Evaluating the Impact of Early College High Schools | American Institutes for Research (2024)

Early Colleges are partnerships of school districts, charter management organizations, or high schools, and two- or four-year colleges or universities. A type of dual enrollment program, Early Colleges offer students the opportunity to earn an associate's degree or up to two years of college credits toward a bachelor’s degree in high school—at no or low cost to students. Early Colleges also provide supports to student as they plan for their college education, helping them select college courses, transfer to a four-year college, and identify sources of financial aid.

States have prioritized college and career readiness as a key goal of high school, reflecting the reality that most jobs require postsecondary education. But many students, particularly those who are low-income and/or of color, lack access to a well-rounded high school education. Inadequate preparation in high school leaves high school graduates with fewer choices and pathways to postsecondary education. As a result, postsecondary enrollment and completion gaps persist. Early College High Schools focus explicitly on overcoming these challenges.

The Early College High School Initiative (ECHSI) was established in 2002 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Over the past two decades, Early Colleges have expanded rapidly nationwide. Since this trend began, AIR researchers have conducted a number of comprehensive studies on their impact, finding overall that Early Colleges show strong and lasting evidence of effectiveness for all students. Promoting postsecondary access and success can be an effective policy strategy for improving postsecondary enrollment and completion rates.

Evaluating the Longer-Term Impact of Early College High Schools on Workforce and Life Outcomes Study (2021-2024)

Launched in 2021, AIR is currently conducting a second Early College efficacy follow-up study funded by the Institute of Education Sciences. This study is designed to build off AIR’s original and first follow-up Early College efficacy studies to assess the longer-term impact of Early Colleges on college degree completion, workforce, financial, and life outcomes up to 14 years after students’ expected high school graduation.

To this end, AIR collaborated with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago to administer a follow-up survey to previous efficacy study participants. The survey was administered from September 2022 to March 2023 using both electronic and paper-and-pencil instruments. As part of the second follow-up efficacy study, AIR is collecting data on Early Colleges from across the United States; this data will be stored in a database and visualized on an interactive map.

Both the database and interactive map will be made publicly available in Summer 2023. Findings from analyses of survey results and degree attainment data are forthcoming.

Immediate and Lasting Benefits of Early College High Schools

AIR first studied implementation of Early Colleges and, later, their impact on students. As Early Colleges matured, student outcomes have been consistently positive. For example, AIR research has found:

Read the April 2021 article published in the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness (or view the summary).

  • In high school, Early College students performed better on state assessments in English language arts and mathematics than their peers in traditional high schools in their local districts, a 2009 study found. Students earned an average of 23 college credits by the time they graduated, and 88 percent had enrolled in college the fall after graduation. In interviews, alumni of Early Colleges “generally felt their schools had effectively prepared them to manage their time and to be successful in rigorous classes,” and “capable of navigating the college system and comfortable becoming involved in campus life.”
  • Early College students were significantly more likely to enroll in college and earn a college degree than students in a comparison group with similar characteristics who were not enrolled in Early Colleges, according to a 2014 study. These findings mirror the findings in the latest impact evaluation, which followed student outcomes for 10 years.
  • The 2019 study found that, over 4 years, Early Colleges cost about $3,800 more per student than traditional high schools. However, the estimated return on that investment was about $33,709 in increased lifetime earnings for each student.

View all reports and publications.

Further, AIR’s research shows that Early Colleges equally benefit all students—regardless of gender, race/ethnicity, or family income—not just economically disadvantaged students or students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Implications and Considerations for Policymakers

A cost-benefit study by AIR found that Early College programs pay off with lasting benefits for students and the broader population.

  • While the per-student cost of Early Colleges is modestly more than the average cost of high school, the benefits outweigh the cost.
  • Boosting postsecondary educational attainment improves individuals’ earnings over a career, increases the amount of taxes governments collect, and reduces government spending on federal assistance programs.
  • Earning college credits in high school could reduce the financial barrier to college for many students—and help address the student debt crisis. Indeed, it can be a faster, cheaper way to get a college degree.

Reports and Publications (PDF)

Evaluating the Impact of Early College High Schools | American Institutes for Research (1)

In this video, AIR Senior Researcher Kristina Zeiser discusses the significant bolstering effects that Early Colleges produce on student outcomes.

The Lasting Benefits of Early College High Schools

(February 2020) This policy brief summarizes key findings from earlier reports and indicates implications and recommendations for federal and state policymakers. View related news release.

The Costs and Benefits of Early College High Schools

(December 2019) This study complements an earlier AIR study that examines the impacts of Early Colleges in substantial detail. In addition to examining the impacts of Early Colleges on students’ educational attainment, we conduct a social benefit-cost analysis, examining the comprehensive set of costs and benefits of Early Colleges inclusive of both public and private costs and benefits. View related news release.

Early College, Continued Success: Longer-Term Impact of Early College High Schools

(September 2019) Key findings from this study update include:

  • Early College students were significantly more likely than control students to enroll in college each year between the fourth year of high school and six years after expected high school graduation. Within that timeframe, 84.2% of EC students had enrolled in college, compared with 77.0% of control students.
  • Early College students were more likely than control students to complete a postsecondary degree each year between the fourth year of high school and six years after expected high school graduation. By the end of this timeframe, 45.4% of Early College student and 33.5% of control students had completed a certificate, associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree.

Evaluating the Impact of Early College High Schools | American Institutes for Research (2)
View full-page infographic (PDF).

  • Early College impacts on college enrollment and degree completion outcomes were similar for students with different family background characteristics, including gender, race/ethnicity, or eligibility for free- or reduced-price lunch.
  • College credit accrual during high school was the strongest mediator for degree completion outcomes, particularly bachelor’s degree completion. Completion of college credits during high school explained approximately 87% of the EC impact on bachelor’s degree completion within six years after expected high school graduation.

Early College, Continued Success: Early College High School Initiative Impact Study

Read Early College Means Early Success for Students (PDF), a summary of results from the 2013 and 2014 reports.

(January 2014) The findings in this report, which extend the study’s original results by including an additional year of data, affirm the core findings: Early College students had a greater opportunity than their peers to enroll in and graduate from college. They also appeared to be on a different academic trajectory, with Early College students earning college degrees at higher rates than comparison students. In addition, Early Colleges appeared to mitigate the traditional educational attainment gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged students. View related news release.

Early College, Early Success: Early College High School Initiative Impact Study

Evaluating the Impact of Early College High Schools | American Institutes for Research (3)(June 2013) Key findings from the original study include:

  • Early College students were significantly more like to graduate from high school than comparison students. Eighty-six percent of Early College students graduated from high school and 81 percent of comparison students graduated from high school.
  • Early College students were significantly more likely to enroll in college than comparison students. During the study period, 80 percent of Early College students enrolled, compared with 71 percent for comparison students. Early College students were also more likely than comparison students to enroll in both two-year and in four-year colleges or universities.
  • Early College students were significantly more likely to earn a college degree than comparison students. Up to one year past high school, 21 percent of Early College students earned a college degree (typically, an associate’s degree), compared to only 1 percent for comparison students. Because they start earning college credits in high school, Early College students should complete college degrees earlier than comparison students.
  • The impact of Early College on high school graduation and college enrollment did not differ significantly based on gender, race/ethnicity, family income, first-generation college-going status, or pre-high school achievement. The impact on earning a college degree was stronger for female, minority and lower income students than for their counterparts.

The findings provide strong evidence for the positive impact of Early Colleges on students. Early College students had a greater opportunity than their peers to enroll in and graduate from college. They also appeared to be on a different academic trajectory, with Early College students earning college degrees and enrolling in four-year institutions at higher rates than comparison students. In addition, Early Colleges appeared to mitigate the traditional educational attainment gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged students. View related news release.

Earlier Reports

Instruction Across the High School—College Divide (November 2009)

Six Years and Counting: The ECHSI MaturesSummary brochure (August 2009)

2003-2007 Early College High School Initiative Evaluation: Emerging Patterns and RelationshipsSummary brochure (May 2008)

Evaluation of the Early College High School Initiative: Select Topics on Implementation (April 2007)

Early College High School Initiative: 2003-2005 Evaluation Report (May 2006)

Early College High School Initiative: Evaluation Year End Report: 2003–2004 (March 2005)

Early College High Schools: Early Recruitment and Selection Strategies (March 2005)

Evaluating the Impact of Early College High Schools | American Institutes for Research (2024)

FAQs

What is the goal of early college high schools? ›

ECHS facilitate a greater participation of at-risk, low-income, and students of color in college level courses. ECHS potentially decrease high school drop-out rates while increasing students' access to post-secondary education.

How will early college help you achieve your college goals? ›

Early college provides high school students the ability to get a sneak-peak into what college is like as a whole. Credits, professors, homework, campus and friends don't need to be intimidating topics anymore. Early college provides a door of opportunity and experience before you.

What are the disadvantages of early college? ›

List of the Cons of ECHS
  • It limits your future choices for college. ...
  • It does not take senior year grades into account. ...
  • It offers limited access to many students. ...
  • It may not offer credits which transfer over. ...
  • It does not always offer meaningful vocational skills.
Aug 24, 2018

What is one benefit of becoming involved school programs? ›

You can develop better communication, teamwork, organizational, management, or other skills. Build on these, and put them to use in your everyday life, as well as your resume.

Why is considering college early in high school important? ›

The biggest benefit of graduating high school early is the opportunity to get a head start on college or work. When you graduate a semester early you can first take courses at a community college. This allows you to get gen eds out of the way before transferring to a 4-year college.

What is the goal of early college high schools according to the textbook? ›

According to the textbook, what is the goal of early college high school? To make it easier for students from undeserved backgrounds to enter college. According to your textbook, what do all religions have in common? A system of beliefs and rituals that establish a relationship between the sacred and the profane.

What is the importance of goals in early childhood education? ›

Early learning centers understand that perseverance is a very important skill in a child's life and one that they will use throughout their lives. Goal setting for children is important because it gives them a sense of purpose that can improve their confidence and build their self-esteem.

What is the importance of goal setting in early childhood education? ›

Goal setting is a very important tool for self-confidence, self-motivation, and promoting learner autonomy. If children regularly see that they are doing something related to what they like, as a result of their own choices, their self-esteem will improve.

Why is college education important for success? ›

Overall, college is important because it provides invaluable experiences, you gain important, life-long connections, and you can get further in your career and make a high income with most degrees.

What are the pros and cons of applying early decision to college? ›

Early Action vs Early Decision vs Regular Decision Overview
Early ActionEarly Decision
DeadlinesNovember 1stNovember 1st
AdvantagesNon Binding and high acceptance rateHigher acceptance rate
DisadvantagesOffered at limited universitiesBinding and limited financial aid available
Apr 18, 2023

What are the effects of early school? ›

Countless studies have shown that early school start times are associated with students getting less sleep, which negatively affects student academic performance. Students with less sleep have difficulty paying attention in class and are likely to have lower grades. They may also experience irritability and fatigue.

Is college early decision worth it? ›

Applying early can be a good idea if you're sure about which college you want to attend. That means you've researched its programs and, if possible, visited its campus. But think twice about applying early if: You want to compare admission and financial aid offers from several colleges.

What are the benefits of college student involvement? ›

For example, studies have shown that college student involvement is positively related to academic performance, cognitive development, well-being, leadership and multicultural awareness.

How do school programs extracurricular activities impact student success? ›

Lots of studies have been conducted on the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance, and they all show that students who participate in them have higher grades, more positive attitudes toward school and higher academic aspirations.

Why is college more important than high school? ›

Earning a college degree could also lead to greater career stability. According to BLS data, 3.5% of workers with a bachelor's degree faced unemployment in 2021 compared to 6.2% of workers with only a high school diploma.

Can you explain why high schools do not prepare students adequately for college? ›

Some students don't feel academically prepared for college because there are less academic expectations in terms of following directions, completing assignments on time, and much more. In college, most students find it integral to follow directions and hand in assignments on time in order to get a good grade.

Does start time at high school really matter studying the impact of high school start time on achievement attendance and graduation rates of high school students? ›

Findings of this research indicated that delaying school start times had a positive impact on achievement, attendance, and graduation rates.

What is the most important high school year for college? ›

Your first year and sophom*ore year affect your cumulative GPA, which is important to most colleges. However, a solid academic record in your junior year is likely to carry more importance with an admissions committee.

What is the main goal of higher education for most college students? ›

Higher education imparts in-depth knowledge and understanding so as to advance the students to new frontiers of knowledge. Higher education also provides opportunities for lifelong learning, allowing people to upgrade their knowledge and skills from time to time based on societal needs.

Why are college textbooks important? ›

College educators use textbooks as a reference and aid in discussions. Students refer to textbooks as a tool to understand the subject better, highlight important points, and refresh their memory for examinations.

What are 3 goals of assessment in early childhood education? ›

Below is additional information about each of these four purposes.
  • Assessment to Plan and Adapt Curriculum to Meet Each Child's Developmental and Learning.
  • Assessment to Help Teachers and Families Monitor Children's Progress. ...
  • Assessment to Screen All Children and Recommend Follow Up for a Child with Potential Disabilities.

Which do you think are the most important goals of early childhood special education? ›

Cognitive or intellectual development is one of the biggest goals of early childhood special education. This deals with strengthening and growing a child's ability to think, reason, and understand concepts.

What are smart goals in early childhood education? ›

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Based when discussing goals for children. SMART goals were designed to ensure that children were getting the most out of their education. It helps teachers focus on what the child is actually needing to learn and understand from the assigned task.

What is the importance of early childhood education in the background of present day national goal in India? ›

It aims at the holistic development of a child's social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

What is the difference between goals and objectives in early childhood education? ›

The distinction between "learning goals" and "learning objectives" is actually pretty commonsensical: in this context goals generally refer to the higher-order ambitions you have for your students, while objectives are the specific, measurable competencies which you would assess in order to decide whether your goals ...

What are the benefits of setting goals and priorities? ›

Setting goals helps trigger new behaviors, helps guides your focus and helps you sustain that momentum in life. Goals also help align your focus and promote a sense of self-mastery. In the end, you can't manage what you don't measure and you can't improve upon something that you don't properly manage.

What is the most important benefit of a college education? ›

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ​workers with higher levels of education “typically earn more and have lower rates of unemployment compared with workers who have less education.” Over a lifetime, reports show that college graduates will make 84 percent more than those with a high school diploma.

What is the value of college education? ›

Bachelor's degree holders generally earn 75% more than those with just a high school diploma, according to “The College Payoff,” a report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce — and the higher the level of educational attainment, the larger the payoff.

Why is higher education important to society? ›

Higher education offers many benefits to individuals and society at large: advancing upward mobility, improving health outcomes, growing social support networks, fostering civic engagement, and directly giving back in terms of volunteer resources and public arts and entertainment events.

Does early decision increase chances of college? ›

This means that the average student is more likely to get in when they apply early decision than when the same student applies regular decision to the same school. On average, applying ED is going to result in a 1.6x or a 60% increase in your chances of admission to super selective schools.

Why do colleges like early decision? ›

By applying early decision, your child will be demonstrating much-appreciated serious interest to their top-choice college. And because the decision is binding, the school will be protecting their yield rate (i.e., the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll there), which factors into college rankings.

Do colleges care about early admission? ›

Overall Admission Rate

Since many early application options are binding, applying early is the most effective way to tell a college that it is your first choice and you are completely committed to attending.

What are the long term effects of early education? ›

People who attended quality early childhood education were more likely to attend college, have higher SAT scores, and higher high-school graduation rates (based on multiple studies). Those who attended high-quality early childhood settings were less likely to be incarcerated as juveniles compared to those who didn't.

What are the disadvantages of early school start times? ›

During the school week, school start times are the main reason students wake up when they do. The combination of late bedtimes and early school start times results in most adolescents not getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep can improve academic performance.

What is the negative impact of changing schools? ›

Possible downsides of switching schools can include: Disruption to the class, as well as your student's and family's routine. Changing schools can make it challenging to build strong relationships within the school community, including teachers, administrators, and peers.

What are the drawbacks of early decision? ›

DISADVANTAGES OF EARLY DECISION

If you're accepted, you're obliged to attend. You may discover a more suitable college later. The early deadline may force you to submit a less polished application, unless you begin your application well ahead of time.

What are disadvantages of early college? ›

List of the Cons of ECHS
  • It limits your future choices for college. ...
  • It does not take senior year grades into account. ...
  • It offers limited access to many students. ...
  • It may not offer credits which transfer over. ...
  • It does not always offer meaningful vocational skills.
Aug 24, 2018

Is early decision really an advantage? ›

Some students and high school counselors believe that applying early decision gives them better odds of acceptance, but the truth is early acceptance rates and admissions standards vary from school to school.

How does a college education benefit the individual and society? ›

More educated people are less likely to be unemployed and less likely to live in poverty. These economic returns make financing a college education a good investment.

What are 3 benefits of completing college? ›

But most jobs that require a bachelor's, master's, doctoral or professional degree tend to also provide more benefits. This can include health care, retirement investment, travel and other perks. These types of benefits are rarely offered for high-school-level jobs.

Why is student involvement important in high school? ›

Extracurricular activities provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education.

What are the positive effects of extracurricular activities on academic performance? ›

Participating in extracurricular activities builds teamwork, communication, relationships, and a sense of belonging, all of which help students to develop socially and be successful in school. Participation in extracurricular activities demonstrates the importance of community involvement.

What are the benefits of extracurricular activities on academic performance? ›

Participating in extracurricular activities helps students develop a sense of responsibility and time management skills, which are essential to academic success. It also allows students to explore their interests and develop new skills, making them well-rounded individuals.

What is the effect of academic performance and extracurricular activities? ›

Benefits of participating in extracurricular activities included having better grades, having higher standardized test scores and higher educational attainment, attending school more regularly, and having higher a higher self- concept.

What is the most important goal of higher education for new college students? ›

Question: For new college students, the most important goal of higher education is: meeting new people becoming career-ready exploring disciplines to find a major participating in clubs and teams.

Why do college students graduate early? ›

By graduating early, you will spare yourself an extra semester or years' worth of tuition costs, book costs and other expenses associated with your education. The less time you spend earning your degree, the less money you will have to pay in the long run.

What is beneficial regarding college of higher education? ›

In addition to providing an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in a chosen field, college can also be a great place to develop personal and professional skills. Effective communication and time management skills are essential for success in any career.

What is the true purpose of college education? ›

College is important for many reasons, including increased career stability and satisfaction, and the ability to make an impact on your community. With more and more careers requiring advanced education, a college degree can be critical to your success in today's workforce.

What are 3 benefits of higher education? ›

College graduates have lower smoking rates, more positive perceptions of personal health, and lower incarceration rates than individuals who have not graduated from college. Higher levels of education are correlated with higher levels of civic participation, including volunteer work, voting, and blood donation.

What are the pros and cons of graduating high school early? ›

Pros and Cons of Early Graduation from High School
  • Head to College (or Start a Career) Faster.
  • Time for a Gap Year or Semester.
  • Access to Early Graduate Scholarships.
  • Age Differences Can Matter.
  • Higher Odds of Academic Burnout.
  • Separation from Friends.
  • GED Holders May Have a Harder Time Getting into Competitive Colleges.
Jan 1, 2022

Why is it more beneficial to graduate college in 4 years rather than 6 years? ›

Szeto explains that when a student can successfully complete a degree in four years, they are then able to start their career—or continue their advanced degrees—sooner, which could result in a higher salary and personal satisfaction.

Why is it important to graduate college on time? ›

However, if you can work to graduate on time, the benefits are plentiful. Successfully completing college in four years looks good to potential employers, you will accrue less interest (assuming you do not defer your loans after graduation), and (hopefully) that feeling of quitting school never creeps into your mind.

What are the two most important years of high school? ›

9th and 10th. Since there is no “trial period” of high school, the clock on your GPA starts ticking from day one, and this means your freshmen and sophom*ore year grades matter just as much as the rest of them.

What is the hardest year of high school academically? ›

Although some people might find that freshman year of high school is challenging, junior year would typically be the most difficult, busy, and important year because of everything you have to juggle from academics, extracurricular activities, and college preparation to still keeping a social life.

What is the least important year in high school? ›

Putting freshman grades in context. For colleges, the freshman year is typically the least important year on the high school transcript (they figure you're just trying to find the school every day).

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