taking college-level courses don’t just earn early credits—they become deeply connected to your institution.

These students often continue at your college, succeed academically, and enrich your campus with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

If you’re overlooking marketing dual enrollment programs to your prospective students, you’re missing out on a powerful, cost-effective opportunity.

Let’s explore why dual enrollment could be your secret weapon for sustainable growth and stronger student outcomes.

The Impact of Dual Enrollment: Let the Data Speak

The numbers don’t lie—research consistently shows dual enrollment leads to outstanding student outcomes.

Students involved in dual enrollment programs are 12% more likely to enroll in college directly after high school and 11% more likely to persist through the second year of college.

Not only are more of these students enrolling, but they’re also sticking around.

Dual-enrolled students demonstrate higher retention rates and achieve better GPAs once they officially enter college.

The beauty of dual enrollment is that everyone benefits.

Students gain the confidence and preparation they need to succeed academically.

Your institution, meanwhile, gains students who are not only likely to enroll but also more likely to stay, thrive, and eventually graduate.

It’s a powerful way to cultivate long-term relationships and secure your enrollment pipeline for years to come.

Attractive Financial Benefits for Students and Families

When it comes to college affordability, dual enrollment programs are truly game-changers.

Participating in dual enrollment can significantly reduce the overall cost of a college education.

Students earn college credits while they’re still in high school, often at a reduced tuition rate or even for free.

This means they graduate from high school with a head start on their degree, ultimately saving time and money.

Families today are increasingly concerned about student debt and college costs, and rightly so.

Marketing dual enrollment programs helps to position your institution as a financially savvy choice for these families.

When prospective students and their parents see the clear financial advantages of dual enrollment, your institution quickly moves to the top of their list.

Research shows that students in dual enrollment programs graduate with fewer student loans and lower debt burdens compared to their peers.

In other words, dual enrollment doesn’t just lower financial barriers—it actively sets students up for a stronger financial future.

By promoting the financial benefits of your dual enrollment program, you’re addressing one of the biggest concerns families have about higher education.

It makes your institution incredibly attractive and showcases your commitment to student success both academically and financially.

How Dual Enrollment Programs Boost Enrollment Long-Term

If you’re still on the fence about marketing dual enrollment programs, consider this: students who participate aren’t just early college credit-earners—they’re your next wave of loyal, engaged students.

When a high school student gets their first taste of college life through your institution, you become their natural next step.

It’s the simplest recruitment strategy around.

They’ve already experienced your classrooms, interacted with your professors, and connected with your campus culture.

You’ve moved from being one of many options to the clear, obvious choice.

And here’s the kicker—dual enrollment students aren’t just enrolling; they’re succeeding.

They retain at higher rates and graduate more frequently compared to their non-dual-enrolled peers.

These students require less marketing dollars down the line because you’ve already established a relationship early.

Think about it like this: investing in dual enrollment today is investing in your institution’s future.

You’re cultivating students who are aligned with your mission, committed to completing their degrees, and ready to become proud ambassadors for your institution.

Dual enrollment isn’t just another program—it’s a strategic enrollment growth tool.

It can help you to do more with less, retain students longer, and secure a pipeline of loyal graduates who will champion your school for years to come.

To me, that sounds like an incredible investment.

Marketing Dual Enrollment Programs: The Strategy You’re Missing

If you’re not actively promoting dual enrollment programs, you’re missing a golden opportunity to boost enrollment and build stronger relationships with prospective students and their families.

But where do you begin? Let’s walk through some practical steps you can take right now.

Targeted Messaging for Students and Parents

First, tailor your messages clearly and separately to your two main audiences: students and parents.

For students, emphasize the excitement of early college life, the advantage of earning college credits, and the confidence they’ll gain.

When crafting your messaging, don’t just speak broadly to any student—focus specifically on mission-fit students.

These are the students who naturally align with your institution’s values, goals, and culture, making them more likely to succeed and thrive at your school.

Highlight aspects of your dual enrollment program that directly speak to their interests, career aspirations, or personal values.

This personalized, mission-focused messaging ensures that your outreach resonates deeply, attracting students who aren’t just interested, but genuinely excited about becoming part of your college community.

For parents, underscore the financial savings, the academic benefits, and the smoother transition their child will experience moving from high school to college.

When your audience sees you directly addressing their needs and concerns, they’ll pay attention.

Strategic Collaboration with High Schools and Community Leaders

It’s crucial for higher ed marketers to identify the “watering holes“—those key places where high school students and their families naturally go to gather information about their higher education options.

Think about the…

• Social media platforms they frequent,
• Websites they trust,
• Community events they attend, and even
• Local coffee shops or libraries where they might come across your messaging.

Build partnerships with local high schools, guidance counselors, and community organizations.

These are trusted figures who influence where students consider enrolling.

Host information sessions, invite these influencers to campus, and provide them with easy-to-share materials about the benefits of your dual enrollment program.

When you meet students and parents exactly where they are already looking, your dual enrollment message becomes highly relevant and impactful, effortlessly blending into their decision-making journey.

Testimonials and Storytelling

There are few things more powerful than real stories from real students.

Use testimonials from students who have participated in your dual enrollment program to show prospective families the tangible impact and value.

Stories build emotional connections and trust, transforming your program from a vague concept into something real, relatable, and inspiring.

Make Dual Enrollment Your Enrollment Success Story

Dual enrollment is more than just another program you offer.

It can be your best chance to build enrollment strength for the long haul.

Right now, higher education marketing is tougher than ever, and marketing dual enrollment programs gives you a proven way to attract and retain mission-fit students without a big spend.

When you tap into dual enrollment, you’re not just boosting your numbers temporarily; you’re cultivating a community of engaged, loyal students who are primed for success.

Remember, dual enrollment isn’t just another marketing tactic—it’s an investment in your institution’s future.

Don’t wait to seize this opportunity.

The schools that jump in now will be the ones positioned for long-term success.

Ready to Elevate Your Marketing Strategy?

You know higher education marketing isn’t getting any easier—budgets are shrinking, competition is growing, and students’ expectations are higher than ever.

At Caylor Solutions, we get it.

Our expert consulting services provide exactly the strategic insights and practical tools you need to rise above the noise.

Whether you’re looking for targeted branding solutions, smarter student recruitment processes, or actionable ways to leverage AI, we’ve got you covered.

We offer everything from Fractional CMO services for high-level strategic guidance, to flexible Ideation Retainers for ongoing creativity, and customized Monthly Coaching that equips your entire team for success.

It’s not just advice—it’s a roadmap designed specifically for your institution’s growth.

Stop guessing and start getting results.

Contact us today and let’s turn your marketing challenges into your greatest opportunities.

---

Market More. Spend Less.

Set yourself free from your shrinking marketing budget with my popular ebook Marketing on a Shoestring Budget! This ebook is jammed with practical ways to produce high-quality marketing on the cheap.

Inside, I’ll show you proven marketing tactics like…

• How to leverage low-cost technologies to reach your target market,
• How to craft a content marketing strategy on a bare-bones budget,
• The number one thing your website needs to do,
• The key to getting free, organic traffic to your website, and more.

No hype. No pie in the sky. Just real solutions for getting the job done with the budget you’ve got.

Download your copy today!

All images via Midjourney