State of the College: Dual Credit Program Enrollment Hits 6,000 Students

Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026

Article Summary: The “12x12x12” dual credit initiative has driven a surge in high school participation, with nearly half of all JJC students in the fall of 2025 earning dual credit. The program offers courses at a significantly reduced rate of $12 per credit hour.

Dual Credit Key Points:

• Enrollment Spike: Participation grew from 4,500 students in 2021 to 6,000 students in 2025.

• Cost Savings: High school students in the district pay only $12 per credit hour.

• Market Share: Nearly half of the college’s student body in Fall 2025 had earned some dual credit.

• State Ranking: JJC is now ranked second in the state for students served through dual credit, trailing only the College of DuPage.

JOLIET — A strategic initiative to make college credits more accessible to local high school students has resulted in a double-digit increase in enrollment, officials reported on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

During the State of the College address, President Dr. Clyne Namuo highlighted the success of the “12x12x12” program, which challenges students to earn 12 college credits by 12th grade for $12 per credit.

Participation in the program has risen from approximately 4,500 students in 2021 to 6,000 students in 2025. Consequently, JJC has risen to become the second-largest provider of dual credit in Illinois, behind the College of DuPage.

“This game-changing initiative has resulted in thousands more students earning more credits and matriculating at higher rates to both universities and JJC,” Namuo said.

The president credited local school superintendents for embracing the vision despite the logistical challenges regarding infrastructure and standards. He noted that Illinois Community College Board data indicates that every college-going metric improves by double digits when a high school student earns credit from a community college prior to graduation.