There are many ways for students to earn college credit while in high school. Most high schools have credit-earning opportunities where students earn college credit by taking a college-level course (dual credit) or by taking a college-level exam (exam-based credit).
These programs are often referred to by their common names, such as PSEO, College in the Schools, College Now, AP, IB, etc. These programs are a great way to experience what it’s like to take a college course and can set up students for success once they enroll in college.
Things to know:
- Not all programs are available at all high schools.
- Most programs require a certain academic standing to participate. Check with your school counselor to see if you are eligible to participate in these programs.
Dual credit and exam-based credit programs include:
- Concurrent Enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses at their high school through partnerships between high schools and colleges. Students earn both high school and college credit by passing the class. In addition “concurrent enrollment,” these programs are sometimes called College in the Schools, CEP, or College Now.
- Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses on campus or online. Students earn both high school and college credit by passing the class. Sophomores can also participate in PSEO if they first take and pass one CTE course.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) allows public school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to take career-focused college courses while in high school. These courses are often hands-on and provide training for in-demand jobs.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) is a two-year pre-college diploma program that helps prepare students age 16 to 19 for higher education in the United States and overseas through a combination of course-taking and test-taking. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit by receiving a passing score on the IB subject exam, as determined by the college.
- Advanced Placement (AP) allows high school students to take college-level courses at their high school with the potential to earn college credit by receiving a passing score on the AP subject exam, as determined by the college.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students to earn college credit by taking exams for what they already know. Students can submit their scores to a college or university and receive college credit based on their scores if the college accepts CLEP scores. There are no classes that students take to help them prepare for these exams; students register and take tests independently.
Do All Colleges and Universities Accept These Credits?
Not all colleges and universities award credit for participating in dual credit programs. Credit acceptance can sometimes depend on the type of class or test the student takes.
It is important for students to check with both their school counselor and college staff to make sure that the credits will transfer. Use the table below to help get a better understanding of what colleges accept.
