College Credit While in High School
Get a Head Start on Your Education
Earning college credit while you're still in high school can be a great way to challenge yourself academically, explore subjects that interest you, and get a head start on education after graduation.
Depending on your high school and the programs available to you, you may be able to take college-level courses at your high school, online, or through a college or university.
Before enrolling, however, it's important to understand how the credit is earned, how it may transfer, and how the course fits into your future plans.
Why Earn College Credit?
College-level coursework in high school can help you:
- Explore subjects and potential majors before college.
- Experience the expectations of college-level coursework.
- Complete general education or introductory requirements.
- Make progress toward a certificate or degree.
- Potentially reduce the time and cost required to complete your education after high school.
- Strengthen your academic preparation for college.
I'd deliberately say "potentially" reduce time and cost. Earning 15 college credits doesn't automatically mean a student will graduate a semester earlier if those credits don't apply to their eventual program.
Understand Your Options
This section can explain the major ways students earn college credit without getting too caught up in state-specific terminology.
Dual or Concurrent Enrollment
Students take college courses while enrolled in high school and earn college credit upon successfully completing the course. Depending on the program, the course may be taught at the high school, on a college campus, online, or through another arrangement.
Advanced Placement (AP)
AP courses provide college-level coursework in high school. Students may earn college credit or advanced placement based on their AP exam score and the policies of the college they eventually attend.
Other College Credit Opportunities
Schools may offer additional opportunities through partnerships with colleges, career and technical education programs, early college programs, or other advanced coursework.
Talk with your school counselor about the opportunities available through your high school.
Choose Courses With a Purpose
I think this should be one of the most prominent sections on the page.
More college credit isn't necessarily better. Students should think about how a course fits into their academic and career plans before enrolling.
Ask Yourself:
- Does this course connect to my career interests?
- Could it apply toward a major or program I'm considering?
- Does it fulfill a general education requirement?
- Is it likely to transfer to the colleges I'm considering?
- Am I academically prepared for college-level work?
- Will taking this course help me explore something I'm genuinely interested in?
ICAN Tip
Don't take a college course simply because it's available. Choose courses that support your academic, career, and postsecondary goals.
Understand How Credits Transfer
This is probably the most important consumer-information section.
College credit earned in high school becomes part of a student's college academic record, but how that credit applies toward a future degree can vary by institution and program.
Before taking a course, students should consider:
- Which college is awarding the credit?
- Will other colleges accept the credit?
- How will the credit apply toward your intended degree or major?
- Will it count toward a specific requirement, an elective, or neither?
- Are minimum grades required for transfer?
- Are there limits on the number or type of credits accepted?
College Courses Become Part of Your Record
This deserves its own section because students sometimes don't realize it.
Take College-Level Work Seriously
When you enroll in a college course, you're beginning a college academic record. Your grade may become part of a permanent college transcript.
College courses may also have different expectations than high school classes, including greater responsibility for attendance, assignments, communication, and time management.
Before enrolling, make sure you understand the expectations and are prepared for the additional responsibility.
Connect College Credit to Your Career Plan
Here's where you can connect this page back to Career Planning without creating unnecessary duplication.
College credit can be particularly valuable when it helps students explore or begin preparing for a career pathway.
For example, a student interested in healthcare might explore a health sciences course, while a student interested in engineering could consider advanced math or technical coursework.
For Iowa Students
College Credit Opportunities in Iowa
Iowa high school students may have access to college credit opportunities through partnerships between their school districts and Iowa colleges and universities. Availability, eligibility, course options, and costs vary by school and program.
Start with your school counselor to learn which opportunities are available at your high school and how they fit into your four-year academic plan.
This would also be the place to explain/link to Senior Year Plus, concurrent enrollment, PSEO, career academies, etc., if you want this page to provide Iowa-specific guidance.
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
I like ending the instructional content with a simple checklist:
Ask your counselor, school, or college:
- Who awards the college credit?
- How many credits will I earn?
- Is there a cost?
- Will I need to purchase books or materials?
- How will the course appear on my high school transcript?
- Will I receive a college transcript?
- How likely is the credit to transfer?
- What happens if I withdraw or don't pass?
- How does this course fit into my four-year plan?
- Does it support my future career or education goals?
Ready for the Next Step?
Plan Your High School Courses
Build an academic plan that prepares you for your career and education goals.
Explore Your Options After High School
Research colleges, programs, and training opportunities that fit your goals.
