Did You Know? Dual Enrollment Programs Are Attracting and Retaining More Alaska Students into the University of Alaska System

In the vast, rugged expanse of Alaska, where educational opportunities can sometimes feel as distant as the state’s remote villages, dual enrollment programs are emerging as a powerful bridge between high school and higher education. These programs, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school, are not just a convenience—they’re a game-changer. As of March 31, 2025, evidence shows that dual enrollment initiatives within the University of Alaska (UA) system are attracting and retaining more Alaska students, paving the way for academic success, career readiness, and a stronger state workforce. This article explores this transformative trend through the lenses of blogging, career guidance, exam preparation, scholarships and funding, student lifestyle, and study materials, offering a comprehensive look at how dual enrollment is reshaping education in the Last Frontier.

Blog: Sharing the Dual Enrollment Story

Blogging has become a vital platform for students and educators to document the dual enrollment experience within the UA system, amplifying its impact across Alaska’s diverse communities. On the UA News Center blog, a 2022 post highlighted how programs like Middle Colleges, Alaska Advantage, and ANSEP Acceleration Academies are drawing students into higher education earlier than ever. A high school junior from Anchorage might write, “Taking Psych 101 online through Alaska Advantage changed how I see college—it’s not this far-off thing anymore,” reflecting a sentiment echoed by many.

These blogs do more than share personal victories; they spotlight data-driven success. Between 2008 and 2017, UA dual enrollment saw an 85% increase in participation, with 41% of graduates enrolling in a UA institution within a year. More recent updates suggest this momentum continues, with a 20% rise in participation noted in 2024. For rural and Alaska Native students, whose enrollment has doubled since 2008, these stories resonate deeply, offering inspiration and practical insights. Blogging connects this scattered student body, fostering a virtual community that celebrates early college access and encourages others to join the journey.

Career Guidance: Mapping a Future from High School

Dual enrollment in the UA system isn’t just about earning credits—it’s a launchpad for career exploration and guidance. Programs like Alaska Advantage, offering online courses from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), allow students to sample fields like accounting, health sciences, or Alaska Native studies while still in high school. A sophomore in Fairbanks might discover a passion for fisheries technology through a UAS dual enrollment course, setting their sights on a career in Alaska’s vital seafood industry.

UA’s career support extends beyond coursework. Advisors guide students in aligning dual enrollment credits with long-term goals, whether that’s a UA degree, a transferable credential, or immediate workforce entry. For military-connected students—a significant UA demographic—credits earned early can ease transitions into civilian careers like counseling or management. Data backs this up: 56% of Middle College graduates enroll in UA degree programs, a testament to how dual enrollment bridges high school to professional paths. This early career guidance empowers Alaska students to make informed choices, turning college credits into stepping stones for future success.

Exam Preparation: Building Confidence Early

For many high schoolers, the leap to college-level work feels daunting, but dual enrollment in the UA system equips students with exam preparation skills that ease this transition. Courses like UAF’s online Writing 111 or Math 113 come with structured syllabi, weekly deadlines, and practice assessments that mirror university rigor. A student in Juneau might spend evenings mastering algebra via ALEKS, a placement tool required for some UA courses, while their classmate in a rural hub tackles essay prompts for a writing placement exam.

This preparation pays off. Dual enrollment students often outperform peers in high school completion and college persistence, with 41% matriculating to UA within a year of graduation. The process teaches time management—balancing high school finals with college midterms—and resilience, as students adapt to higher expectations. Study groups, often formed virtually among dual enrollment peers, enhance this prep, while UA advisors offer tips on tackling exams. For Alaska Native and rural students, where performance gaps persist, this early exposure builds confidence, proving they can thrive in college settings long before they step onto a campus.

Scholarships & Funding: Making Dual Enrollment Accessible

Cost can be a barrier to education in Alaska, where vast distances and economic disparities challenge access. Dual enrollment programs within the UA system counter this with robust scholarships and funding options. The Alaska Advantage program, for instance, slashes tuition to $165 per credit for participating school districts—a 40%+ savings compared to standard rates ($325/credit). A three-credit course costs just $495, excluding materials, making college affordable for high schoolers.

Beyond program-specific pricing, UA taps into broader financial aid. The Alaska Performance Scholarship, available to high-achieving graduates, saw a 50% increase in use among 2023 grads, with recipients twice as likely to graduate college. Military families benefit from VA benefits and UA’s discounted rates ($250/credit for active-duty members), while initiatives like the Forrer Family Dual Enrollment Scholarship at UAS support underserved students. These funding streams ensure that rural and Alaska Native students—whose participation has surged 260% in rural hubs since 2008—aren’t left behind, democratizing access to early college credits and retaining talent within the UA system.

Student Lifestyle: Blending High School and College

Dual enrollment reshapes the student lifestyle, merging the worlds of high school and college into a unique hybrid experience. A senior in Bethel might wake up to a high school English class, then log into UAF’s History of Alaska Natives by afternoon, all from their village home. This blend offers flexibility—students work asynchronously online—but also demands discipline, as they juggle teenage social lives with college deadlines. “It’s like having one foot in two worlds,” a dual enrollment student might blog, capturing the thrill and pressure of this dual identity.

Socially, the lifestyle varies. Urban students in Anchorage might connect with peers at Middle College events, while rural students rely on virtual forums or family support. Data shows dual enrollment boosts engagement—56% of Middle College grads pursue UA degrees—suggesting this lifestyle fosters a college-going mindset. Extracurriculars, like ANSEP’s hands-on academies, add depth, blending academics with cultural or career exploration. For Alaska students, dual enrollment isn’t just a schedule—it’s a way of life that bridges adolescence and adulthood, attracting them to higher education and keeping them there.

Study Materials: Resources for Success

Access to quality study materials is critical for dual enrollment students, and the UA system delivers. Online platforms like Blackboard host lecture videos, readings, and quizzes for courses like Creative Writing or Intro to Psychology. A student in Nome might download a PDF on Arctic ecosystems for a UAS class, while another in Soldotna uses UAF’s eCampus to access math tutorials. These digital resources level the playing field, especially for rural students lacking Advanced Placement options at their schools.

UA supplements this with free tools via its Teaching and Learning Center—tutoring, writing guides, and software like Excel for data analysis. Textbooks, though an added cost (around $50-$150/course), are often available digitally, reducing shipping woes in remote areas. For exam prep, tools like ALEKS and writing assessments provide practice, while advisors ensure students have what they need. This robust support system equips dual enrollment participants with materials that rival those of full-time college students, driving retention by preparing them for UA’s academic demands.

The Bigger Picture: Impact and Equity

The numbers tell a compelling story: dual enrollment is a magnet for Alaska students. From 2008 to 2017, participation soared 85%, with recent years showing a 20% uptick. Retention is equally impressive—41% of graduates enroll in UA within a year, and Middle College boasts a 56% transition rate. Programs like Alaska Advantage and Middle Colleges, alongside partnerships with school districts, are key drivers, offering online and on-site options that meet students where they are.

Yet, equity remains a work in progress. While rural and Alaska Native participation has doubled, gaps in credits earned, completion rates, and GPA persist compared to White, urban peers. A 2019 ISER report noted that Alaska lacks a statewide dual enrollment policy—unlike most states—relying instead on local efforts. This grassroots approach has fueled growth, but closing performance gaps could further boost retention, especially as students matriculate into UA degree programs. Legislative moves, like expanding Middle Colleges statewide, signal a commitment to this goal, promising even greater impact.

A Day in the Life: Dual Enrollment in Action

Consider Lena, a junior in Wasilla. She starts her day at 8:00 AM with high school algebra, then shifts to UAF’s online Biology 103 at 10:00 AM, using Blackboard notes funded by her district’s Alaska Advantage deal. At noon, she meets virtually with a UA advisor for career guidance, eyeing a nursing degree. Afternoon study sessions with ALEKS prep her for a college quiz, while a $75 scholarship covers her textbook. After dinner, she blogs about her dual life—“High School by Day, College by Night”—and unwinds with friends, balancing her student lifestyle. By 10:00 PM, she’s planning a summer ANSEP academy, dreaming of a UA future.

Conclusion: A Pathway to Alaska’s Future

Dual enrollment programs are more than an educational trend—they’re a lifeline attracting and retaining Alaska students into the University of Alaska system. Through blogging, they share their stories; career guidance sets their sights on tomorrow; exam preparation builds their confidence; scholarships and funding open doors; student lifestyle adapts to their realities; and study materials equip them for success. As of March 31, 2025, these initiatives are not just boosting enrollment—they’re shaping a generation of Alaskans ready to lead in their state and beyond. For students, families, and educators, the message is clear: dual enrollment is working, and its potential is only growing.