Nebraska students, educators tout benefits of funding dual enrollment classes in high school

A college degree before high school graduation? For hundreds of Nebraska students, that’s the reality—one that gives them a head start on their careers while saving thousands in tuition. The state’s dual enrollment program has helped students like McKenzie Murphy, who juggled high school and college courses to earn an associate’s degree before heading to university.

But the program’s future is uncertain. With federal pandemic relief funds running out, Nebraska lawmakers are weighing a bill to keep tuition costs low. Supporters argue it’s a win for students, families, and the state’s workforce, but with budget constraints, funding remains uncertain. Will lawmakers find a way to sustain this pathway to opportunity?

Why does this matter in North Dakota? In a world where we’re seemingly dominated by the idea of efficiency, here’s an opportunity to capture it.

Paul Hammel

Nebraska Examiner

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