I would like to address a topic that is getting more attention today than ever before because of the high cost of college. As a result of tuition prices continuing to rise, it will continue to be more and more important to take advantage of opportunities to earn college credit while in high school. First, before I get into dual credit opportunities, I want to emphasize that the best way to earn money for college is to do well in high school and achieve as high of a test score on the SAT or ACT as possible.
When it comes to earning credit for college while in high school, I am going to make you aware of what opportunities we have at DC, but also inform you of a few more ways that are available to you online or in our area that any high school student can take advantage of. If you can begin college with 15 or more credits you are already saving thousands of dollars on your college costs. Even just a few credits will save you money!
- AP Credit
Taking Advanced Placement classes in high school are a great way to earn college credit. If you are recommended to take an AP course in high school, my advice is to take the course and see how you do. Don’t shy away from taking an AP course because you think it will be too difficult or you will not have time for other things. I understand these can be valid concerns, however, as a junior and senior in high school, you need to challenge yourself a bit more to see what you are capable of. Taking AP courses is also what competitive admission colleges want to see you take in high school because they like to see that you are taking the most rigorous courses your high school offers. Not every college will accept certain scores for credit. It may depend on the college and what major you end up pursuing that will determine if they will accept the credit. To know which colleges accept which AP test scores for credit, go to AP Score Check. You may also want to check specific college’s websites for the most accurate information on whether they will accept a certain score on an AP exam to earn college credit at their school.
2. Colorado Christian University (CCU) Dual Credit
Dual credit it a great option to earn college credit while in high school. It could save you $10,000-$20,000 or more if taken full advantage of. Click here to read my blog post on DC’s dual credit partnership with CCU.
3. CLEP Tests
The College Board’s College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) has been the most widely trusted credit-by-examination program for over 50 years, accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities and administered in more than 1,800 test centers. This rigorous program allows students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds to demonstrate their mastery of introductory college-level material and earn college credit. Students can earn credit for what they already know by getting qualifying scores on any of the 33 examinations.
While CLEP is sponsored by the College Board, only colleges may grant credit toward a degree. Not all colleges have the same CLEP policies—some colleges accept credit for a few exams, while others accept credit for all of them. A college often grants the same amount of credit to a student who earns satisfactory scores on a CLEP exam as it does for a student who successfully completes the related course. For more information about CLEP exams click here.
4. Community College Classes
Community College classes are offered continually at all campuses. You can go to the website for the Community College campus near you and look up the course directory for what will be offered in the fall, winter, spring and summer. I will say that these classes can be hit or miss as far as the experience you have. In my experience with students taking Community College classes, some enjoyed the experience and others thought the class was really easy and not challenging. Please make sure you do your research ahead of time to make sure the colleges you may or will be applying to accept the credit you are receiving after completing a class at a Community College.
5. Christian College Online Options
This is a great way to earn college credit either during the school year or during the summer even when you are away from home. I am providing a few links below to online college credit programs as Christian Colleges and Universities. Again, before you enroll in any online classes, make sure
- Cedarville University College Now
- Liberty University Online Academy
- Kings College
- Grove City College
- Taylor University Online Precollege Programs
6. Summer On-Site College Dual Credit Opportunities at Christian Colleges
7. Summer Pre-College/Summer Courses at Secular Universities