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Writer's pictureKate Pedigo, M.Ed., NCC

Earning College Credit in High School


Female student
There are multiple ways to earn college credit in high school.

With college costs rising, many families are looking for ways to reduce the cost of attendance. One helpful option is to earn college credit during high school, potentially reducing a semester or more from the college timeline.


Below are the most common ways to earn college credit in high school.


Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses/exams: Some high schools offer one option and some offer both types of courses. College credit is based on the student's score on the end-of-course official exam. Colleges will often the list minimum score required in specific courses to receive college credit.


Dual credit courses: Some high schools offer courses that are taken at the high school, but qualify for college credit alongside high school credit. The college credits will be earned from a specific college, typically one local to the student's school.


Dual enrollment courses: Some students will take courses at the local community college or nearby four-year college while also enrolled in high school. These courses qualify for college credit, but often not high school credit. Students can take courses during the school year (outside of school hours) or during the summer. Sometimes dual enrollment courses can be taken online asynchronously.


Early college high school: Some school districts offer students the opportunity to earn an associate's degree while in high school. Typically, students attend the last two years of high school entirely at the local community college.


College-Level Examination Program (CLEP): College Board offers the opportunity for students to earn college credit by examination. The CLEP website outlines the courses available and the colleges that accept CLEP credit. College Board also provides study materials. NOTE: Students who do not score well on an AP exam can have another chance to earn college credit through the CLEP exam.


Keep in mind that some 4-year institutions have generous credit transfer policies, while others do not. Many colleges will have a Transfer Credit Equivalency page on their website where students can determine whether courses will transfer to their college of interest.


At Growing2College, we assist students with high school course planning that aligns with their academic goals and interests.


Request a free 20-min consultation to learn more about how we can be helpful.


Kate Pedigo, M.Ed. NCC is an Independent Educational Consultant and founder of Growing2College. Join us on social media for college planning updates, tips, and resources: Facebook   Instagram   LinkedIn    



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