Dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment programs allow eligible high school students to take postsecondary courses for college and, usually, high school credit. Programs are nearly ubiquitous--in 2014, courses for dual or concurrent enrollment credit are offered in every state and the District of Columbia. Statewide policies govern these programs in 47 states and D.C., and local policies or agreements oversee programs in Alaska, New Hampshire, and New York. While programs have various names in different states, the term "dual enrollment" will be used throughout this report. Findings are based on an Education Commission of the States (ECS) analysis of state dual enrollment policies and a review of relevant academic research. Among some of the findings: (1) The number of U.S. public high schools offering dual enrollment programs is growing, with 82 percent providing such opportunities in 2011-12, the most recent national data available; (2) Academic research and state experience highlight the benefits of dual enrollment programs for improving college completion rates, particularly for minority and/or low-income students and (3) However, with the possible exception of Massachusetts, minority and/or low-income students tend to be underrepresented in statewide dual enrollment programs. Recent analyses in Illinois, Ohio and Washington show white and/or more affluent students are overrepresented in these programs. ECS identified 13 model state-level policy components that may increase student participation and success in dual enrollment programs. These components fall under four broad categories: (1) access (2) finance; (3) ensuring course quality; and (4) transferability of credit. Examples of state laws containing these components are incorporated throughout this report.