[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A popular way to earn college credits while enrolled in high school is by scoring well on AP or CLEP exams — typically at least a 3 or 50, respectively; however, minimum score requirements vary by college, so check to see what’s offered at your school.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some high schools also offer IB programs, which award diplomas and transcripts that may qualify graduates for some college credit.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dual enrollment and summer college courses are other options high school students can use to earn college credit prior to graduation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Getting a head start on college credits during high school can save you money, impress college admissions departments, and offer greater flexibility as you plan your education, whether that’s [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online college[/hen-ui-link] or a more traditional pathway.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning college credits in high school is a great way to take initiative, strengthen your chances of admission, explore your interests, or try something new. And earning credits toward a degree while still in high school can position you for academic success and reduce costs by helping you graduate faster.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several ways to earn college credits while still in high school, including taking college courses or AP exams, testing out of required classes, and dual enrollment. Explore these and other options below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”advanced-placement”]1. Advanced Placement Classes[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Cost:[/hen-ui-text] $99 per test[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Best For:[/hen-ui-text] Any high school junior or senior who is ready to step up academically and put in the extra work to earn college credit[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Offered By: [/hen-ui-text]College Board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.collegeboard.org/” target=”_blank”]Developed by College Board[/hen-ui-link], a national education nonprofit, advanced placement (AP) classes prepare you for college-level tests in over 35 subjects. Credit and admission policies vary depending on the school, but most colleges award credit for a passing score on an AP exam, which ranges from 3-5.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High schools with AP programs usually offer classes in [hen-ui-link href=”https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/course-index-page/” target=”_blank”]key competency areas[/hen-ui-link] such as English language composition, U.S. history, calculus, and music theory. Most exams cost $99 each, but you may be eligible for a [hen-ui-link href=”https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-policies-guidelines/exam-fees/” target=”_blank”]fee reduction[/hen-ui-link] if you demonstrate financial need. Exams typically occur in May.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Sign Up:[/hen-ui-text] Through your school. More information can be [hen-ui-link href=”https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/how-to-sign-up-ap-course” target=”_blank”]found on the College Board website[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”international”]2. International Baccalaureate Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Cost: [/hen-ui-text]$123 per exam, but schools pay IB program fees[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Best For: [/hen-ui-text]Students attending international schools or whose schools offer the IB curriculum[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Offered By:[/hen-ui-text] Schools approved by the International Baccalaureate (IB) program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offered by [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/what-is-the-dp/who-can-offer-the-dp/” target=”_blank”]approved schools[/hen-ui-link], the IB program assesses different content areas and takes around two years to complete. After graduation, you’ll receive an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/” target=”_blank”]internationally recognized diploma[/hen-ui-link] demonstrating proficiency and skill in three core areas and a single chosen subject, such as math, science, or the arts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]IB exam sections are scored on a 1-7 scale and include [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/assessment-and-exams/understanding-ib-assessment/” target=”_blank”]written assessments[/hen-ui-link] in each course or program area. IB combines individual assessment scores to calculate a final diploma result. Diploma-seekers need at least 24 points to pass.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Over 4,500 colleges and universities worldwide [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ibo.org/university-admission/recognition-of-the-ib-diploma-by-countries-and-universities/faqs/” target=”_blank”]accept IB diploma transcripts[/hen-ui-link], but individual colleges’ policies vary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Sign Up:[/hen-ui-text] Through your school. Diploma and career programs can be [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ibo.org/programmes/” target=”_blank”]found on the IB website[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”clep-exams”]3. CLEP Exams[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Cost: [/hen-ui-text]$97 per exam[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Best For: [/hen-ui-text]Motivated high school students with strong study skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Offered By:[/hen-ui-text] College Board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://clep.collegeboard.org/exams/” target=”_blank”]College Level Examination Program[/hen-ui-link] (CLEP) exams are similar to AP exams but do not offer structured classes. Instead, you’ll build college-level knowledge of key subjects independently.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College Board administers CLEP exams at [hen-ui-link href=”https://clep.collegeboard.org/test-center-search/” target=”_blank”]approved test centers[/hen-ui-link] throughout the year and recently implemented [hen-ui-link href=”https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-exams-remote-proctoring/” target=”_blank”]remote proctoring[/hen-ui-link]. Exam topics include subjects in history and social sciences, composition and literature, science and mathematics, business, and world languages.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll receive a scaled score of 20-80 points for each exam. [hen-ui-link href=”https://clep.collegeboard.org/earn-college-credit/your-score/” target=”_blank”]According to College Board[/hen-ui-link], the American Council on Education recommends that universities give credit for scores of 50 or higher, but policies vary by college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Sign Up:[/hen-ui-text] Through [hen-ui-link href=”https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-exams” target=”_blank”]College Board’s website [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”dual-enrollment”]4. Dual Enrollment[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Cost:[/hen-ui-text] Varies by program and institution type; typically ranges from $20-40 per credit at community colleges and $200-$400 per credit at public universities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Best For: [/hen-ui-text]High school students across the U.S.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Offered By:[/hen-ui-text] Select high schools[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dual enrollment means you enroll in college classes while still attending high school. You’ll complete college-level assignments and receive credit that applies to both your high school diploma and your college degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nacep.org/resource-center/nacep-fast-facts/#” target=”_blank”]over 88.98% of high schools across the U.S. offer dual enrollment[/hen-ui-link]. NACEP reports that students from low-income backgrounds who complete dual enrollment are 10%-30% more likely to enroll in college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in dual enrollment, you can consult your high school counselor to learn about your options, determine which courses to pursue, and to find classes that fit your schedule.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Sign Up[/hen-ui-text]: With your high school counselor[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”summer-college”]5. Summer College Courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Cost: [/hen-ui-text]Varies significantly by college, often from $2,000-$6,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Best For: [/hen-ui-text]Any high school junior or senior interested in using their summer break to earn college credit[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Offered By:[/hen-ui-text] Many two-year and four-year colleges across the country[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can gain college credits and experience by participating in summer college programs while still in high school. You’ll have the chance to meet new people and explore your academic interests in a college setting or online.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A typical summer college program offers for-credit courses in areas like computer science, economics, and the humanities. Summer courses often only take seven weeks, giving you extra time to make new connections, gain practical skills, or work on college applications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must be an advanced high school student to participate. Some programs require you to earn admission to the college before you can take summer courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Sign Up:[/hen-ui-text] With a local college or online summer college program[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”cambridge”]6. Cambridge AICE Classes[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Cost: [/hen-ui-text]Varies by school and location[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Best For: [/hen-ui-text]Motivated high school students[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Offered By:[/hen-ui-text] Cambridge International Education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cambridge International Education offers [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-advanced/cambridge-aice-diploma/curriculum/” target=”_blank”]courses in over 50 subjects[/hen-ui-link] in four main subject groups: mathematics and sciences, languages, arts and humanities, and interdisciplinary subjects. Passing one of these courses awards learners the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each summer, you can sit for advanced (A) or advanced subsidiary (AS) exams. A-level courses typically take longer to complete than AS courses. You can also begin with an AS curriculum before taking A-level classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cambridge [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-advanced/cambridge-international-as-and-a-levels/qualification/” target=”_blank”]grades classes[/hen-ui-link] on a scale from A (highest) to E (minimum). Exam outcomes affect the number of credits issued. You’ll earn more credits for A classes than AS classes. If you have at least seven credits, you can receive the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-advanced/cambridge-aice-diploma/qualification/” target=”_blank”]Cambridge AICE Diploma[/hen-ui-link]. Universities worldwide [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/recognition-and-acceptance/” target=”_blank”]recognize Cambridge classes[/hen-ui-link] for their rigor. Find U.S. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition-search/” target=”_blank”]universities that accept credits here[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Sign Up:[/hen-ui-text] You can [hen-ui-link href=”https://learning.cambridgeinternational.org/accounts/register/” target=”_blank”]sign up with Cambridge International Education online.[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Earning College Credit in High School[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is college credit?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College credit is a standardized way of measuring educational requirements and progress toward a degree. Most college courses result in three to five credits, which schools apply toward your [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/college-degree-levels/”]college degree[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A typical bachelor’s degree requires 120 credits, while an associate degree requires 60 credits. If you can earn even 15-30 credits while in high school, you could save one semester to one full year of college coursework.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many college credits can you get in high school?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The amount of college credits you can earn in high school to apply to your degree depends on the college you attend. While many schools don’t have a cap on the number of credits you can bring over, it’s crucial to check first with your prospective school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in earning college credits in high school, you can work with school counselors and consult prospective colleges for more information.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do Launch courses in high school count for college credit?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, Launch courses can lead to college credit at select colleges and universities. [hen-ui-link href=”https://fueledbylaunch.com/” target=”_blank”]Launch is an online virtual program[/hen-ui-link] administered by Springfield Public Schools in Missouri that offers complete, comprehensive core content offerings, including AP, honors, and dual credit opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Launch partners with school districts in Missouri to provide high-quality virtual learning options. You can access free dual-credit courses with Missouri State University if you’re a qualifying Launch student. As a Missouri-specific provider, you must be a high school student in the state of Missouri to enroll in this program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do AP classes in high school count as college credit?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes and no. You don’t get college credit for merely signing up and taking AP classes in high school, but you do receive college credit for taking and passing AP exams. You typically need a passing score of 3-5 on the AP exam to earn college credit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While colleges usually look for a score of 4 (“well qualified”) or 5 (“extremely qualified”) on the AP exam to grant credit, some schools may grant credit for a 3 (“qualified”). If you don’t earn the necessary score, you may retake the AP exam the following year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,905,497″][/hen-ui-article-row]