Assessing the Landscape of Dual Credit Enrollment – Before and After House Bill 8 and Building a Talent Strong Texas
COLLEGE STATION, TX (September 30, 2026) – A new Mosbacher Institute research study by recent Bush School of Government & Public Service graduate Emma Grace Thomas examines the rapid expansion of dual-credit enrollment in Texas before and after the implementation of House Bill 8 and the Building a Talent Strong Texas plan. Thomas was the 2026 recipient of the Texas Lyceum Fellowship, and she presented her findings at the Texas Lyceum’s annual event last week. Her analysis finds that dual-credit enrollment grew from 152,569 students in 2016 to 249,328 in 2024, a 63% increase, with more than half of the total growth occurring between 2022 and 2024. Growth was particularly pronounced at public community and technical colleges, and enrollment increased across every racial and ethnic group examined.
Thomas’ research highlights the growing role of dual credit in connecting Texas high school students with postsecondary education and workforce opportunities. While the study cannot establish that HB 8 or the Building a Talent Strong Texas plan caused the enrollment growth, the findings provide an early look at how dual-credit participation is changing in Texas under the new policy environment. The study recommends sustained and predictable funding, stronger coordination between high schools and colleges, and intentional pathways that connect dual-credit coursework to credentials and high-demand career fields. As Thomas begins her career following her graduation from the Bush School, her research offers timely insight into how Texas can build on the rapid expansion of dual-credit opportunities to better connect students with college and career pathways.
The Takeaway is a publication of the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy at the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University.
