Dual-enrollment students were part of more than 21,000 graduates recognized by Alabama’s community colleges during the 2025-26 academic year.
While many high school graduates are preparing to start college this fall, 227 Alabama students have already finished a significant portion of that journey.
New figures from the Alabama Community College System show 227 students earned associate degrees through dual enrollment programs during the 2025-26 academic year while still completing their high school education.
The accomplishment was part of a larger year for Alabama’s community colleges, which awarded 30,389 degrees and certificates to 21,005 graduates across the state.
Those totals included 1,580 dual-enrollment graduates who earned 2,004 credentials before receiving their high school diplomas. Among those students, 227 graduates earned 268 associate degrees while still in high school, meaning some completed more than one degree program before graduation.
One example can be found at Northeast Alabama Community College, where 49 students recently completed the requirements for both an associate degree and a high school diploma through the college’s dual enrollment program.
“Dual Enrollment is an outstanding program, and these are outstanding, very talented students,” said Northeast Alabama Community College President Dr. David Campbell. “The program takes great coordination between the high schools and our staff to get the degrees and courses managed. Great work on everyone’s part!”
Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses that count toward both high school and college graduation requirements, helping them enter college or the workforce with a head start.
NACC Dual Enrollment Coordinator Staci Miller said the 49 graduates demonstrated determination throughout the process.
“One of the greatest rewards in education is watching students realize that they are capable of more than they ever imagined,” Miller said. “These 49 students did just that when they earned both their associates degree and high school diploma at the same time. Each of them had to overcome obstacles and challenges along the way but they have persevered and earned every bit of recognition they are receiving for their accomplishments! Congratulations!”
Beyond dual enrollment, community colleges awarded 11,178 associate degrees to 10,800 students and 19,211 certificates to 10,695 students during the academic year.
Certificate programs allow students to gain specialized skills in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing and technology, often providing a faster path into the workforce than a traditional four-year degree.
Among the most common credentials awarded were Associate in Science degrees and programs in registered nursing, practical nursing, welding, advanced manufacturing and computer information systems.
Final graduation totals could change slightly as colleges complete degree audits for the Spring 2026 semester.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
