UW-Whitewater’s Dual Enrollment Programs Deliver Cost Savings and Connections

September 4, 2026

Written by Nancy Hoefs

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s dual enrollment programs are designed to give high school students early opportunities to earn college credit, helping them save time and money as they work toward a college degree. 

Through its dual enrollment offerings and in partnership with schools across Wisconsin, UW-Whitewater provides multiple pathways for students to experience college-level coursework while still in high school. Moreover, these programs support social equity by expanding access to higher education and empower students to begin their college journey with a strong academic foundation.

Through the Warhawk Dual Enrollment Academy, students can take up to 60 credits to earn a full associate degree alongside their high school diploma. The College Credit in High School program allows eligible students to take UW-Whitewater courses taught by credentialed high school teachers within their own schools, offering rigorous college-level learning experiences. The state-mandated Early College Credit Program enables Wisconsin high school students to enroll in UW-Whitewater courses either on campus or online, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously.

In the 2025-26 school year, 953 Wisconsin high school students from both urban and rural districts took dual enrollment classes through UW-Whitewater and earned 4,439 college credits. In addition, because dual enrollment credits are offered at a special tuition rate, these students collectively saved $1,185,125 in tuition costs compared to UWW resident undergraduate students.

As these innovative programs extend their reach across Wisconsin, the need for dual enrollment student and teacher support has grown as well. In response, UW-Whitewater recently added some new members to the team. Laura Escamilla serves as Family & District Support Specialist. In her role, Laura manages daily office responsibilities and provides a steady presence when other team members are onsite at high schools. Emily Matteson and Nancy Hoefs are Student Success Coordinators. In their roles, they provide personalized support for students and serve as vital connectors among students, high school teachers, guidance counselors, and UWW faculty liaisons, ensuring a coordinated approach to student achievement and credit attainment. These new team members join Stacie Collins, K12 Outreach and Engagement Manager, and Morgan Anderson, Assistant Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education.

UW-Whitewater and its dual enrollment team are committed to serving a diverse range of learners, with a particular emphasis on supporting rural districts, homeschool populations, tribal districts, and virtual schools through its dual enrollment initiatives.