The purpose of this study was to examine the use of dual enrollment programs in the State of Alabama. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to enroll in college courses for college credit prior to high school graduation. Advocates consider dual enrollment as a way to transition high school students into college, and they further claim that these programs benefit students from low socioeconomic status. With no statewide dual enrollment policy in Alabama, program participation varies among high schools in the state. This descriptive study focused on the characteristics of enrolled students, the impact of scholarships on student participation, and the trend of student participation over a five-year period. The findings from this research identified several differences among dual enrollment programs throughout the state. Differences included tuition responsibility, types of courses offered, advisement and program support, and methods of delivery. The results of this study are important to Alabama educators and policymakers. Research has shown that dual enrolled students are more likely to earn a degree and become contributing members of society. The educational institutions should ensure student access, increase college readiness and college enrollment, and increase degree and certificate attainment. The future of Alabama and its economy depends on educating its workforce in a timely and affordable manner to be able to compete globally. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]