By Alyssa Loveitt and Alexandria Woodruff, Rio Salado College Student Interns
Monica Woodruff graduated Desert Vista High School, part of the Tempe Union High School District, in 2024 with 74 credits from the Rio Salado College Dual Enrollment and ACE program. Now attending Arizona State University and studying Business Entrepreneurship, Woodruff follows in her family’s footsteps, with several siblings from her family of 10 also entering college ahead and ready to learn.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the difference between the ACE program and Dual Enrollment?
A: In high school, I took several dual enrollment classes that were the same as the classes I was enrolled in. Unlike ACE, I took two summer college classes, and in the fall and spring, I took one online college course.
Q: How did dual enrollment help you save for college?
A: Dual enrollment helped me save for college by allowing me to gather all my general credits before attending so I could save and use my money for my major-specific classes.
Q: How has dual enrollment benefited you previously and how has it affected you now concerning your future goals?
A: It boosted my writing skills, and now that I am in college, it has made my writing class assignments so much easier. It also helps you focus on completing your major-specific classes rather than wasting your time and money on general credits.
Q: What is dual enrollment, and what does it mean to you?
A: It’s a program you can enroll into that allows you to get college credits while still in high school
Q: How did tuition assistance help you save money with dual enrollment?
A: It helps get so many funds for dual enrollment. I did the Honors and ACE Program that helps with finance as well.
Q: How did you get or receive extra financial programs or credits utilized?
A: The tuition assistance, the ACE, and honors programs were just applications. I think one of them had an essay to write, but other than that, the process is pretty simple, and the programs are great.
Q: Any piece of advice you would give to those considering dual enrollment?
A: Do Dual Enrollment; that's all I have to say. Dual enrollment will change your life, make college cost less, make college more fun, make college easier, and set you ahead. There are just so many benefits you can get from Dual Enrollment.
Alyssa Loveitt is a junior at Desert Vista High School. She is also a dual enrollment student at Rio Salado College.
Alexandria Woodruff is a senior at Desert Vista High School. She is also a dual enrollment student at Rio Salado College.