How to Earn College Credit in High School

September 1, 2022

Learn whether AP courses and/or Dual Enrollment are right for you

There are a number of reasons to begin earning college credit while on the path to earning your high school diploma. First, taking on challenging classes shows admissions officers that you’re a high-achieving student capable of keeping up with collegiate-level coursework. It also allows you to apply credits toward your degree. Students interested in earning their bachelor’s degree in less than four years may consider getting a head start by beginning to rack up credits their junior or senior year in high school (which can even save you money toward tuition!). Taking on a few credits in high school can also allow you to lighten your course load once you’re on campus for anyone who may be juggling work or extracurricular commitments. If you’re considering ways to earn credits during your high school career, there are two ways to do it.

Advanced Placement

Though these courses tend to be more rigorous than traditional high school-level courses, the benefits of successfully completing AP courses in high school far outweigh the challenges. Having AP courses on your transcript will give you an edge when the time comes to apply to colleges and universities, plus, the credits you earn may afford you an opportunity to bypass some general education classes in college, allowing you to hone in on courses specific to your major and minor. Consult your guidance counselor to learn more about AP courses that you may qualify for. You can also visit University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Advanced Placement site for an overview of the process.

High School Dual Enrollment

If you’re a high school or homeschooled student who has demonstrated exceptional academic performance and already have your eye on a top school of choice, it may be a wise choice to consider a high school dual enrollment program. At most universities, you’ll have free reign of campus facilities and advantages as a dual enrollment student, which will offer great insight to student life. Plus, you’ll also earn admissions privileges traditional applicants wouldn’t otherwise have. As a dual-enrollee at UM-Dearborn for example, once you graduate high school, you will be granted admission (provided you meet the minimum admission criteria), and the credits you earned during dual enrollment will already be on your transcript, saving you time and money!