New National Student Clearinghouse Research Center data show dual enrollment participation correlated with higher completion rates: more than 71% of dual enrollees in the fall‑2019 cohort earned a credential within six years—roughly 14 percentage points higher than peers. The report finds dual enrollees were less likely to stop out and more likely to complete within six years, with especially strong effects for Black, Hispanic and low‑income students. Researchers define dual enrollment as college courses taken while in high school and note the policy implication: expanding dual programs can be a targeted lever to boost postsecondary persistence and equity.