compare and contrast essay about college and high school

High School vs. College: Contrasts and Comparisons

• October 26, 2023
• Office of Outreach and Relationships

High school and college have distinct differences and similarities that shape students’ academic and social experiences. From the structure of the education system to the level of independence and responsibilities , navigating the transition from high school to college can be challenging. This article will explore the key contrasts and comparisons between high school and college life based on factual data from various sources.

General Differences between High School and College

High school and college have several fundamental differences that shape the experiences of students. One of the most significant differences is the mandatory nature of high school education compared to the voluntary nature of college education. In high school, education is mandatory and typically provided free of charge. However, college education is voluntary and often comes with a significant financial cost.

Mandatory vs. Voluntary Education

In high school, students have their time and schedules structured by others, such as teachers and parents. They follow a predetermined curriculum and have limited flexibility in choosing their classes. On the other hand, college students have greater autonomy and responsibility for managing their time and selecting their courses. They have the freedom to create their schedules based on their academic and personal goals.

Structured Time vs. Self-Management

Another key difference between high school and college is the level of structure in students’ daily lives. In high school, students have a set schedule with fixed class times and designated breaks. They are guided by teachers and parents in how to manage their time effectively. In contrast, college students have more flexibility in managing their time. They have different class schedules and breaks between classes, allowing them to allocate time for studying , extracurricular activities, and personal commitments.

Overall, the transition from high school to college involves a shift from mandatory education to voluntary education and from structured time to self-management. This transition can be challenging for students, as they navigate the newfound independence and responsibilities that come with college life.

Identifying and Disclosing a Disability: High School vs College

One of the major differences between high school and college is how disabilities are identified and disclosed. In high school, education is considered a right, and it is the responsibility of the school district to identify students with disabilities. Individualized Education Plans ( IEPs ) are developed to provide necessary supports and services to these students. However, in college, education is not a right, and students must take the initiative to self-identify to Disability Services.

In high school, the process of identifying a student’s disability is usually initiated by teachers, parents, or school counselors. The student may undergo assessments and evaluation to determine their eligibility for special education services. Once the disability is identified, an IEP is created, outlining the accommodations and support the student needs to succeed academically. These services are typically provided at no cost to the student.

On the other hand, in college, students are responsible for identifying and disclosing their disabilities to the appropriate office or department on campus, often called Disability Services or Accessibility Services. Students must provide appropriate documentation of their disability to support their request for accommodations. Unlike in high school, college does not have special education programs, and no fundamental alterations of program or curricula are required. Instead, colleges provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to education.

Documentation and Support in College

When disclosing a disability in college, students need to provide documentation from a qualified professional, such as a medical doctor or licensed psychologist. This documentation should include a diagnosis, a description of the functional limitations caused by the disability, and recommendations for appropriate accommodations. It is important for students to understand that college disability offices may have specific guidelines and requirements for documentation, so it is crucial to familiarize themselves with these guidelines before seeking accommodations.

It is worth noting that while students with physical or medical disabilities may require specific accommodations, such as accessible classrooms or housing arrangements, colleges generally do not provide personal services, such as personal aides or attendants. Instead, colleges focus on providing academic accommodations, such as extended time for exams, note-taking support, or assistive technology, to ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to succeed academically.

Tests: High School vs College

When it comes to testing, high school and college have distinct differences in terms of frequency, makeup tests , and review sessions . In high school, testing is frequent and covers smaller amounts of material. Teachers often provide makeup tests for students who were absent or need a second chance. Additionally, review sessions are commonly conducted by teachers to help students revise important concepts before exams.

In contrast, testing in college is less frequent and may cover larger amounts of material. Professors typically do not offer makeup tests , making it crucial for students to be present on test days. Moreover, professors may or may not provide review sessions . When review sessions are offered, active participation and preparedness are expected from students.

These differences in testing patterns between high school and college highlight the increased level of independence and self-reliance that college students must develop. They need to manage their time efficiently and ensure they are well-prepared for exams without relying on regular makeup tests or extensive review sessions.

Grades: High School vs College

In high school, grades play a significant role in the overall evaluation of a student’s performance. Most assigned work is graded, including homework , class participation, and quizzes. Good homework grades can often compensate for lower test grades , allowing students to maintain a strong GPA. Additionally, many high school teachers offer extra credit projects as an opportunity for students to boost their grades.

However, the grading system in college is quite different. Professors typically focus their evaluation on major exams, papers, and projects, and may not assign grades for all assigned work. Test grades and major assignments have a more substantial impact on the final course grade. College students need to consistently perform well on these assessments to achieve a higher overall grade.

Furthermore, extra credit projects may not be available in college to help raise grades. Instead, students must rely on their performance on tests and major assignments. It’s crucial to start off strong in college, as initial test grades can significantly influence the final course grade. It’s also important to note that each department may have specific standards that students must meet in order to graduate.

Classes: High School vs College

One of the key differences between high school and college is the structure of classes. In high school, students typically spend an average of 30 hours per week in class, following a structured schedule. Classes are generally small, with no more than 35 students, allowing for more individualized attention from teachers. These teachers usually present material from textbooks , providing a structured and consistent learning experience.

In contrast, college class time varies, with breaks between classes and a more flexible schedule. Class sizes can range from 20 to over 100 students, depending on the course and the size of the university. Professors often present material from various academic sources, including textbooks , research articles, and multimedia resources. This diversity in teaching styles and sources of information encourages students to engage critically with the material.

Moreover, the responsibility for managing study time and completing assignments outside of class falls on the college student. Unlike in high school, where teachers often remind students of incomplete work, professors may not always check completed homework . College professors are usually open and helpful, but they expect students to take the initiative and seek assistance during scheduled office hours. Additionally, college students may have access to resources like academic skills centers or writing centers for additional support.

Homework and Assistance: High School vs College

One major difference between high school and college is the approach to homework and the level of assistance provided. In high school, teachers often check completed homework and remind students of incomplete work. They are proactive in identifying students who may need additional help and offer assistance. However, in college, professors may not always check completed homework, but they expect students to perform the same tasks on tests. It is essential for college students to take responsibility for completing their homework and thoroughly understanding the material.

In high school, teachers typically approach students if they believe assistance is needed. They provide guidance and support to help students succeed academically. In contrast, professors in college are usually open and helpful, but they expect students to take the initiative and seek assistance during their scheduled office hours. This shift in responsibility empowers college students to become independent learners and seek help when needed.

While in high school, students may have benefited from additional resources such as academic skills centers or writing centers for extra assistance, college students have access to similar resources on campus. These resources can provide guidance with writing, study skills, and subject-specific tutoring. It is important for college students to take advantage of these resources and seek the help they need to succeed academically.

Studying: High School vs College

Studying is an essential part of academic success, and the approach to studying differs between high school and college. In high school, students are typically assigned short reading assignments that are discussed in class, and studying often takes place during class time or study halls. However, in college, students are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing that may not be directly addressed in class.

College students are expected to engage with the material outside of lectures and dedicate significant time to studying outside of class. This includes regular review of class notes and active reading of assigned textbooks and other readings . Studying in college requires self-discipline and independent learning, as students must take full responsibility for their academic progress.

While high school may provide more guidance and structure in terms of studying, college students have the opportunity to develop stronger critical thinking and research skills through self-directed studying. It is important for college students to actively seek support and resources, such as consulting with professors, teaching assistants, and tutoring services, to enhance their studying strategies and academic performance.

Class Materials: Textbooks and Readings: High School vs College

In high school, textbooks are provided at no expense to students. This means that students have access to the required reading materials without having to worry about the financial burden of purchasing textbooks. However, in college, textbooks and class materials can be quite expensive, often requiring substantial funds from students. College students are typically assigned multiple chapters of textbooks per week, along with additional research papers and readings .

One significant difference between high school and college is that reading assignments in college are often not directly addressed in class. This means that students need to engage with the material outside of lectures and take responsibility for their own learning. It requires self-discipline and the ability to manage time effectively in order to complete the required readings and understand the content.

The cost of textbooks is another factor that distinguishes high school from college. While high school students are provided textbooks free of charge, college students often have to budget for the expense of purchasing their own textbooks. This can add up to a significant cost over the course of a semester or academic year. As a result, college students may need to be strategic in their textbook purchases, considering options such as renting or buying used textbooks to save money.

Social Life in High School vs College

College offers a new social landscape compared to high school. It is a time of exploration and self-discovery, where students have the opportunity to meet new friends and form lasting connections. In high school, social interactions are often limited to classmates and a smaller circle of friends. However, in college, the possibilities for socializing are endless.

In college, students can meet new friends through various channels, such as living or studying spaces, classes, extracurricular activities, and part-time work. The social calendar in college is usually more active and diverse, offering a wide range of events and opportunities to socialize. College also brings together a more diverse student population, with individuals from different backgrounds and ages, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences.

While high school may foster close-knit relationships, college offers the chance to expand social circles and explore different interests. Students have the freedom to choose their own social groups and engage in activities that align with their passions and goals. College is a time of personal growth and development, where students can embrace their individuality and find their place in a larger community.

Independence and Responsibilities: High School vs College

One of the significant differences between high school and college is the level of independence and responsibilities that students experience. In high school, students rely on parents, teachers, and coaches to guide their time and activities. They have a structured schedule and are often reminded of their responsibilities. However, in college, students have increased freedom and must take on the responsibility of managing their own time.

College life requires students to balance their academic commitments, part-time jobs, and personal responsibilities. They have the autonomy to make decisions about their schedule, such as when to study, attend classes, and complete assignments. This newfound independence can be both liberating and challenging for students as they navigate their way through a more self-directed educational experience.

Time management becomes crucial in college. Students must learn to prioritize their tasks, set goals, and allocate their time effectively. With multiple responsibilities and deadlines, effective time management skills are essential for success. College students need to develop strategies to stay motivated, avoid procrastination, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Transitioning from high school to college, students often face a learning curve in managing their time and responsibilities independently. However, this shift also presents valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. By practicing effective time management and embracing their newfound freedom, college students can learn to take charge of their education and pave the way for a successful future.

Sports: high school vs college.

College sports often play a significant role in the social life and school spirit of a college. It provides a platform for students to come together, showcase their athleticism, and create a sense of community. While not all colleges have sports teams, those that do offer a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in athletics as players or enthusiastic fans.

College sports events are an exciting part of the overall college experience. They offer opportunities for students to connect with fellow classmates, bond over shared team spirit, and show their school pride. Whether it’s attending basketball games, football matches, or even lesser-known sports, the lively atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds create lasting memories and a sense of belonging.

Engaging in college sports also helps build strong bonds between students, faculty, and alumni. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and community spirit that extends beyond the playing field. Sports teams often serve as ambassadors for the college, boosting its reputation and creating a sense of unity among students and alumni alike.

What are the main differences between high school and college?

High school is mandatory and free, while college is voluntary and can be expensive. High school students have structured schedules, while college students manage their own time. High school students need parental permission for extracurricular activities, while college students decide their level of participation. High school students receive regular reminders and guidance, while college students must balance their own responsibilities.

How do high school and college handle disabilities?

In high school, school districts are responsible for identifying students’ disabilities and developing Individualized Education Plans ( IEPs ). In college, students must self-identify to Disability Services and activate approved services. IEPs from high school may not apply, and personal services for medical/physical disabilities are generally not required.

What are the differences in testing between high school and college?

In high school, testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material. Makeup tests are often available, and review sessions are conducted. In college, testing is less frequent and may cover larger amounts of material. Makeup tests are seldom an option, and professors do not rearrange test dates. Review sessions may or may not be offered.

How are grades given in high school and college?

In high school, grades are given for most assigned work, and good homework grades can raise overall grades. Extra credit projects are often available. In college, grades may not be provided for all assigned work. Grades on tests and major papers usually determine the course grade. Extra credit may not be used to raise grades.

What are the differences in classes between high school and college?

In high school, classes have a structured schedule with smaller class sizes. In college, class time varies, breaks between classes are common, and class sizes can range from 20 to 100+ students. Professors may present material from various academic sources.

How do high school and college handle homework and assistance?

In high school, teachers check completed homework and remind students of incomplete work. Teachers approach students if assistance is needed. In college, professors may not always check completed homework but expect students to perform the same tasks on tests. Professors are usually open and helpful but expect students to initiate contact during office hours.

How does studying differ between high school and college?

In high school, studying may primarily happen during class or study halls. In college, students are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing that may not be directly addressed in class. Studying outside of class is essential, with regular review of class notes and text material.

What are the differences in class materials, such as textbooks and readings, between high school and college?

In high school, textbooks are provided at no expense to students. In college, textbooks and class materials can be expensive. College students are assigned multiple chapters of textbooks per week, along with research papers and other readings. Reading assignments in college are often not directly addressed in class .

How does the social life differ between high school and college?

High school offers close-knit relationships, while college allows students to meet new friends through various channels. College offers a more active and diverse social calendar, with the opportunity to form multiple social groups. College also brings a more diverse student population.

What is the level of independence and responsibilities in high school and college?

High school students have their time and responsibilities guided by parents, teachers, and coaches. In college, students experience increased independence and are responsible for managing their own time and responsibilities.

How does the role of sports differ between high school and college?

College sports often play a significant role in the social life and school spirit of a college. While not all colleges have sports teams, those that do create a sense of community and provide opportunities for students to engage in athletics as players or fans.

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High School vs College: 15 Key Differences

Other High School , College Info

Are you about to start college soon? Are you wondering what changes to expect? How is college different from high school? When you compare high school vs college, you'll find many differences, some of which are obvious, others less so.

It's important to understand how high school and college are different from each other so you know what to expect and can have a smoother transition when you begin college. In this guide, we explain the 15 most important differences between high school and college and give you tips to help make this major life change a bit less intimidating.

How Is College Different From High School?

There's a reason so many movies, shows, and books focus on new college students: many people see the transition from high school to college as one of the most important turning points in their life. You're no longer a kid living under your parents' roof; instead you're an adult living on your own and expected to make real, important decisions about your future.

You'll have a lot more freedom, but a lot will also be expected from you, both in class and out. Read on to learn specific high school vs college differences.

Below are 15 high school vs college differences you'll likely encounter once you begin college. There are pros and cons to both high school and college, but knowing what to expect will make you better prepared for this big change.

#1: You'll Have More Independence

The biggest change for high school vs. college is that, in college, you'll have much more independence than you had in high school. Many people focus on the fact that you'll be living away from your parents, and this is a part of it, but you'll have independence in many other areas as well.

You'll have the freedom to decide what you want to major in, which classes you want to take, when you want to schedule those classes, if you want to go out with your friends, how late you want to stay out, even what you want to eat in the dining hall. (I ate Reese's Puffs cereal every day for four years because my parents never allowed it and I was thrilled to finally be able to have it for breakfast.)

#2: You'll Be Treated Like an Adult

Along with your increased independence, you'll also be treated like an adult in college as opposed to a child under your parents' care. In college, you'll no longer need to bring your parents permission slips to sign, you'll be trusted to make your own choices for what you want to study, and you can arrange meetings yourself, without Mom and Dad helping you.

For many students, it's exciting to finally be viewed as an adult, but it also means an increase in responsibilities. If you have a problem with or question about homework, classes, a grade you got, etc., you are the one who will need to solve it. You can't expect your parents to call the school and fix the problem for you like they may have done in high school.

#3: There Will Be a Wider Variety of Classes to Choose From

In high school, you didn't have a lot of choice in regards to which classes you took. You could probably choose a few electives , but your schedule was mostly filled with the standard math, science, English, and social studies requirements that all students had to take.

In college, even if you attend a smaller school, you'll have many more options. They'll be a wider variety of classes to choose from , and many of them will focus on more specific topics like astronomy, ancient Roman history, French literature, the geography of the United States, and more. Many college students like this increase in class options since it makes it easier for them to choose classes on topics they're really interested in.

#4: Classes Will Have Different Formats and Sizes

Each class you took in high school probably had about the same number of students and consisted mostly of lecturing, maybe along with some individual or group work. This isn't true in college. Classes can range from two to 500 students, and their format can vary widely as well. Classes may be completely lecture-based, require hands-on lab work, or be discussion-based where you spend most of class time engaged in conversations or debates with your classmates and professor.

#5: Your Schedule Will Be More Complicated

In high school, school started and ended the same time every day, and your class schedule was probably the same for every day of the week. In college, things get a little trickier. Some classes meet three times a week for an hour and a half, some meet five times a week for an hour, some meet once a week for three hours, etc. This means you'll likely be starting and ending class at different times during the week, and you may end up with a different class schedule for every day of the week.

Some people like the variety this gives them, but it's important to stay on top of your schedule so you don't wind up forgetting to attend class.

#6: You'll Have a New Set of Classmates

One of the most jarring things for many new college students is they're no longer surrounded by classmates and friends they've known for years. Instead, you'll be in a sea of strangers (at least at first), many of whom come from different areas and backgrounds than you. Additionally, you'll likely have a different set of classmates for each of your classes. That's a lot of new faces!

This means you have lots of opportunity for making all kinds of friends, but expect there to be some awkwardness and loneliness at first as everyone gets to know each other and figures out their friend groups. Additionally, since in college everyone wants to be there (at least on some level), you may find your college classmates more motivated and dedicated to doing well in school compared to some of your high school peers.

#7: Classes Will Require More Critical Thinking

Is college hard compared to high school? Going to college isn't just like attending four more years of high school. This is a big step up in your education, and your classes will be more challenging and expect you to keep up. You'll be tested less on memorization and basic regurgitation of facts and more on critical thinking skills and being able to apply what you learned in class to other situations.

You may learn a specific math equation and then be asked to apply that knowledge to more challenging types of equations, learn about different historical events and be asked to analyze how they affected future events, learn a scientific process and be asked to describe how it affects the environment, etc.

#8: College Costs More

There's no way around it; c ollege definitely costs more than high school. Tuition is thousands of dollars, and you'll likely be paying for room and board as well. And those are just the main costs. College requires all sorts of smaller purchases too, like special goggles for your chemistry lab or official test taking booklets for final exams. Buying just one college textbook (often over $100) is enough to never let you take for granted all free materials you got in high school.

#9: You'll Spend Less Time in Class

Most full-time college students spend about 15-20 hours in class a week, which comes out to about three or four hours a day. This is probably much less time than you spent in high school classes every day which means you'll have a lot more unscheduled time to spend how you think is best.

#10: You'll Have More Schoolwork

Don't get too excited about spending less time in class; college definitely knows how to keep you busy. The general rule of thumb is that you'll spend about three hours a week on schoolwork for every one hour of class you're in.

With a standard schedule of 15 credits, that means you can expect to spend 45 hours a week on schoolwork, about as much as a full-time job! This is often much more work than students had in high school, so you should be prepared for an adjustment.

#11: Attendance Will Be Up to You

In high school, you had to go to class every day because if you didn't, you could get in trouble for truancy or (sometimes even more frightening) your parents could find out. In college, there are no requirements for attending class, and no one is going to call your parents if you don't show up. However, don't make the mistake some college students do and think this means you don't need to go to class.

Many professors include attendance as part of your grade, and some will even fail you if you miss a certain number of classes without a valid excuse. Plus, it's often very difficult to do well in a class if you never show up, and you're paying a lot of money for these classes! Make sure you get the most out of them that you can.

#12: You'll Have More Social Opportunities

Even if you were a social butterfly in high school, you'll have tons more opportunities to be social and make friends in college. There will be sports teams to join, parties to go to, clubs you can be part of, and more. Most colleges are large enough to have something for everyone, so you're bound to find an activity you're interested in, whether that's a recreational hockey team, the student government group, a club focused on promoting renewable energy, and more.

There are also likely many more students at your college than there were at your high school, so your opportunities for making friends will multiply as well. However, you do need to make an effort to get the most out of these opportunities. Push yourself to try new things and strike up conversations with new people, and if you're feeling nervous, just remember that they're likely feeling the same way. Standard questions to ask new people you meet in college include: Where are you from? What dorm do you live in? What are you majoring in? Get ready to ask and be asked these questions a lot!

#13: It'll Be Harder to Stand Out

Once you start college, you won't be a big fish in a small pond anymore, and it'll be harder to stand out from the crowd. While in high school you may have been the star student/athlete/singer, in college you'll be surrounded by many talented classmates, many of whom were also the best at something in high school. Some students struggle with no longer automatically standing out, but there are plenty of benefits to this.

First, you'll be able to bond with other students who are also skilled at your talent. If you were, say, the star drama student at your high school, you may not hold the same position in college, but you can befriend all the other high school drama stars and create some awesome shows together.

Additionally, some students like the anonymity being a new college student brings. If you've been labelled as a jock or theater nerd for all of high school, going to college--where people don't know you--allows you to shed or alter that identity if you wish and try new things (or try the same things with less pressure).

#14: You'll Get Fewer Grades in Class

In high school, you probably had daily homework assignments you had to complete and got a grade for. These, along with some larger projects, quizzes, and tests made up your final class grade. If you got a low score in one, it was usually fine since there were plenty of other chances to make up for the low grade.

Once you start college, you may find that many classes have far fewer assignments, meaning you'll receive fewer grades and each of those grades are worth more. Instead of regular homework assignments and quizzes, many college classes are based only on a midterm grade and a final grade. This means you need to take those exams/papers/projects very seriously because if you mess up on one of them it'll be very hard to raise your class grade back to where you want it to be.

#15: You'll Be Doing Lots of Reading

You know those pictures of exhausted-looking students sitting next to a pile of textbooks they need to get through? That's how many college students feel. Expect to do lots of reading in college, including textbooks, journal articles, and literature. If you're majoring in a field like computer science or math you can expect less reading (and more homework), but you're still guaranteed to have at least a few classes where you're assigned to read a couple dozen textbook pages before the next class. You'll get to know your school's library very well.

Tips for Making the Transition From High School to College

Going from high school to college can be tough no matter how excited you are to start at your new school. Below are three tips to help make the transition easier.

Know There Will Be Changes

You've already taken one of the most important steps to prepare for transitioning from high school to college: you're expecting and preparing for the differences. When you know that the high school to college transition will bring major changes, you'll be more prepared for anything that comes your way.

Be Prepared for Some Bumps

Many movies about college make it seem like new college students immediately find a group of close friends, know exactly what they want to study, and have an awesome social life. In reality, it rarely works like this. Many new college students have moments where they feel awkward, lonely, and homesick. This is completely normal; after all you're making a major life change.

By managing your expectations of college and not expecting to love it right away, you can better manage the transition from high school to college and not end up disappointed when it takes a little while to feel comfortable.

Put Yourself Out There

When you first start college, there will be a lot of changes, and it'll be easy to hang out in your dorm room and text with your high school friends. However, you should resist this urge.

College is probably the best time you'll ever have to meet new people and try new things, so you should take full advantage. Keep your dorm room door open to meet your neighbors. Strike up a conversation with your chemistry lab partner. Join a club or sport you've never tried before. Not only will this make the transition from high school to college easier since you'll be meeting more people, you may discover a new friend or hobby.

What's Next?

Not sure which college you want to go to? Check out our guide on choosing the right college so you can make the best decision.

Stressing over college applications? We're here to help! Our step-by-step guide breaks down the complete college application process from start to finish.

Worried about choosing a major on your college applications? Learn how to navigate the process and make an informed decision.

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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High School Vs College: A Compare And Contrast

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Good Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

If you are writing it for the first time, you need good examples to understand how to write a compare and contrast essay.   Following are the best free compare and contrast essay examples that can be categorized for different levels.

Take help from these examples of contrasting two subjects to write an outstanding essay.  

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As university students, the demand for critical analysis and comparison becomes more rigorous.  By studying these examples, students will gain invaluable insights into effective comparative analysis.

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When writing the compare and contrast essay for a college assignment, the students may see it as the most difficult task. Don’t worry; here are some good college-level compare and contrast essay examples.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for High School

When writing the example for the essay, make sure that you can easily write the similarities and differences. The compare and contrast essay for high school is different from a college essay.

It does not require professional logical skills, but it is a good way to develop logical analysis skills.

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Compare And Contrast Essay Example High School vs College

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for Middle School

Following are good compare and contrast essay examples for middle school students:

Compare and Contrast Essay Example for Middle School Students

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for 6th Grade

Compare And Contrast Essay Examples 7th grade

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for Elementary Students

Elementary school students also have to write essays to compare and contrast two things. This can help them learn how to write better.

Here are some example essays for kids at the elementary level that make their academic writing process easy.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for 4th Grade

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples 5th Grade

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for 3rd Grade Students

Thesis for Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

A  thesis statement  highlights the main points of your essay and what two objects or topics you will be further discussing in your essay.

Here is an example that will help you to understand better how to write a great thesis statement for an essay.

Thesis for Compare and Contrast Essay Example

Literary Analysis Compare and Contrast Essay Examples 

When it comes to literary analysis, one effective approach is to explore the similarities and differences between different literary works. 

To illustrate the process and provide you with a clearer understanding, let's consider a few examples of compare and contrast essays in the realm of literary analysis:

Literary Analysis Compare and Contrast Essay Examples PDF

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

To write a great compare and contrast essay, you need to plan well and execute properly. When you are given this type of essay to write, it is best not to start writing it right away.  The prewriting steps for starting a compare and contrast essay are below:

• Select a Good Topic: Choose a unique and interesting compare and contrast essay topic that is neither too broad nor too specific.
• Brainstorm Similarities and Differences: Engage in brainstorming to generate fresh perspectives and ideas on the topic.
• Do Some Research: Conduct thorough research on the chosen topic to gather relevant information and insights.
• Create a Thesis Statement: Summarize your argument in a concise thesis statement, which should reflect the main focus of your essay.

Here is an example for your better understanding:

How To Start Off A Compare And Contrast Essay Examples (PDF)

Once you are done with the prewriting process, you can create an outline that will serve as your template for the essay.  The outline should have three components:

Introduction

Body paragraphs.

Below is a compare and contrast essay outline template that you can use for your help.  

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

Let’s discuss these parts in detail. 

An attention-grabbing introduction attracts the reader’s attention and will glue readers to your essay until the last words in it.

The  essay introduction part starts with a strong hook statement, and it should be interesting. The hook statement can be a quotation, story, or anything that captures the audience’s attention.

The thesis statement is also stated in the introduction, and it is the main writer’s argument. It should be included at the end of the introductory part.

Compare and Contrast Essay Introduction Examples

The body paragraphs should include 5-paragraphs. The writer presents their evidence and analyzes how the objects are similar and different.

The body paragraphs can be written using two methods.

Point by Point:  In this method, the writer lists the similarities and differences of both subjects.

Here is an example of point by point approach:

Introduce the topic and provide a brief overview of city life and country life. Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs, emphasizing the contrasting aspects of city life and country life. Conclude with a statement highlighting that the choice between the two lifestyles ultimately depends on personal preferences and priorities.

Block Method:  In the block method, the writer organizes the information. Firstly, define the first object's details and then describe the information about the second object.

Here is an example of the block method approach:

Introduce the topic and provide a brief overview of city life and country life. Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs, emphasizing the contrasting aspects of city life and country life. Conclude with a statement highlighting that the choice between the two lifestyles ultimately depends on personal preferences and priorities.

Writing a conclusion for a compare and contrast essay is crucial as it brings closure to the discussion and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. Avoid introducing new information and instead focus on reinforcing the main ideas presented throughout the essay.

In the end, leave the reader with a sense of reflection and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion Example (PDF)

Need guidance to create a compare and contrast essay outline? Check out our compare and contrast essay outline blog!

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples on Different Subjects

As students progress in their academic journey, the ability to compare and contrast becomes increasingly important.

In this section, we will delve into a variety of compare-and-contrast essay examples for effective writing.

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips

Writing a compare and contrast essay can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can craft a compelling and insightful piece of writing.

Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the process effectively:

• Understand the purpose: Know that a compare and contrast essay analyzes similarities and differences between subjects.
• Choose appropriate subjects: Select topics that share similarities but also have distinct differences for meaningful analysis.
• Conduct in-depth research: Gather information about the subjects to provide a comprehensive essay.
• Create a clear structure: Use an introduction, clear topic sentences , and consider point-by-point or block method organization.
• Support with evidence: Use quotes , examples, or data to back up your comparisons.
• Analyze and interpret: Go beyond listing and explore the significance and implications of the comparisons.
• Use clear and cohesive language: Use transitional words, be precise, and balance academic rigor with accessibility.
• Revise and edit: Check for errors, review the logical flow, and seek feedback to improve your essay.

Summing up, now you have got good compare and contrast essay examples for your academic assignment, making your writing process easy. Read these carefully and try to learn from them. Also, you can come back whenever you need more inspiration.

Need a more specific example on a particular topic? No problem! Generate your own complete compare and contrast essay in seconds with our AI essay writing tool .

In addition, our professional writers can craft an excellent essay based on your personal requirements. Our compare and contrast essay writing service provides 24/7 assistance and original human-written essays in affordable prices. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are compare and contrast words.

The most common compare-and-contrast words are:

• Nevertheless

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Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.

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Table of contents

When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.

Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.

• Compare the treatment of the theme of beauty in the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats.
• Compare and contrast in-class and distance learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.

One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.

Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.

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As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.

For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.

This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.

Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.

Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.

Behaviorism	Cognitive psychology
Dominant from the 1920s to the 1950s	Rose to prominence in the 1960s
Mental processes cannot be empirically studied	Mental processes as focus of study
Focuses on how thinking is affected by conditioning and environment	Focuses on the cognitive processes themselves

Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.

These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.

When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.

The alternating method

In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:

Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.

One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.

The block method

In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:

• Point of comparison A
• Point of comparison B

The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

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34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Topics cover education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more.

Do your writers need some inspiration? If you’re teaching students to write a compare and contrast essay, a strong example is an invaluable tool. This round-up of our favorite compare and contrast essays covers a range of topics and grade levels, so no matter your students’ interests or ages, you’ll always have a helpful example to share. You’ll find links to full essays about education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more. (Need compare-and-contrast essay topic ideas? Check out our big list of compare and contrast essay topics! )

What is a compare and contrast essay?

• Education and parenting essays
• Technology essays
• Pop culture essays
• Historical and political essays
• Sports essays
• Lifestyle essays
• Healthcare essays
• Animal essays

When choosing a compare and contrast essay example to include on this list, we considered the structure. A strong compare and contrast essay begins with an introductory paragraph that includes background context and a strong thesis. Next, the body includes paragraphs that explore the similarities and differences. Finally, a concluding paragraph restates the thesis, draws any necessary inferences, and asks any remaining questions.

A compare and contrast essay example can be an opinion piece comparing two things and making a conclusion about which is better. For example, “Is Tom Brady really the GOAT?” It can also help consumers decide which product is better suited to them. Should you keep your subscription to Hulu or Netflix? Should you stick with Apple or explore Android? Here’s our list of compare and contrast essay samples categorized by subject.

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Private school vs. public school.

Sample lines: “Deciding whether to send a child to public or private school can be a tough choice for parents. … Data on whether public or private education is better can be challenging to find and difficult to understand, and the cost of private school can be daunting. … According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools still attract far more students than private schools, with 50.7 million students attending public school as of 2018. Private school enrollment in the fall of 2017 was 5.7 million students, a number that is down from 6 million in 1999.”

Read the full essay: Private School vs. Public School at U.S. News and World Report

Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education

Sample lines: “Home schooling, not a present threat to public education, is nonetheless one of the forces that will change it. If the high estimates of the number of children in home schools (1.2 million) is correct, then the home-schooling universe is larger than the New York City public school system and roughly the size of the Los Angeles and Chicago public school systems combined. … Critics charge that three things are wrong with home schooling: harm to students academically; harm to society by producing students who are ill-prepared to function as democratic citizens and participants in a modern economy; and harm to public education, making it more difficult for other parents to educate their children. … It is time to ask whether home schooling, charters, and vouchers should be considered parts of a broad repertoire of methods that we as a society use to educate our children.”

Read the full essay: Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education at Brookings

Which parenting style is right for you?

Sample lines: “The three main types of parenting are on a type of ‘sliding scale’ of parenting, with permissive parenting as the least strict type of parenting. Permissive parenting typically has very few rules, while authoritarian parenting is thought of as a very strict, rule-driven type of parenting.”

Read the full essay: What Is Authoritative Parenting? at Healthline ADVERTISEMENT

Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic

Sample lines: “Face masks can prevent the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2. … However, covering the lower half of the face reduces the ability to communicate. Positive emotions become less recognizable, and negative emotions are amplified. Emotional mimicry, contagion, and emotionality in general are reduced and (thereby) bonding between teachers and learners, group cohesion, and learning—of which emotions are a major driver. The benefits and burdens of face masks in schools should be seriously considered and made obvious and clear to teachers and students.”

Read the full essay: Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic at National Library of Medicine

To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans?

Sample lines: “In recent years, book bans have soared in schools, reaching an all-time high in fall 2022. … The challenge of balancing parent concerns about ‘age appropriateness’ against the imperative of preparing students to be informed citizens is still on the minds of many educators today. … Such curricular decision-making  should  be left to the professionals, argues English/language arts instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky. ‘Examining texts for their appropriateness is not a job that noneducators are trained to do,’ she wrote last year, as the national debate over censorship resurged with the news that a Tennessee district banned the graphic novel  Maus  just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

Read the full essay: To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans? at Education Week

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Netflix vs. hulu 2023: which is the best streaming service.

Sample lines: “Netflix fans will point to its high-quality originals, including  The Witcher ,  Stranger Things ,  Emily in Paris ,  Ozark , and more, as well as a wide variety of documentaries like  Cheer ,  The Last Dance ,  My Octopus Teacher , and many others. It also boasts a much larger subscription base, with more than 222 million subscribers compared to Hulu’s 44 million. Hulu, on the other hand, offers a variety of extras such as HBO and Showtime—content that’s unavailable on Netflix. Its price tag is also cheaper than the competition, with its $7/mo. starting price, which is a bit more palatable than Netflix’s $10/mo. starting price.”

Read the full essay: Netflix vs. Hulu 2023: Which is the best streaming service? at TV Guide

Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes?

Sample lines: “In the past, we would have to drag around heavy books if we were really into reading. Now, we can have all of those books, and many more, stored in one handy little device that can easily be stuffed into a backpack, purse, etc. … Many of us still prefer to hold an actual book in our hands. … But, whether you use a Kindle or prefer hardcover books or paperbacks, the main thing is that you enjoy reading. A story in a book or on a Kindle device can open up new worlds, take you to fantasy worlds, educate you, entertain you, and so much more.”

Read the full essay: Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes? at Books in a Flash

iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?

Sample lines: “The iPhone vs. Android comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we’re going to try and help you to find your personal pick all the same. iOS 17 and Android 14—the latest versions of the two operating systems—both offer smooth and user-friendly experiences, and several similar or identical features. But there are still important differences to be aware of. … Owning an iPhone is a simpler, more convenient experience. There’s less to think about. … Android-device ownership is a bit harder. … Yet it’s simultaneously more freeing, because it offers more choice.”

Read the full essay: iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you? at Tom’s Guide

Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you?

Sample lines: “Cord-cutting has become a popular trend in recent years, thanks to the rise of streaming services. For those unfamiliar, cord cutting is the process of canceling your cable subscription and instead, relying on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu to watch your favorite shows and movies. The primary difference is that you can select your streaming services à la carte while cable locks you in on a set number of channels through bundles. So, the big question is: should you cut the cord?”

Read the full essay: Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you? at BroadbandNow

PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch

Sample lines: “The crux of the comparison comes down to portability versus power. Being able to migrate fully fledged Nintendo games from a big screen to a portable device is a huge asset—and one that consumers have taken to, especially given the Nintendo Switch’s meteoric sales figures. … It is worth noting that many of the biggest franchises like Call of Duty, Madden, modern Resident Evil titles, newer Final Fantasy games, Grand Theft Auto, and open-world Ubisoft adventures like Assassin’s Creed will usually skip Nintendo Switch due to its lack of power. The inability to play these popular games practically guarantees that a consumer will pick up a modern system, while using the Switch as a secondary device.”

Read the full essay: PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch at Digital Trends

What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram?

Sample lines: “Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? Instagram and Facebook are by far the most popular social media channels used by digital marketers. Not to mention that they’re also the biggest platforms used by internet users worldwide. So, today we’ll look into the differences and similarities between these two platforms to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your business.”

Read the full essay: What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? at SocialBee

Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference?

Sample lines: “In short, digital watches use an LCD or LED screen to display the time. Whereas, an analog watch features three hands to denote the hour, minutes, and seconds. With the advancement in watch technology and research, both analog and digital watches have received significant improvements over the years. Especially in terms of design, endurance, and accompanying features. … At the end of the day, whether you go analog or digital, it’s a personal preference to make based on your style, needs, functions, and budget.”

Read the full essay: Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference? at Watch Ranker

AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis

Sample lines: “Art has always been a reflection of human creativity, emotion, and cultural expression. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), a new form of artistic creation has emerged, blurring the lines between what is created by human hands and what is generated by algorithms. … Despite the excitement surrounding AI Art, it also raises complex ethical, legal, and artistic questions that have sparked debates about the definition of art, the role of the artist, and the future of art production. … Regardless of whether AI Art is considered ‘true’ art, it is crucial to embrace and explore the vast possibilities and potential it brings to the table. The transformative influence of AI art on the art world is still unfolding, and only time will reveal its true extent.”

Read the full essay: AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis at Raul Lara

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Christina aguilera vs. britney spears.

Sample lines: “Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera was the Coke vs. Pepsi of 1999 — no, really, Christina repped Coke and Britney shilled for Pepsi. The two teen idols released debut albums seven months apart before the turn of the century, with Britney’s becoming a standard-bearer for bubblegum pop and Aguilera’s taking an R&B bent to show off her range. … It’s clear that Spears and Aguilera took extremely divergent paths following their simultaneous breakout successes.”

Read the full essay: Christina Aguilera vs. Britney Spears at The Ringer

Harry Styles vs. Ed Sheeran

Sample lines: “The world heard our fantasies and delivered us two titans simultaneously—we have been blessed with Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles. Our cup runneth over; our bounty is immeasurable. More remarkable still is the fact that both have released albums almost at the same time: Ed’s third, Divide , was released in March and broke the record for one-day Spotify streams, while Harry’s frenziedly anticipated debut solo, called Harry Styles , was released yesterday.”

Read the full essay: Harry Styles versus Ed Sheeran at Belfast Telegraph

The Grinch: Three Versions Compared

Sample lines: “Based on the original story of the same name, this movie takes a completely different direction by choosing to break away from the cartoony form that Seuss had established by filming the movie in a live-action form. Whoville is preparing for Christmas while the Grinch looks down upon their celebrations in disgust. Like the previous film, The Grinch hatches a plan to ruin Christmas for the Who’s. … Like in the original Grinch, he disguises himself as Santa Claus, and makes his dog, Max, into a reindeer. He then takes all of the presents from the children and households. … Cole’s favorite is the 2000 edition, while Alex has only seen the original. Tell us which one is your favorite.”

Read the full essay: The Grinch: Three Versions Compared at Wooster School

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Malcolm x vs. martin luther king jr.: comparison between two great leaders’ ideologies .

Sample lines: “Although they were fighting for civil rights at the same time, their ideology and way of fighting were completely distinctive. This can be for a plethora of reasons: background, upbringing, the system of thought, and vision. But keep in mind, they devoted their whole life to the same prospect. … Through boycotts and marches, [King] hoped to end racial segregation. He felt that the abolition of segregation would improve the likelihood of integration. Malcolm X, on the other hand, spearheaded a movement for black empowerment.”

Read the full essay: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.: Comparison Between Two Great Leaders’ Ideologies  at Melaninful

Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear

Sample lines: “The contrast is even clearer when we look to the future. Trump promises more tax cuts, more military spending, more deficits and deeper cuts in programs for the vulnerable. He plans to nominate a coal lobbyist to head the Environmental Protection Agency. … Obama says America must move forward, and he praises progressive Democrats for advocating Medicare for all. … With Obama and then Trump, Americans have elected two diametrically opposed leaders leading into two very different directions.”

Read the full essay: Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear at Chicago Sun-Times

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lebron james vs. kobe bryant: a complete comparison.

Sample lines: “LeBron James has achieved so much in his career that he is seen by many as the greatest of all time, or at least the only player worthy of being mentioned in the GOAT conversation next to Michael Jordan. Bridging the gap between Jordan and LeBron though was Kobe Bryant, who often gets left out of comparisons and GOAT conversations. … Should his name be mentioned more though? Can he compare to LeBron or is The King too far past The Black Mamba in historical rankings already?”

Read the full essay: LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant: A Complete Comparison at Sportskeeda

NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison

Sample lines: “Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were largely considered the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the majority of the time they spent in the league together, with the icons having many head-to-head clashes in the regular season and on the AFC side of the NFL Playoffs. Manning was the leader of the Indianapolis Colts of the AFC South. … Brady spent his career as the QB of the AFC East’s New England Patriots, before taking his talents to Tampa Bay. … The reality is that winning is the most important aspect of any career, and Brady won more head-to-head matchups than Manning did.”

Read the full essay: NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison at Sportskeeda

The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers?

Sample lines: “The Celtics are universally considered as the greatest franchise in NBA history. But if you take a close look at the numbers, there isn’t really too much separation between them and their arch-rival Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, you can even make a good argument for the Lakers. … In 72 seasons played, the Boston Celtics have won a total of 3,314 games and lost 2,305 or a .590 winning mark. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have won 3,284 of 5,507 total games played or a slightly better winning record of .596. … But while the Lakers have the better winning percentage, the Celtics have the advantage over them in head-to-head competition.”

Read the full essay: The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers? at Sport One

Is Soccer Better Than Football?

Sample lines: “Is soccer better than football? Soccer and football lovers have numerous reasons to support their sport of choice. Both keep the players physically fit and help to bring people together for an exciting cause. However, soccer has drawn more numbers globally due to its popularity in more countries.”

Read the full essay: Is Soccer Better Than Football? at Sports Brief

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Mobile home vs. tiny house: similarities, differences, pros & cons.

Sample lines: “Choosing the tiny home lifestyle enables you to spend more time with those you love. The small living space ensures quality bonding time rather than hiding away in a room or behind a computer screen. … You’ll be able to connect closer to nature and find yourself able to travel the country at any given moment. On the other hand, we have the mobile home. … They are built on a chassis with transportation in mind. … They are not built to be moved on a constant basis. … While moving the home again *is* possible, it may cost you several thousand dollars.”

Read the full essay: Mobile Home vs. Tiny House: Similarities, Differences, Pros & Cons at US Mobile Home Pros

Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores

Sample lines: “It is clear that both stores have very different stories and aims when it comes to their customers. Whole Foods looks to provide organic, healthy, exotic, and niche products for an audience with a very particular taste. … Walmart, on the other hand, looks to provide the best deals, every possible product, and every big brand for a broader audience. … Moreover, they look to make buying affordable and accessible, and focus on the capitalist nature of buying.”

Read the full essay: Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores at The Archaeology of Us

Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed

Sample lines: “The key difference between artificial grass and turf is their intended use. Artificial turf is largely intended to be used for sports, so it is shorter and tougher. On the other hand, artificial grass is generally longer, softer and more suited to landscaping purposes. Most homeowners would opt for artificial grass as a replacement for a lawn, for example. Some people actually prefer playing sports on artificial grass, too … artificial grass is often softer and more bouncy, giving it a feel similar to playing on a grassy lawn. … At the end of the day, which one you will choose will depend on your specific household and needs.”

Read the full essay: Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed at Almost Grass

Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases

Sample lines: “Maximalists love shopping, especially finding unique pieces. They see it as a hobby—even a skill—and a way to express their personality. Minimalists don’t like shopping and see it as a waste of time and money. They’d instead use those resources to create memorable experiences. Maximalists desire one-of-a-kind possessions. Minimalists are happy with duplicates—for example, personal uniforms. … Minimalism and maximalism are about being intentional with your life and belongings. It’s about making choices based on what’s important to you.”

Read the full essay: Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases at Minimalist Vegan

Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian?

Sample lines: “You’ve heard buzz over the years that following a vegetarian diet is better for your health, and you’ve probably read a few magazine articles featuring a celeb or two who swore off meat and animal products and ‘magically’ lost weight. So does ditching meat automatically equal weight loss? Will it really help you live longer and be healthier overall? … Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure  and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease. But if your vegetarian co-worker is noshing greasy veggie burgers and fries every day for lunch, is he likely to be healthier than you, who always orders the grilled salmon? Definitely not!”

Read the full essay: Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian? at WebMD

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Similarities and differences between the health systems in australia & usa.

Sample lines: “Australia and the United States are two very different countries. They are far away from each other, have contrasting fauna and flora, differ immensely by population, and have vastly different healthcare systems. The United States has a population of 331 million people, compared to Australia’s population of 25.5 million people.”

Read the full essay: Similarities and Differences Between the Health Systems in Australia & USA at Georgia State University

Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate

Sample lines: “Disadvantages of universal healthcare include significant upfront costs and logistical challenges. On the other hand, universal healthcare may lead to a healthier populace, and thus, in the long-term, help to mitigate the economic costs of an unhealthy nation. In particular, substantial health disparities exist in the United States, with low socio-economic status segments of the population subject to decreased access to quality healthcare and increased risk of non-communicable chronic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes, among other determinants of poor health.”

Read the full essay: Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate at National Library of Medicine

Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying

Sample lines: “Physician aid in dying is a controversial subject raising issues central to the role of physicians. … The two most common arguments in favor of legalizing AID are respect for patient autonomy and relief of suffering. A third, related, argument is that AID is a safe medical practice, requiring a health care professional. … Although opponents of AID offer many arguments ranging from pragmatic to philosophical, we focus here on concerns that the expansion of AID might cause additional, unintended harm through suicide contagion, slippery slope, and the deaths of patients suffering from depression.”

Read the full essay: Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying at National Library of Medicine

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and contrast paragraph—dogs and cats.

Sample lines: “Researchers have found that dogs have about twice the number of neurons in their cerebral cortexes than what cats have. Specifically, dogs had around 530 million neurons, whereas the domestic cat only had 250 million neurons. Moreover, dogs can be trained to learn and respond to our commands, but although your cat understands your name, and anticipates your every move, he/she may choose to ignore you.”

Read the full essay: Compare and Contrast Paragraph—Dogs and Cats at Proofwriting Guru via YouTube

Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs

Sample lines: “Horses are prey animals with a deep herding instinct. They are highly sensitive to their environment, hyper aware, and ready to take flight if needed. Just like dogs, some horses are more confident than others, but just like dogs, all need a confident handler to teach them what to do. Some horses are highly reactive and can be spooked by the smallest things, as are dogs. … Another distinction between horses and dogs … was that while dogs have been domesticated , horses have been  tamed. … Both species have influenced our culture more than any other species on the planet.”

Read the full essay: Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs at Positively Victoria Stilwell

Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets

Sample lines: “Although the words ‘exotic’ and ‘wild’ are frequently used interchangeably, many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets. ‘A wild animal is an indigenous, non-domesticated animal, meaning that it is native to the country where you are located,’ Blue-McLendon explained. ‘For Texans, white-tailed deer, pronghorn sheep, raccoons, skunks, and bighorn sheep are wild animals … an exotic animal is one that is wild but is from a different continent than where you live.’ For example, a hedgehog in Texas would be considered an exotic animal, but in the hedgehog’s native country, it would be considered wildlife.”

Read the full essay: Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets at Texas A&M University

Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos

Sample lines: “The pros and cons of zoos often come from two very different points of view. From a legal standard, animals are often treated as property. That means they have less rights than humans, so a zoo seems like a positive place to maintain a high quality of life. For others, the forced enclosure of any animal feels like an unethical decision. … Zoos provide a protected environment for endangered animals, and also help in raising awareness and funding for wildlife initiatives and research projects. … Zoos are key for research. Being able to observe and study animals is crucial if we want to contribute to help them and repair the ecosystems. … Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children.”

Read the full essay: Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos at EcoCation

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Plus, if you liked these compare and contrast essay examples check out intriguing compare and contrast essay topics for kids and teens ..

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80 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

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101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Great Ideas for Essays

• Teaching Resources
• An Introduction to Teaching
• Tips & Strategies
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• Teaching Adult Learners
• Issues In Education
• Becoming A Teacher
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• B.A., History, University of Florida

Compare and contrast essays are taught in school for many reasons. For one thing, they are relatively easy to teach, understand, and format. Students can typically understand the structure with just a short amount of instruction. In addition, these essays allow students develop critical thinking skills to approach a variety of topics.

Brainstorming Tip

One fun way to get students started brainstorming their compare and contrast essays is to create a Venn diagram , where the overlapping sections of the circle contain similarities and the non-overlapping areas contain the differing traits.

The following is a list of 101 topics for compare and contrast essays that you are welcome to use in your classroom. As you look through the list, you will see that some items are academic in nature while others are included for interest-building and fun writing activities.

• Apple vs. Microsoft
• Coke vs. Pepsi
• Renaissance Art vs. Baroque Art
• Antebellum Era vs. Reconstruction Era in American History
• Childhood vs. Adulthood
• Star Wars vs. Star Trek
• Biology vs. Chemistry
• Astrology vs. Astronomy
• American Government vs. British Government (or any world government)
• Fruits vs. Vegetables
• Dogs vs. Cats
• Ego vs. Superego
• Christianity vs. Judaism (or any world religion )
• Republican vs. Democrat
• Monarchy vs. Presidency
• US President vs. UK Prime Minister
• Jazz vs. Classical Music
• Red vs. White (or any two colors)
• Soccer vs. Football
• North vs. South Before the Civil War
• New England Colonies vs. Middle Colonies OR vs. Southern Colonies
• Cash vs. Credit Cards
• Sam vs. Frodo Baggins
• Gandalf vs. Dumbledore
• Fred vs. Shaggy
• Rap vs. Pop
• Articles of Confederation vs. U.S. Constitution
• Henry VIII vs. King Louis XIV
• Stocks vs. Bonds
• Monopolies vs. Oligopolies
• Communism vs. Capitalism
• Socialism vs. Capitalism
• Diesel vs. Petroleum
• Nuclear Power vs. Solar Power
• Saltwater Fish vs. Freshwater Fish
• Squids vs. Octopus
• Mammals vs. Reptiles
• Baleen vs. Toothed Whales
• Seals vs. Sea Lions
• Crocodiles vs. Alligators
• Bats vs. Birds
• Oven vs. Microwave
• Greek vs. Roman Mythology
• Chinese vs. Japanese
• Comedy vs. Drama
• Renting vs. Owning
• Mozart vs. Beethoven
• Online vs. Traditional Education
• North vs. South Pole
• Watercolor vs. Oil
• 1984 vs. Fahrenheit 451
• Emily Dickinson vs. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• W.E.B. DuBois vs. Booker T. Washington
• Strawberries vs. Apples
• Airplanes vs. Helicopters
• Hitler vs. Napoleon
• Roman Empire vs. British Empire
• Paper vs. Plastic
• Italy vs. Spain
• Baseball vs. Cricket
• Jefferson vs. Adams
• Thoroughbreds vs. Clydesdales
• Spiders vs. Scorpions
• Northern Hemisphere vs. Southern Hemisphere
• Hobbes vs. Locke
• Friends vs. Family
• Dried Fruit vs. Fresh
• Porcelain vs. Glass
• Modern Dance vs. Ballroom Dancing
• American Idol vs. The Voice
• Reality TV vs. Sitcoms
• Picard vs. Kirk
• Books vs. Movies
• Magazines vs. Comic Books
• Antique vs. New
• Public vs. Private Transportation
• Email vs. Letters
• Facebook vs. Twitter
• Coffee vs. an Energy Drink
• Toads vs. Frogs
• Profit vs. Non-Profit
• Boys vs. Girls
• Birds vs. Dinosaurs
• High School vs. College
• Chamberlain vs. Churchill
• Offense vs. Defense
• Jordan vs. Bryant
• Harry vs. Draco
• Roses vs. Carnations
• Poetry vs. Prose
• Fiction vs. Nonfiction
• Lions vs. Tigers
• Vampires vs. Werewolves
• Lollipops vs. popsicles
• Summer vs. Winter
• Recycling vs. Landfill
• Motorcycle vs. Bicycle
• Halogen vs. Incandescent
• Newton vs. Einstein
• .. Go on vacation vs. Staycation
• . Rock vs. Scissors
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Compare And Contrast Essay Guide

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: 100+ Fresh New Ideas

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 10, 2020

A compare and contrast essay revolves around finding and analyzing the similarities and differences between two subjects belonging to the same category.

If you have been assigned a compare and contrast essay, then you’re probably looking for interesting topics that you can write on, right?

Steer forward with us!

Following is the list of interesting topics for a compare and contrast essay that you can use for your essay assignments. As you proceed, you will notice that some of the topics are academic, and others are included for interest.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students - 2022 Ideas

A compare and contrast essay is an important academic assignment for school or college students. An essential point that you must keep in mind when choosing a compare and contrast essay topic is to go for the subjects that belong to the same category. For instance, you can’t choose football and 19th-century art.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

At the university level, the essay topics are a little different and unique. Also, with a good essay topic, you will easily create the thesis statement and body paragraphs.

If you want to write on a great topic, you can choose from the below-mentioned essay topics.

• Salt vs. sugar
• Teacher vs. Doctor
• Prose vs. poetry
• Short vs. long hair
• Psychosis and antisocial disorder
• Between soft and hard drugs, which is more dangerous?
• Difference between lust and love
• Compare methods of normal and abnormal psychology
• Silver and gold
• Tennis vs. badminton

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

When students step into college from high school, they are still used to the concept of teachers assigning essay topics. Sometimes the teacher gives you the topic, but you will have to pick one yourself most of the time. So, be creative and challenge yourself to write on different essay topics.

Topics for college students can be difficult to manage at times because teachers can have higher expectations. In such a case, get help from an online writing service with your academic paper.

The compare and contrast essay topics in college are a bit less complicated than in high school. The following are the easy compare and contrast essay topics for college students.

• How does high school differ from college?
• Students with or without part-time jobs
• Essay Vs. Research Paper: What is more challenging?
• Homeschooling Vs. Traditional Schooling
• SAT Vs. GRE: What is more difficult?
• Masters Vs. PhD: What helps strengthen your career?
• Differences between Islam and Christianity
• Introverts Vs. Extroverts
• Real-life dating Vs. Online dating
• How do education and employment compare?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

Essay topics for high school students are much different than the topics for college students. The topics are a little less technical and difficult.

Here are some great compare and contrast essay topics for your ease.

• Friends Vs. Family
• Childhood friendship Vs. High school friendship
• Bikes vs. cars.
• Study abroad Vs. Studying in your country
• Living on your own Vs. At home with my parents.
• Facebook vs. Twitter In-house employees Vs. Freelance contractors
• Texting Vs. In-person conversations
• Working out or dieting
• Being in a relationship or being single

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

The topics for middle school students are quite interesting and creative. Therefore, the students enjoy the writing process.

We gathered some great compare and contrast essay topics for your help.

• Basketball Vs. Football
• Compare two plays written by Shakespeare
• Running Vs. Walking
• Reading vs. writing
• Doctor Vs. Nurse
• Breakdance Vs. Ballet: What is more difficult?
• World war I Vs. World War II
• Chocolate vs. Ice-cream
• Compare two of your favorite movies
• Reading books Vs. Watching movies

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

The essay topics for grade 6 are very simple and easy. We collected some essay topics for grade 6 students; pick the one that you find interesting.

• School exams vs. college exams
• Winter holidays vs. summer holidays
• Comparative essay vs. argumentative essay
• Attending school vs. remote learning
• Driving a bike and driving a car
• Vegetables and fruits
• Christianity versus Judaism
• E-books versus textbooks
• An experience I agree to attend a party or stay at home.
• Steroids and boxing
• Handwriting or typing

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Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

There are certain pros and cons associated with psychology topics. The pros are that the possibilities are endless; one can write as much as possible. This fact is the con as well; since there is so much material to choose from for the essay topic.

• Anxiety vs. Depression
• Therapy vs. medication
• Agoraphobia Vs. Claustrophobia
• Compare suicide and homicide
• Autism Vs. Down syndrome
• B. F. Skinner theory Vs. John B. Watson theory
• Anorexia Vs. Bulimia
• Social anxiety or fear of public speaking
• Nature vs. nurture
• Ego Vs. Superego

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

The best part about the sports-related topic is the accurate data available online with practical examples. This fact can help you write an even more refined essay.

Take a look at these and topics and choose the best one for your essay.

• Women’s football team, Vs. Men’s
• Chess Vs. Checkers
• Football Vs. Cricket: Which is better?
• Sachin Tendulkar Vs. Ricky Ponting
• Roger Federer Vs. Rafael Nadal
• Rugby and Soccer
• Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi
• Ice climbing Vs. Traditional climbing
• Knicks Vs. Nets
• Aikido Vs. Judo

For all the students who are in sports, these are the best kind of topics. As they say, you write best about subjects you are most interested in.

Art & History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Writing a compare and contrast essay has its challenges and especially when the topics are art or history-related. Always make sure to gather the necessary data before kick-starting the essay.

• Baroque Vs. Mycenaean Period
• Mosaic Vs. Raku
• Compare the 19th Century Art
• Brunelleschi and The Romans
• Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
• Roxanna and Dorian Gray
• Compare Kafka's Metamorphosis and Albert Camus’ The Stranger
• Macbeth and Othello
• Tapestry Vs. Fresco

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Funny topics not only refresh the mind of the students but help in the learning process as well. Below given are some great essay topics that you can use for your essay.

• Beyonce Vs. Rihanna
• Kim Kardashian Vs. Paris Hilton
• Ellen DeGeneres Vs. Oprah Winfrey
• Pet dogs Vs. Pet cats
• Pasta vs. pizza
• Lollipops Vs. Popsicles
• Drama Vs. Comedy
• Email Vs. Pigeon Post
• Credit card Vs. Cash
• Star Trek Vs. Star Wars

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

The medical students are sometimes stuck with selecting the essay topic for their essay assignment. For your help, we compiled some excellent topics that will help in your writing phase.

• Religions that are against traditional medical procedures.
• Vaccination or Medications.
• Operations vs. therapeutic cancer curing.
• Should vaccinations be made mandatory?
• Morning exercise vs. evening exercise.
• Medical history and privacy concerns.
• Wheat and corn grain.
• Chocolate or candies.
• Carrot and pumpkin.
• Rest or training.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Movies

The compare and contrast essay on movies is an interesting type of essay. Look at these topics that will help in your topic-selection phase.

• Romeo and Juliet.
• Gandalf vs. Dumbledore.
• Comedy vs. horror.
• Harry Potter: book & movie.
• Thrillers and horror movies.
• Fantastic Four or Avengers.
• Bollywood Vs. Hollywood.
• DC or Marvel
• Superman vs. batman.
• Games of thrones vs. the witcher.

Are these topic ideas helpful? Did you get what you were looking for?

Now that you have chosen a topic for your essay, you can start composing it. For that, you have to follow a structured essay outline.

Do you still find it difficult to choose a topic or to write a compare and contrast essay step by step?

It is completely understandable, as essay writing can be tricky at times.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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The Mixed Methods Blog

How many students are taking dual enrollment courses in high school new national, state, and college-level data.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education released new data that, for the first time ever, provide college-level counts of the number of high school dual enrollment students, disaggregated by race/ethnicity and gender. The provisional release of these new data represents years of effort among dozens of organizations pushing for better dual enrollment data. In this post, I detail a first look at this new information.

What is the size and significance of dual enrollment across postsecondary sectors and states?

Nationally, community colleges enrolled the majority of high school dual enrollment students, followed by public four-year and private nonprofit four-year colleges. For community colleges, the 1.78 million high school dual enrollment students represented 21% of total enrollments during the 2022-23 year (8.6 million in total). Two hundred forty thousand high school students took dual enrollment at the 10 largest dual enrollment colleges alone, and of these top 10, eight were community colleges.

As shown below, the size of high school dual enrollment at community colleges differed substantially across states. For example, in Idaho and Indiana, high schoolers represented the majority of community college enrollments in 2022-23, and in eight other states dual enrollment made up a third or more of total community college enrollment. At 37 community colleges across the country, 50% or more of enrollment was from high school dual enrollment.

Compared to undergraduate students overall, how representative are dual enrollment students by race/ethnicity and gender?

Compared to undergraduates overall, Black and Hispanic students were underrepresented nationally in dual enrollment during 2022-23, echoing our previous analysis of national K-12 data. White students were overrepresented in dual enrollment, accounting for 52% of high school dual enrollment compared to 45% of undergraduate enrollment overall (and 44% of K-12 enrollment).

Black students, which made up 13% of undergraduate enrollment and 15% of public K-12 enrollment, comprised only 8% of high school dual enrollment. Black students were underrepresented in dual enrollment in every state except for Massachusetts. And Black students had equal or greater representation in dual enrollment at only 74 community colleges—fewer than one in ten community colleges serving dual enrollment students nationally.

Hispanic/Latino students made up 22% of undergraduate enrollment (and 29% of public K-12 enrollment) but only 20% of high school dual enrollment. Hispanic/Latino students had greater or equal representation in dual enrollment in 18 states and at more than a third of community colleges nationally.

One caveat is that, nationally, more dual enrollment students were reported with unknown race/ethnicity (9%) compared to undergraduates overall (5%), muddying the picture somewhat. Similar to undergraduates overall, men were underrepresented among dual enrollment students nationally (43%).

In the dashboard below, you can select your college or your state and identify the number of dual enrollment students, consider the size of dual enrollment as a percentage of overall undergraduate enrollment, and compare the racial/ethnic and gender representation of dual enrollment students to that of undergraduate enrollments overall.

How does your state compare to others in dual enrollment size and representation?

The top five states for dual enrollment by size—California, Texas, New York, Indiana, and Florida—together reported nearly 900,000 dual enrollments, about a third of dual enrollment nationally. California, Texas, and Florida enrolled the largest numbers of Hispanic or Latino dual enrollment students, and Texas, Florida, and Georgia enrolled the largest numbers of Black dual enrollment students.

In the dashboard below, you can look across states to compare the percentage of dual enrollment as a share of overall undergraduate enrollment (shown in the map), see states ranked in order of the number of high schoolers enrolled in dual enrollment, and compare racial/ethnic composition of dual enrollment across states and to the U.S. overall.

How does participation in dual enrollment vary among colleges in your state?

In the dashboard below, you can look within your state to compare the size and demographic breakdown of dual enrollment students across colleges. Select your state to view all of the postsecondary institutions, the size of their dual enrollment programs, the significance of dual enrollment as a share of their undergraduate headcount, and dual enrollment counts disaggregated by race/ethnicity and gender.

Implications of the new data

Given decades of research documenting the positive benefits of participating in dual enrollment coursework on high school and postsecondary outcomes, the growth of these programs has great potential to expand college and career opportunity for high school students across the country. And yet gaps in access to dual enrollment for Black, Hispanic, low-income, and other underserved groups persist in preventing these programs from fully realizing their potential. But, as we have learned in our dual enrollment equity pathways research, it is not only possible to broaden the benefits of dual enrollment but also increasingly important for college business models to rethink the conventional approach, sometimes described as “programs of privilege” or “random acts” of dual enrollment. These new data can help to motivate and guide reform efforts by providing public, college- and state-level, disaggregated data for practitioners and policymakers seeking to rethink dual enrollment as a more equitable and effective on-ramp to career-path postsecondary education for students.

About the author

John Fink is a senior research associate and program lead at the Community College Research Center.

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