Blog: What Parents Need to Know About Concurrent Enrollment
As a parent, you want your child to graduate from high school with confidence, direction, and opportunities. One of the best ways to help make that happen is through a concurrent enrollment program that allows eligible high school students to earn college credit while still in high school.
At Iowa Lakes Community College, we’ve seen firsthand how concurrent enrollment helps students discover their potential, explore career interests, and begin building a successful future before they receive their high school diploma.
Every year, Iowa Lakes partners with school districts across our 5-county area to bring college-level learning closer to home. For students, those first college classes become the beginning of a journey that leads to career success, a college/university transfer, or continued education at Iowa Lakes.
What Is Concurrent Enrollment?
Concurrent enrollment allows eligible high school students to enroll in college courses that count toward both high school graduation requirements and college credit.
Depending on the course and school district partnership, students may take classes:
- At their high school.
- On an Iowa Lakes campus.
- Online.
- Through a hybrid learning format.
The courses are held to the same academic standards as every Iowa Lakes college course, giving students a true college experience while they still have the support of their parents, teachers, and school counselors.
Why More Iowa Families Are Choosing Concurrent Enrollment
Families today are looking for ways to prepare students for college while making higher education more affordable and purposeful. Concurrent enrollment offers exactly that.
Save Money Before College Even Begins
College is one of the largest investments many families will make.
By earning college credits through Iowa Lakes while still in high school, students may reduce the number of courses they need after graduation. That can mean lower tuition costs, fewer fees, and less student loan debt.
Many families are surprised to learn that concurrent enrollment courses are available at no direct cost to students through partnerships between Iowa school districts and community colleges.
It’s one of the smartest financial decisions a family can make before college begins.
Parent Tip: Ask your student’s school counselor how concurrent enrollment credits fit into their graduation plan and long-term college goals.
Build Confidence Before the First Day of College
The transition from high school to college can feel intimidating.
Concurrent enrollment gives students the opportunity to experience college expectations while they’re still surrounded by familiar teachers, classmates, and family support.
Students begin developing skills that will serve them throughout college and their careers, including:
- Time management.
- Critical thinking.
- Personal responsibility.
- Communication.
- Independent learning.
Many Iowa Lakes students tell us their concurrent enrollment experience made the transition to full-time college feel much less overwhelming because they already understood what college coursework required.
Explore Careers Before Choosing a Major
One of the greatest advantages of concurrent enrollment is the opportunity to discover interests before making long-term educational decisions.
While many students complete general education courses, Iowa Lakes also offers opportunities for students to begin exploring career pathways in areas such as:
- Manufacturing
Exploring these fields while still in high school helps students make more informed decisions about their future and often saves both time and money later.
More Than College Credit
Concurrent enrollment isn’t simply about earning credits early.
It’s about helping students answer important questions:
- What careers interest me?
- Am I ready for college-level coursework?
- What type of learning environment helps me succeed?
- What educational path makes the most sense for my goals?
Those answers often provide clarity long before students submit college applications.
The Iowa Lakes Difference
At Iowa Lakes Community College, concurrent enrollment is designed to do more than help students get ahead academically.
It’s designed to help them succeed.
Students who take Iowa Lakes courses while in high school experience the same academic quality and expectations as our traditional college students. They begin building relationships with college faculty, become familiar with college resources, and gain confidence that often carries into their education after graduation.
Many students who participate in concurrent enrollment choose to continue their education at Iowa Lakes because they’re already comfortable with our campuses, faculty, and learning environment. Others transfer to four-year colleges or universities after completing coursework with us, bringing valuable college credits and experience along the way.
No matter where their journey leads, they begin with a strong foundation.
The Iowa Lakes Advantage
- College courses taught to the same standards as all Iowa Lakes classes.
- Partnerships with school districts throughout the Iowa Lakes five-county area.
- More than 60 career and transfer pathways after high school.
- Faculty who are invested in student success.
- Hands-on learning that connects education to careers.
- Seamless transition from being a high school student to college student.
Questions Every Parent Should Ask
As your student considers concurrent enrollment, ask these important questions:
- Which courses align with my student’s career goals?
- How will these credits transfer after graduation?
- What workload should we expect?
- Are there opportunities to explore career-focused programs?
- How can this experience help my student become more prepared for college?
Your students’ school counselor and the Iowa Lakes High School Partnerships team can help answer these questions and create a plan that supports your student’s goals.
Investing in Your Student’s Future
Choosing concurrent enrollment isn’t just about earning college credits early.
It’s about giving students the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence, explore careers, and make informed decisions about their future while saving time and money.
At Iowa Lakes Community College, we’re proud to partner with families and school districts to provide opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.
Whether your student plans to attend Iowa Lakes after graduation, transfer to a four-year institution, or enter the workforce, concurrent enrollment is one of the smartest ways to begin the journey.
Ready to learn more? Talk with your high school counselor or connect with the Iowa Lakes High School Partnerships team to discover the opportunities available through your local school district. Your student’s college journey could begin sooner than you think.